A Travel Expert Told Me the 6 Clothing Essentials I Need for Summer Trips, Starting at $14

With people vacationing in Hawaii, visiting family for Fourth of July, and journeying to Europe to see Taylor Swift (does anyone have an extra ticket?), it’s the season of travel. No matter where you’re jet setting off to, packing can become overwhelming; what style picks do you really need for your summer trips? To make things a bit easier, I talked to travel expert and Emmy award-winning television host Samantha Brown on behalf of Klarna, an interest-free shopping site that helps make travel shopping stress-free.   

6 Travel Style Picks

Crisscross Sandals 

Like I always say, sun’s out, toes out—and Brown has a particular soft spot for the FitFlop Cross Slides, calling them her “favorite travel shoe.” “I’ve worn these for long days when traveling in  London, Amsterdam, and Norway,” she said, adding that they’re “super comfortable.”

Similar versions, like the Sorel Vibe Slide Sandal and the Dream Pairs Crisscross shoe feature pillow-like footbeds that feel like marshmallows. Plus, crisscross sandals can be dressed up and down with ease; style them with a swimsuit and coverup to the pool, or slip on a tiered maxi dress and lightweight knit top for dinner.  

Flowy Dresses

Summer is the season of sundresses, so it’s no surprise that Brown called out breezy frocks. “You can wear flowy dresses four times more than pants; they’re perfect for hot days and easy to walk in,” she said. Brown continued to explain that they “stretch out your wardrobe” thanks to various styling abilities—especially with a versatile eyelet version from Hill House Home. Nordstrom and Amazon also got the memo, offering sleeveless, elegant designs, starting at $44. 

Wrinkle-Resistant Pants

One of my pet peeves is wrinkled clothing, so why not invest in bottoms that eliminate the problem altogether? “When pants are wrinkle-free, you can wear them all day and not look disheveled,” Brown shared. I love the Madewell Harlow Wide-Leg Pant for a polished look, while the Libin Lightweight Cargo Joggers are great for adventurous activities like hiking, ziplining, and rock climbing. Plus, the Lululemon Swift Mid-Rise Wide-Leg Pant is ideal for comfy airplane ‘fits.     

Striped Shirts

“A Breton is a classic anywhere you are in the world,” Brown said—and I agree: There’s nothing classier than a staple striped shirt. And sure, it may be summer, but you never know when you’ll need a bit of extra coverage, like on the plane when the air mimics “spring-like temperatures,” according to Brown.  

J.Crew is home to the most sophisticated version, which has been worn by Meghan Markle, Amazon has a $14 style up for grabs, and Nic+Zoe has a pretty pink alternative that’s lightweight. No matter which style you go with, simply wear it with fitted denim and Mary Janes for a refined ensemble. 

Comfortable Sneakers

A travel roundup wouldn’t be complete without comfortable airport shoes, and Brown has her sights set on the model-approved Adidas Samba sneaker. “They’re a classic that gives all clothes a hipper, sporty look,” she said, while continuing to say it offers the “classic sneaker support we all need when on our feet all day.”

This shoe is almost always sold out, but I found an orange version with healthy stock. If that’s not your jam, consider a lookalike such as the Vl Court 3.0 Sneaker or the Bold Platform shoe for a boost in height.    

Medium-Sized Crossbody Bags

There’s nothing worse than losing your phone or wallet while vacationing. Keep everything safe with a medium-sized crossbody bag that Brown calls a “must,” adding, “too large and it’s a burden; too small and three things fall out every time you go to grab your phone.” The Tumi Tyler Crossbody Bag offers the perfect size, while the Hobo Cambel Leather Crossbody Bag delivers sleek leather that can be dressed up or down. For something budget friendly, consider this $33 SG Sugu Katie find.    

Shop more Brown-approved accessories and editor-loved luggage, below.

Dagne Dover Landon Neoprene Carryall Bag

Away The Bigger Carry-On

Dulums Fast-Charging Cubes (2-Pack)

Yeti Rambler 18-Ounce Insulated Water Bottle