Packing Recommendations for a Winter Trip to South Beach Miami

These packing recommendations really could be for a trip to South Beach anytime of year.  But this reflects what I brought for our February getaway there, when the evenings can get a little bit chilly, so there are a couple of extra suggestions.  The average temperatures in Miami during the winter months are mid-70s during the day, mid-60s at night, but it’s sometimes colder (and hotter).

Along with the weather, something to keep in mind when packing for South Beach is the Miami location.  It’s beachy but also urban, so what you wear can range from easy breezy boho to more sophisticated, even edgy,  The great thing about the area, though, is that anything goes!  But if you’re looking for guidance, here are some ideas based on what I brought and found most useful.

 

 

Swimsuits
Obvi. Any beach trip requires a swimsuit, and I recommend bringing a couple or even more, depending how long you’re staying. After all, between time at the beach and pool, swimwear is a main outfit in South Beach. It’s also a place where you can go for it, as in rock a bathing suit with interesting details or that’s more daring than usual. If preference is for bikinis, check out Athleta — their swimsuits are comfortable, fit well, and come in many color options and styles.  J. Crew always has very cute swimwear, too.  For pretty prints and color blocks, Boden has a good selection. And this one piece is very classic, plus the brand has many more great styles.

 

 

 

Cover Up
Another essential to pack. Going from hotel room to the pool or beach, or moving from a spot pool side to the bar area, it’s nice to have something that’s easy to throw on over a swimsuit, but still looks cute, and can pass for a real outfit if you decide to do something else.  I brought a few options for our trip: A very loose, breezy jumpsuit, an oversized white linen shirt (that I wore on its own and with shorts), and a very simple flowy brightly colored gauze dress similar to this. However, the cover ups I kept seeing and loved were crochet. So many women wore them in many different styles — short with long sleeves , long and sleeveless , mini with short sleeves, even sets with shorts and a top. A caftan is pretty and having a moment, too.

 

 

Dresses 
I brought this exact dress from Mango, and found it ideal to wear in Miami.  It’s light and airy for a beachy evening, but the black color and cutouts give it a little edge.  It’s no longer in stock, but this dress is very similar. This knit maxi takes the crochet style beyond the beach.  Something like this gorgeous, colorful mini would be great for South Beach on a slightly cool evening because of the longer sleeves, or a stunning maxi if you prefer longer dresses.   And a  linen shirt dress (budget option here) was perfect to wear during the day out to lunch.

 

 

Pull-On Linen Shorts
Nice and light for warm weather, easy to throw on over a swimsuit, and on trend at the moment, linen shorts are great to have in South Beach — even better with a comfy elastic waist. I brought a stripe pair very similar to these that I love, and these blue and white pinstripes are also great (they come in solid colors, too). And this pair that comes in a few colors is nice, too, and could even be dressed up for evening — just throw on a nice top and pretty sandals.

 

 

Light Blouse
A blouse to throw on over a dress or tank top if you need an extra, but light layer in the evening or protection from the sun is good to have.  I mentioned a white linen blouse to use as a cover up, but of course it also works for all kinds of situations. A gauze button down also works, and the crinkle material makes it low maintenance (no need to iron). And who says it has to be plain?  And this blouse that comes in several prints is so pretty.

 

 

Beachy Pants
This is a whole wardrobe category for me — I loves me a beachy pant. What are they exactly? Pants that are comfortable and swishy when you walk in them, ideally in a fun or pretty print (but solid colors like these  are also good), that have a laid back vibe. You don’t necessarily have to wear them to the beach — if so, they should be very light — but pants that you’d wear in a beach setting and could even dress up to wear out. They could be wide leg or joggers, long or cropped… they just have to be comfy and chillaxed.
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Sandals
When the weather is warm, you gotta show off the pedi (and just enjoy the fresh air on your feet).  So, sandals are a must.  Since South Beach is walkable, comfortable but still chic, like these strappy flats or these would be great.  This metallic pair are a cute option, too. For something with a cushier sole, this studded pair are unique and fun. Of course, there are always the most comfortable sandals.  But no matter which sandals you prefer, bring the best, basic flip flops, too.

 

 

Sneakers
At the very least, a good walk on the Miami Beach Boardwalk should be on a South Beach trip agenda. And there are plenty more exercise opportunities. So, athletic shoes should be included on a packing list. Go for an on-trend white pair that can be worn with more outfits, like the New Balance, some cute Vejas, the often touted  On Clouds, or these Adidas trainers.

 

 

Sunglasses
Sunglasses are a staple on any travel packing list, but they’re especially important in a place where the sunshine is strong. If you like fancy sunglasses like these, Miami is a good place to wear them. This design by a classic brand would fit right in, too. This chic pair look more expensive than they are. If, like me, you prefer budget sunnies because you’re likely to lose them, I love this brand, and goodrs are very popular, too. (Even if you like the designer brands, it’s not a bad idea to bring a budget pair as a back up — I always pack an extra.)

 

 

Jacket
This is the item that makes this a “winter” packing list. In case it gets cool at night, a jacket that works over any outfit is good to have along. A denim jacket could work, but go for something less cumbersome like this knit, cropped style.  For something more elevated, a sleek leather jacket always works. Or for a unique look, these quilted prints are fun.  And for a jacket that could also work for early morning (think sunrise viewing), this sporty bomber is versatile for day and evening (+ wind/water resistant). Of course, you can bring along an easy hoodie and own the casual look.

 

Beach Bag
You’ll need something to carry your towel, sunscreen, water bottle, and other beach gear — but you’ll want something that’s easy to pack. This mesh bag is perfect, because it’s very lightweight and easily packable. This bag is kind of similar, but solid (no holes) and waterproof. This striped canvas tote is cute and will fold up nicely in your luggage, too.

 

Have you been to South Beach?  What would you add to the list?