My dad instilled in me a love of travel from a very young age. My parents made it their mission to lug two (oft annoying, oft ungrateful) kids to 15+ countries over the years. Needless to say, some of our greatest family memories are from these trips.
Whenever the family is all together for dinner (which sadly happens very rarely these days), my dad’s absolute favorite topic of conversation are these family travels. “What’s your favorite country you’ve ever visited,” he’ll ask, or sometimes he asks about an interesting hotel, or favorite meal. But the one question that he asks WITHOUT FAIL every single time: Where is the most beautiful place we ever visited as a family?
I pretend to groan and roll my eyes (although secretly, I love to revisit those trips as much as he does), and I always answer with the same destination: Mykonos, Greece.
Of course, that was close to 20 years ago, but I will never forget the jaw-dropping beauty – in every direction!! – while on the island of Mykonos. I spent my days (post-college graduation) hiking the shoreline of the island and cooling off in the ocean, evenings in outdoor cafes people watching and drinking coffee with my family, the nights spent, errrh….causing mischief in the nightclubs and bars, and the mornings nursing hangovers in the infinity pool overlooking the ocean. I’m forever grateful for those memories my parents gifted my brother and I growing up.
What To Pack For Mykonos Greece
These days, I can’t think of a better way to spend my time than to reminisce on summer travels and plan my ideal getaway (and my ideal wardrobe) to Mykonos. This time around – as a (hopefully) slightly more mature 40-year-old woman, with a more refined (??, or maybe…more ‘defined’) personal style – I’m focused on pretty linen midi dresses and Reformation rompers, strappy, minimalist sandals, and durable travel totes, just to name a few.
Here’s the shortlist of pieces that I recommend throwing in your suitcase. Whether relaxing poolside, walking around the island, or heading out in the evening, these looks are perfect for whatever your Mykonos adventures look like.
01 | 02 | 03 | 04 | 05 | 06 | 07 | 08 | 09 | 10 | 11 | 12
1. Bring One Pretty Tank
By Anthropologie Tie-Strap Linen Hanky Cutwork Lace Tank
A flowy and pretty tank or camisole is a must-have in my suitcase – even better if it happens to be linen. I love this Tie-Strap Linen Hanky Cutwork Lace Tank by Anthropologie so much. It’s pretty enough to transition easily from daytime wear to dinner. I am also loving basically every linen tank and sleeveless top that Reformation has right now. They are all so good. You can’t go wrong.
2. Don’t Forget: Cute Sunglasses
Versace 52mm Cat Eye Sunglasses
A cute pair of sunnies are essential, obviously. I am loving the ‘old Hollywood glamour’ vibe of these Versace cat eye sunglasses. They are my dream pair, but I always love a great pair of cute and affordable sunglasses because let’s just say I don’t go easy on my sunglasses, and if they come home with me at all after a vacation, it’s rarely in one piece. I’ve included some more of my favorite sunnies below.
3. Dressy Linen Shorts
FARM Rio Richelieu Lace Detail Linen Shorts
A pair of linen shorts are another vacation wardrobe must-have. How pretty are these FARM Rio Richelieu Lace Detail Linen Shorts? Be prepared to see a lot of cerulean and cobalt shades of blue in this post – not just because they are two of my favorite colors ever but because they are colors I closely associate with Greece. These drawstring striped shorts from Gap are comfy enough to be worn sightseeing around town or over your swimsuit at the beach. Below are some of my favorite linen shorts (and yes, even skorts) options.
4. Comfortable Minimalist Sandals (To Wear With Everything)
A pair of strappy, minimalistic sandals are my go-to while on beachy vacations. It’s imperative that they’re also comfortable enough to make a few laps around the town center and souvenir shopping and stylish enough that they can be worn with dresses, shorts and swimsuits. Luckily, there are soooooo many chic strappy sandal options out right now to choose from. I’ve also heard good things about these OluKai Tiare Slingback Sandals, too.
