A fun little fact about me: Until this past week, I’d never been to Miami. To be honest, this was not something I was particularly desperate to rectify, but due to New York’s freezing temperatures and an opportune moment that gave my husband and I just enough days to get out of town before he started a new job, I found myself booking flights for a last minute jaunt while Googling Miami’s new mayor. After much research and a request for help on Instagram, I discovered a perfectly chic and chill hotel with lots of character and no signs of a DJ by the pool. (The Shelborne, in case you’re wondering, which I highly recommend).
From there, all I had to do was pack. This meant digging through my stashed-away summer wardrobe to carefully extract a few of the fun things I most enjoyed wearing last year, plus the staples that have seen me through multiple summers to date. Even with a few balmy rainy days (honestly, very New York spring of her), Miami delivered enough sunshine to remind me why these styles earn a spot in my suitcase year after year. These are the warm-weather essentials I dusted off and happily wore all over again—trendy sandals, breezy pants, and beachy accessories that also feel good in the city. I’d shop them again in a second for spring and summer 2026.
Credit: Shopbop
Every summer, I treat myself to one pair of bougie flats that I will unapologetically thrash and continue to wear for years to come (see: my Gucci horsebit pool slides from 2017 that are still very much in rotation). Last year it was The Row’s Dune Rubber Flip Flops, and while I packed several other pairs of shoes, these were the only footwear I wore in Miami, where I remembered how delightfully freeing it was to reach for the red-and-black style on repeat without a second thought of whether it “went with” the rest of what I was wearing—just a fun little twist south of the ankles. This laid-back style from Ancient Greek Sandals looks similar to my beloved The Row flip-flops, but honestly, you can get the same vibe with these Havaianas for a fraction of the price.
Credit: J.Crew
I couldn’t be a bigger fan of these chill, silky pants, which are ideal for transferring from afternoon pool lounging to dinner out at a relaxed-but-chic spot like The Shelborne. They feel casual (hello, elastic waistband) yet quietly luxe at the same time, and pair perfectly with anything from oversized tees and button downs to casual ribbed tanks—and they get even better if you layer in a boxy blazer or menswear-inspired sweater for dinner in the courtyard at Sunny’s or Mandolin come evening. If—like me—you wore this silhouette to death in 2025, you’ll be happy to see that they’re back in J.Crew’s typically great range of sizes (XXXS to 3X) and some fresh colors to boot.
Credit: Tuckernuck
After years of skepticism—because what do you mean they only sell their swimsuits in one size?!—I finally became a Hunza G convert a few years ago, falling in love with the stretchy textured fabric. This one-piece is chic and delightfully practical, thanks to the high, square neckline and straps that cross over at the back (meaning they don’t slip off your shoulders). And trust me when I say that it’s extremely good paired with denim, black accessories, and your current favorite jewelry.
Keep scrolling to shop a few more of my packing list staples.
Credit: Nordstrom
Credit: The Frankie Shop
Credit: Nordstrom