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Over the years, our (very international) team has picked up several tips and tricks that make summer jet-setting cinch. And we’re sharing all those details below. Read on for the BRUNA team’s guide to packing for a warm-weather adventure.
You’ve bought your plane tickets and booked your hotel rooms, and now you’re faced with the task of deciding what to pack. We asked a handful of BRUNA team members for their top summer vacation must-takes, which, on the whole, skew surprisingly casual. Birkenstocks and baseball caps, for instance, help keep sweltering cities bearable, while a do-everything breezy dress makes the transition from beach to raw bar aperitivo all the easier.
When it comes to jewelry, versatility also ruled: a simple pearl choker can double as an anklet, while a good pair of hoop earrings and a sleek ponytail can quickly transform any sandy, straight-from-the-beach ensemble into an evening-ready look. Pack everything up in a stylish, sand-proof tote or basket bag, and you’re ready to hit the road. While beach destinations and weekend getaways don’t always require a lot of clothing, our team agrees that the following items make up a solid list of vacation essentials. Read on for the summer packing tips, tricks, and essentials, as curated by BRUNA’s creative team.
Your packing list
We’re here to tell you: the perfect swimsuit does exist. “The key is to bring swim pieces that require little effort but achieve big style,” says Senior Content Manager, Laura Jayne. “I like the flattering bikinis from Monday Swimwear or Elce Swim, Arakii's distinct silhouettes, and Hunza G's one-size-fits-all crinkle styles.
A casual but cool one-piece is also a must. “Check out Eres little black swimsuits like the Aquarelle or the V-neck Larcin swimsuit,” says Senior Copywriter, Emma Brode. Known as the Chanel of swimwear, Parisian swimwear brand Eres is a buzzword for bathing suits and bikinis with a perfect fit. “Their one-pieces are so chic, they can easily double as a top with shorts or a sarong,” says Emma.
“I’m a sucker for a really cool sandal from Cult Gaia,” says Content & Creative Strategy Lead, Anna Espelage. “The designs are so distinct and eye-catching, especially the ones with spherical heels like the Jila or Leora styles. And my favorite flat sandals are Chloé’s Woody sandals with the overlapping logo straps.”
“In all honesty, I try to limit wearing shoes in the summer as much as possible,” says Senior Copywriter, Emma, “But for when I need to pack for a trip, I would definitely bring my classic Birkenstocks, which are perfect for beaches and cities, and a pair of Prada canvas espadrille wedges with ankle ties—they’re honestly the most comfortable shoes I own!”
“Nothing beats a pair of Havaianas sandals for the beach or pool,” says Global PR Manager, Hanna Lehanka. “They also had a collab with Dolce & Gabbana recently with some of the iconic Sicilian prints.”
“I am obsessed with Lexxola,’s sunglasses—they are beyond flattering and travel so well in the brand’s leather Jet-Setter case,” says Content & Creative Strategy Lead, Anna Espelage. “Also on my packing list: Chimis’s rectangular 04 sunglasses and Corlins’s oval Carpi style, which goes with absolutely everything.”
“I got a pair of Celine Triomphe sunglasses as a gift last summer and while they are almost obnoxiously big, I wear them constantly and feel like such a VIP,” says Senior Copywriter, Emma Brode. “On my wishlist for this summer’s travels is BRUNA's Champagne Sunglass Chain with the little pearls.”
While I love the idea of lounging around in an enormous sunhat, a baseball cap or bucket hat is way more packable,” says Senior Copywriter, Emma Brode. “My go-tos are the bucket hats from Loewe and Ganni, whether it’s the classic canvas or a striped crochet version. This can look so cute with a pair of cheeky little earrings like the Papillon Mini Hoops.”
“I’m a religious fan of baseball caps and won’t go anywhere without my favorite one from Chimi or The Frankie Shop,” says Anouk, Growth & Partnerships Manager. “A few beach weekends have also taught me that one of the keys to a relaxing getaway is having a go-to, no heat, easy hairstyle for dinner or going out at night. I’ve been loving the sleek high bun trend with a full ear stack like the Corsica Hoops or the Merida Hoops paired with the Isola Hoops.”
“Along with my swimsuits and sandals, I like packing a breezy dress in my suitcase that can transition from the beach to dinner and drinks. A maxi dress from The Garment Copenhagen or one of the crochet minidresses from She Made Me will be my go-to this summer!” says Senior Copywriter, Emma Brode.
“Whenever I travel, especially in the warmer months, I always pack a bunch of classic collared shirts," says Global PR Manager, Hanna Lehanka. They’re comfortable on the flight, look great thrown over a swimsuit at the beach, and are even nice over a slip dress for drinks. For dresses though, I love Reformation, Because of Alice and Rat & Boa —great in summer, also love their journal!”
What makes a book a good beach read? Certainly, one that you wouldn’t mind getting a little damp and sandy, and preferably one that has you glued to its pages and that entertains while leaving you with a satisfied feeling at the end.
“I love Elena Ferrante’s My Brilliant Friend,” says ESG Manager, Alessandra Gargiulo. “It’s the story of an intense and complex friendship between two women from childhood through adulthood in a poor neighborhood in Naples, Italy. As they navigate their personal ambitions and struggles, their relationship oscillates between affection and rivalry, shaping their identities and destinies in profound ways.”
“I read The Time Traveler’s Wife every summer and I cry every time,” says Senior Copywriter, Emma Brode. “It intermingles time travel, science, downtown Chicago, music, true love, poetry, and art into a compelling fictional narrative that explores the idea of what time travel could look like and how it would affect the lives of a fated couple and the people around them.”
“It has to be The Dixon Rule by Elle Kennedy,” says Nicole Potzinger, Influencer Marketing Manager. “I loved everything about this book, the two main characters, and the fire between the two of them. If you love spicy novels, this book should be on your reading list!”
“I actually love a nylon bag for the beach,” says Senior Copywriter, Emma Brode. “I brought a Prada tote bag on a recent trip to Ischia and it was the perfect plane bag and beach bag—water and sand brush right off! I slip a few BRUNA jewelry pouches into the side pockets for easy organization and for storing my absolute favorite piece from the new collection: the Soleil Necklace.”
“It seems like the hottest accessory this summer is a Loewe basket bag,” says Senior Content Manager, Laura Jayne. “I also really like the net and raffia bags from Prada or a large leather Goyard tote, which is perfect for hauling beach reads, sunscreen, towels, and a tube of my favorite Rhode lip tint in the shade Ribbon.”
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