5. One Gorgeous Dress (In Breezy Linen)
Lost + Wander Elia Linen Blend Strapless Dress
A pretty linen dress is another absolute essential in my Mykonos capsule wardrobe. This is one of my favorite categories to shop for and it was extremely difficult to narrow it down to one top pick! Linen dresses are vital because they are as practical as they are versatile and can easily be dressed up for dinner or worn over a swimsuit. I chose this one by Lost + Wander because I love the color and the price is pretty good too. If I had no wardrobe budget then this Cala De La Cruz Paloma Linen Midi Dress would be my dream, because it’s gorgeous.
6. Pre-Trip Prep (Get Excited): Mykonos Muse Hardcover Book
Okay, while not necessarily a travel item, this Mykonos Muse Hardcover Book is helpful for pre-trip inspo (FYI, this book is HUGE, so don’t expect to pack it). If you are like me and love reading on vacation, I’ve included some of my favorite novels based in Greece (some that I’ve read and some that are on my TBR list) to download to your Kindle for beach-time reading. I’ve been wanting to read The Song of Achilles for a long time now!
7. Glamorous Sunscreen (Thank Me Later)
Why is it that I feel the need to take an extra special sunscreen with me on vacation? I don’t just want protection from the sun, I want to SHIMMER, baby. That’s why I’m packing Vacation’s SPF Shimmer Oil. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered below with the best suncreens money can buy below, because that sun is HOT HOT.
8. A Flirty, Playful Swimsuit
I swear I didn’t just choose this Beach Riot bikini because it matches my color scheme, but because I’ve heard such good things about this bikini! It’s a perfect option for active vacation-goers like me. I need something that will stay in place while I’m in the water, swimming laps, playing beach games, etc. And this one does it all! Plus, there are a ton of other great color options like pink and red and black and white.
9. A Sturdy (And Chic) Travel Bag
A sturdy, high-quality carry-all bag is one of the MOST important items in my suitcase. So many of us on the TME team love NAGHEDI’s woven leather totes for traveling because the quality is amazing. I’ve also been eyeing this top-rated Los Feliz Large Tote Bag by The Sak, it has over a thousand glowing reviews and so many color options to choose from. It’s also more affordable than the NAGHEDI Jetsetter Tote.
10. A Piece of Statement Jewelry
Shell Charm Chain Necklace by Anthropologie
When it comes to vacation jewelry, I like the motto: “Go big, or go home.” I usually only take one or two pieces (so I have less to worry about losing track of) on trips with me and I live for anything that makes a statement like this Shell Charm Chain Necklace. On top of taking a statement necklace, I always like a good cuff bracelet as well and I am currently LOVING this gold Hermias Athens Delian Cuff bracelet, as well. I remember being stunned browsing through all the gorgeous jewelry in the shops in Mykonos the last time I was there.
11. For Protection: A Chic Sun Hat
Frayed Edge Bucket Hat by Anthropologie
When it comes to beach hats, I’m really big into bucket hats right now. This frayed edge bucket hat is not only extremely comfy and functional but it is super easy to fold up and pack in your suitcase. You also can’t go wrong with a cute baseball cap: I just ordered this Clare V. Deja Vu cap and plan on wearing it all summer long.
12. A Linen Romper (For Day or Night)
Reformation’s Ciara Linen Romper
Shana sent me this STUNNING Reformation Ciara Linen Romper and I knew immediately that it was needed for this post. Honestly, it’s so good that I want to plan an entire vacation around just this romper. A linen romper is perfect for Mykonos because not only is it super chic but its versatility will have you reaching for it again and again. It’s truly made for a trip to Greece. It also comes in ‘oatmeal’ and ‘tomato check’ (perfect for a summer trip to Italy).
Hope you enjoyed this post, as much as I loved writing it, Until next time,
xo, Jess ( My Instagram | More of My Posts )
