What a Fashion Editor Packs for a Destination Wedding

Last week, I set off for the distant lands of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, to celebrate the wedding of our very own entertainment director (and dear friend of mine), Jessica Baker, and her longtime boyfriend, Brennan. I had never attended a tropical destination wedding before, and although I love any excuse to dress down and drink a margarita, I knew a certain level of planning had to be executed—primarily because I’m a carry-on kind of gal. While away, I took a few snaps of what I (in my opinion) successfully packed.

Scroll through to see and shop my outfits, and if any of the pieces inspire you, shop ’em!

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(Image credit: Nicole Kliest)

Because I arrived in Mexico a couple of days prior to the nuptials, I knew I'd need an outfit to soak up the sun in (cue Sheryl Crow). I opted for a striped bikini with a billowy blouse and shortalls to serve as my coverups.

Get the look: Solid & Striped Morgan Top (£61) and Bottoms (£61).

Similar styles: Ray-Ban Round-Frame Gold-Tone Sunglasses (£125); Zara Camisole Top (£26). 

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(Image credit: Nicole Kliest)

It's always a good idea to have a few festive tops on hand to throw together with a pair of denim cutoffs. I loved the ruffles, pleats, and beading on the three of these.

Get the Look (top to bottom): Style Mafia top (£55); Tory Burch tunic (£535); Style Mafia top (£48).

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(Image credit: Nicole Kliest)

I'm prone to sunburns, so in addition to my frequently applied sunblock, I also tossed on this cute drawstring sombrero. 

Get the Look: Madewell Packable Straw Hat (£32); M.i.h Jeans Jeanne Shorts (£165). 

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(Image credit: Nicole Kliest)

When headed from beach to bar, effortless accessories like a woven bag and slide sandals are ideal.

Get the Look: Le Specs Runaways Luxe Sunglasses (£49); Doen Market Carry-All Basket (£19); Ancient Greek Sandals Thais Sandals (£109).

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(Image credit: Nicole Kliest)

For my night-on-the-town outfit, I skipped on heels and instead wore a pair of statement flats. These lightweight separates made for a cool and comfortable combination, too. Note: If it's the night of the rehearsal dinner, swap the white pieces out so you don't upstage the bride!

Get the look: Tibi Jill Slides (£253).

Similar styles: Dondup Noelie Cami Top (£193); ASOS Linen Culotte With Tie Waist (£25).

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(Image credit: Nicole Kliest)

Everything from the tiered ruffles to the cactus print in a sky-blue colour made this dress a playful and easy decision to wear the evening of the wedding.

Get the Look: Style Mafia Cactus-Print Dress (£59).

Keep going to shop my picks for your next tropical vacation!

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Nicole Kliest
Freelance Contributor

Nicole Kliest is a freelance writer and editor based in New York City who focuses on fashion, travel, food, wine, and pretty much anything else that's amusing to write about. After graduating from Pepperdine University with a bachelor's in journalism and creative writing, she started her career back in 2010 as Who What Wear's photo editor and throughout the last decade has contributed to publications including Fashionista, Harper's Bazaar, Elle, The Zoe Report, PopSugar, Fodor's Travel, and several others. She also copywrites and has worked with clients such as Frame, Sea, 3x1, Intelligentsia, and others to develop brand voices through storytelling and creative marketing. She's very passionate about the ways we can improve our sustainability efforts in the fashion industry as well as cultivating content that's diverse and inclusive of all people. When she's not checking out the latest restaurant opening in her West Village neighborhood or riding her bicycle along the West Side Highway, she can be found scheming her next trip somewhere around the world. (Up next is Vienna.)