Vacation Capsule: 8 Pieces for a Long-Weekend Beach Trip

Packing light for a beach weekend is all about mix and match pieces that work from pool to dinner. This guide builds an 8-piece vacation capsule with bikini tops and bottoms you can rotate into easy outfits, plus a simple color plan so every look feels polished.

The 8-Piece Packing List

1. Triangle bikini top

2. Bandeau bikini top

3. Balconette bikini top

4. Tie-side bikini bottoms

5. Cheeky bikini bottoms

6. Oversized shirt or lightweight cover-up

7. Slip skirt or mini skirt

8. Sandals you can dress up or down

That is it. With three tops, two bottoms, and a few simple layers, you have swim, boat, and dinner covered.

Color Plan That Always Works

Keep the palette neutral so everything pairs. Black, white, grey, and champagne are easy to mix and look elevated in photos. If you want one accent, add a soft blush bottom or skirt. Neutrals also make repeating outfits feel intentional rather than obvious.

Outfit Formulas You Can Repeat

Pool morning
Start with a triangle top and tie-side bottoms for adjustable comfort. Add the oversized shirt as a cover-up and slides. Swap jewelry for a woven tote and sunscreen and you are out the door.

Boat or beach walk
Choose the bandeau top for a smooth neckline. Pair with cheeky bottoms for clean lines under a shirt or shorts. Add a hat and sunglasses. If you prefer more security, attach straps to the bandeau and tighten the back closure.

Dinner near the water
Switch to a balconette top for a lifted, sculpted look. Tuck the oversized shirt into a slip skirt or mini and add your sandals. A small crossbody bag and simple hoops finish the set without taking up suitcase space.

Fit Tips That Make Travel Easier

• Anchor the band first on triangle and bandeau styles, then adjust straps or ties for comfort.

• Slide triangle cups wider for more coverage or closer for a skimpier look.

• For all-day wear, double-lined pieces feel smoother and stay opaque when wet.

• Rinse suits after each swim, hand wash cold, and lay flat to dry so colors stay fresh.

Shop the Capsule

Triangle bikini top: Tahiti Triangle Bikini Top in White
Triangle alternative: Maldives Triangle Bikini Top in Black
Bandeau top: Capri Bandeau Bikini Top in Gray
Balconette top: Nevis Balconette Bikini Top in Black
Tie-side bottoms: Ibiza Tie-Side Bikini Bottoms in Black
Cheeky bottoms: Bali Cheeky Bikini Bottoms in Black
Textured option: Milos Frill Bikini Bottoms in Blush
For him, one versatile piece: Costa Men’s Swim Shorts in Navy
Explore more neutrals and sizes: All Swimwear

Packing Checklist You Can Save

• Swim tops: triangle, bandeau, balconette

• Bottoms: tie-side, cheeky

• Cover-up shirt

• Skirt for dinner

• Sandals, sunglasses, hat, tote

• Gentle detergent packet for hand washing

Final Word

A smart beach capsule is about fewer pieces that work harder. Choose a triangle for adjustability, a bandeau for a clean neckline, and a balconette for structure. Pack two bottoms that change the vibe, a shirt that doubles as a cover-up, and a simple skirt for dinner. Keep the palette neutral and everything will mix without effort, so you spend your time on the water instead of deciding what to wear.