What I packed for Jamaica

This outing was arranged extremely last-minute—as in, literally, the night before—and I did not pack very mindfully or carefully, but ended up having exactly what I needed, starting with this spiff tee dress.

This is Natalie Martin’s Isobel dress (check out the many print iterations it comes in). I own it and think it’s a perfect summer dress—a bit more flattering than a caftan, but every bit as breezy and comfortable.

I employed this gossamer-light Emerson Fry caftan as my beach cover-up.

For the flight, I paired this cool grey striped shirt with an old pair of black Nili Lotan chinos they don’t make anymore. It is actually pretty impossible to find a good pair of chinos at the moment because everyone is too busy churning out those godforsaken barrel pants that flatter no one. These, from Frank & Eileen, aren’t bad, though, and these, from Quince, aren’t either.

I of course brought my beloved Lunya silk sleep set, which is just so dreamy and soft.

I’ve been self-conscious in swimsuits ever since I sprouted a meno-belly, but this one fits so well that I feel (almost) completely at ease in it. And the snap buttons give it a sexy James Bond appeal.

I can’t believe I was ever hesitant to purchase these Birkenstocks, because I wear them constantly and they work with most everything. They were the only sandals I packed.

I love my newish cosmetic bag from the outdoors brand Cotopaxi—its three compartments are generous, and it’s big enough to fit everything I need.

I do not feel truly clean unless I shower with exfoliating gloves, so those made it into the suitcase too.

I was so glad the hotel gift shop had Sun Bum sunscreen, which I swear by: it stays on brilliantly in the water, and lasts longer than pretty much all the others I’ve tried.

A brilliantly effective solution to the dreaded chub rub. It also comes in a handy travel size.

I used this Liberty of London tote as my beach bag.

Usually I bring my trusty Calpak Luka Duffel on the plane with me, but that was more bag than I really needed for this short trip, so instead I carried this Clare V one, which I’ve owned for ages. This more current iteration has a travel pocket that slips over the handle of your wheelie suitcase, making it even more ideal for the plane.

Like most newsletters of this kind, I use affiliate links when I can, which means that if you make a purchase, I earn a little cash. Please do know, though, that nothing *ever* appears here that I wouldn’t want to wear, use, or own myself.