There’s a moment we all recognize: that quiet anticipation before a trip, when you start laying clothes on the bed, picturing yourself somewhere by the sea. The promise of sunshine, relax, and time that finally feels yours.
But then comes the question — what should I pack?
At Acqua Bonita, we believe packing shouldn’t feel like a chore. It’s the beginning of your getaway — the first step in creating those effortless, beautiful moments you’ve been waiting for. Every piece you choose should make you feel radiant, confident, and ready to shine.
This is our guide to curating the perfect vacation wardrobe: one that celebrates color, texture, and femininity — the Acqua Bonita way.
1. The Art of Packing with Intention
Packing well isn’t about how many outfits you can fit into your suitcase. It’s about choosing the right ones — pieces that move easily, flatter naturally, and reflect your personality.
When you open your luggage at your destination, you should see a palette of joy: fabrics that breathe, tones that lift your mood, and silhouettes that feel easy yet refined.
Start with a mindset: “I’m dressing for how I want to feel.”
The Bonita women aren’t just traveling — they’re reclaiming time for themselves. So we design with that in mind: dresses that glide from breakfast to sunset, pareos that tie in endless ways, tops that reveal just enough of a tan, and totes that carry memories long after the trip is over.
2. The Essentials, the Acqua Bonita Way
Each trip has its own rhythm, but these categories form the foundation — the pieces that make your suitcase feel complete.
The Dress: Your Second Skin
If we had to choose one essential piece, it would be the dress.
A great vacation dress does more than flatter your figure — it transforms how you move through the day. From morning strolls to lunch by the sea, from golden-hour cocktails to dinner under string lights, the right dress carries you effortlessly.
Our dresses are perfect examples. Lightweight, colorful, and designed to enhance your natural shape — they drape where they should, conceal where needed, and celebrate the body with grace.
Whether you’re wearing a printed wrap style that catches the breeze or a strapless cut that shows your shoulders after a day in the sun, our dresses bring out that radiant, vacation-ready glow.
Tip: Pack at least two dresses — one playful, one a little more refined — so you can move easily from day to night.
Swimwear & Pareos: Where the Holiday Begins
The moment you slip into your swimsuit, vacation officially starts.
Our swimwear is made for women who want to feel beautiful, not just comfortable. Think flattering cuts and soft, high-quality fabrics that shape gently without constricting.
Pair it with one of our hand-printed pareos — light, breezy, and endlessly versatile. Wear it as a wrap skirt, halter dress knotted behind the neck, or loosely draped over the shoulder. We love seeing how each woman ties hers differently, creating her own signature style.
Our philosophy: simplicity that feels sensual, never overdone.
A pareo is also the easiest way to elevate a beach look when you’re heading for lunch or a stroll by the boardwalk. Just add sunglasses, espadrilles, and a smile — done.
Tops & Shorts: Effortless by Design
There’s something charming about daytime dressing at the beach — fresh skin, salty hair, and that relaxed energy that makes everything look good.
Our light cotton tops, shorts, and palazzo pants are made for this. Whether it’s the MARINA blouse in its baby-blue floral print or the soft PALM SPRING palazzo pants, each piece feels light against the skin and pairs effortlessly with your swimwear.
These looks work beautifully for exploring local markets, walking through cobbled streets, or enjoying a coffee with ocean views. It’s casual yet polished — that fine balance we always aim for.
Style note: Use a buckle to tie your pareo in different ways (behind the neck, above the bust, or on the hip) to give it a glam touch.
Espadrilles: For the Way You Walk
Espadrilles are the quintessence of casual chic.
Our Resort Espadrilles are handmade with natural jute soles and soft cotton chosen to match our collections. They’re the perfect balance of elegance and practicality — light enough to pack easily, chic enough to wear from day to evening.
Slip them on with your favorite Acqua Bonita dress, or pair them with the palazzo pants and a statement necklace for sunset drinks.
Why they matter: you can walk comfortably without losing that feminine flair. And isn’t that what vacation is about — feeling free, yet put together?
Beach & Summer Totes: Carry the Sunshine
A beautiful tote is the perfect complement to a relaxed summer look.
We have plenty of Beach and Summer Totes to choose from — and what makes them truly special is that they are more than accessories. Each one has been handwoven by women artisans, so by buying them, you’re supporting other women.
Our Penan Tote, crafted by women of the Penan tribe in Borneo, is one of our most loved designs. It’s large enough for your beach essentials and refined enough to bring to town.
Prefer something more playful? Our macramé bag adds that soft, boho-chic touch to a summer look. Its handwoven texture contrasts beautifully with a crisp white dress or printed pareo.
Packing tip: Bring one structured tote and one lightweight foldable bag for spontaneous excursions or shopping days.
Jewelry: A Subtle Glow
Vacation style isn’t complete without that final detail that catches the light.
Our necklaces and earrings are designed to enhance your look — pieces that shine against bronzed skin and glow under candlelight.
Our rule of thumb: Let your jewelry echo the mood of your day — simple by the beach, statement by night.
3. The Acqua Bonita Packing Edit
As you prepare for your next getaway, don’t pack to impress anyone else. Pack to celebrate yourself. Choose pieces that remind you who you are when you’re most at ease — carefree, joyful, and happy in your skin.
Here’s our curated selection of essentials to take you from sunrise to starlight:
- One statement dress for dinners and evenings out.
- One easy day dress for exploring or brunch by the sea.
- Two swimsuits that make you feel confident and radiant.
- One pareo that transforms into multiple looks.
- One lightweight blouse that pairs with shorts or over swimwear.
- One pair of shorts or soft pants in linen or cotton — simple, timeless.
- One pair of espadrilles (plus optional slides for the beach).
- One beach tote for essentials and one smaller summer bag.
- Two necklaces — one delicate, one bold — to elevate any outfit.
- A scarf or kimono to layer for cool evenings or travel days.
These pieces cover every moment of your trip — from your first swim to your last sunset dinner — without ever feeling repetitive.
And for a minimalist approach or a shorter stay:
Two dresses + one pareo + one swimsuit + one tote + one pair of espadrilles + two accessories.
4. The Color Story
When you’re packing, think harmony rather than contrast. Choose a few tones that connect — perhaps white, sky blue, and soft pink. That way, everything blends easily, and you can create multiple combinations.
To us, color has power — it lifts your mood, enhances your tan, and brings energy to every scene.
5. The Acqua Bonita Woman’s Packing Ritual
Hopefully, packing becomes more joyful after reading this. Remember, it’s no longer about “what should I bring?” — it’s about “what will make me feel amazing when I get there?”
Don’t overthink it. Just prepare to disconnect and enjoy your escape.
And remember — style isn’t about effort, it’s about emotion.
When you feel good, you shine.
Safe travels & buen viaje!
