Packing Guide: Key West

Packing Guide: Key West

Dress (also) (similar) || Sandals ($50 off with code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE) || Clutch || Bracelet

I haven’t done one of these posts in a while, but they are one of my favorites to write! Packing your bags for a vacation can be tricky, especially if it’s for a new destination. When it came to Key West, I was up for the task and filled my vintage-inspired suitcase with all of the bright colors that could fit. Here’s a quick glimpse into what I think are the most important things to bring with you to the Conch Republic.

All of Your Favorite Floral Prints

I lived in florals on this trip! As soon as you land on the island, you get a sense that florals are a running theme here. Everywhere you turn, there are blossoms after gorgeous blossoms. If it wasn’t a floral print, then you can bet I was still wearing a bright and cheerful pastel. I’ll be sharing my Key West style throughout the week. Until then, how gorgeous is this dress from Lilly Pulitzer? As soon as I laid eyes on it, I knew it had to be in my suitcase.

Crisp White Shorts

Few things say “on vacation” more than slipping into a pair of crisp white shorts. Whenever I travel somewhere, I always pack this 4-inch chino pair from J. Crew. They absolutely go with everything and are so reliable. I found them especially comfy as we walked along Duval Street multiple times a day! My white J. Crew jeans were another great pick for those slightly cooler evenings out to dinner.

The Perfect Pair of Sandals

Typically, I’m the girl that overpacks on shoes. One time, I think I brought five pairs for a three-day trip! Because I was only bringing a carry-on, I was really mindful of what I was bringing with me. In Key West, you’ll want to bring a comfy pair of sandals that you can wear all day. Ideally, it would be a pair that you can wear from day through the evening. That’s where the Sarah Flint Grear Sandal comes in. I walked for miles each day in these. Even better, the silver and gold colors make it seem dressier for a nice dinner out. For $50 off your first pair of Sarah Flint shoes, use the code SARAHFLINT-BAKATIE.

A Tropical-Inspired Clutch

I laugh as I write this because I got a little called out for only bringing a clutch. They are always my bag of choice. I can travel light, and tuck under my arm when I need to have my hands free. Because we were heading to the home of Ernest Hemingway and the location where he wrote so much of his later work, I had the perfect bag! This book clutch of The Old Man and the Sea was a birthday gift from my parents. It’s so realistic, a local even asked me what I was reading!

A Reliable Rain Jacket

This small island gets an average of 106 days of rain per year. So, chances are you’ll wish you brought a rain jacket. Don’t worry, the showers stop as quickly as they start and you get a real sense of the tropics. My go-to rain jacket for the past few years has been this navy number from J. Crew. Admittedly, it’s not the most water-resistant thing, but I still love it! It’s easy to pack and helped me stay warm on the airplane. I even got a few compliments on our trip.

Organic Sunscreen

You are at the southernmost point in the lower 48 states and the sun is inescapable. The worst thing you could leave at home is your sunscreen, especially if you have fairer skin. There are several drug stores on Duval Street, so finding a tube will be easy, but you may not find your preferred brand. When I think of skin health, I always reach for COOLA sunscreen in Guava Mango. They are organic, smell heavenly, and get the job done!

Bright, cheerful, laidback… These are just some of the words that describe the Key West mentality. What you pack should match! To see all of the items that were in my suitcase, be sure to shop below. Happy packing!

Love from Florida,
Katie

As always, thanks for stopping by! To keep up with all things about the Sunshine State, be sure to visit my exclusive Florida page, here.