Packing Tips for a Stylish and Comfy Lake Getaway

Preparing for a lakeside vacation is way different from a day at the beach as I learned a few years ago at Candlewood Lake in Connecticut. Even though I’m an experienced beauty and fashion editor/stylist and personal shopper, three days of lake living — which included humid, windy weather, swims in icy water, an attempt to row a canoe(!) and brisk campfire evenings — were an eye-opening lesson. A day can go from blazing hot and muggy to chilly or rainy in a flash. You don’t need a bigger suitcase, just a better plan. Here’s your checklist.

(Left to right) Universal Thread Women’s 90s Ribbed Tank Top in White; Old Navy Women Shaker-Stitch Sweater in White; Sonoma Women’s Goods For Life Tiered Long Midi Skirt in Deal Bay

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: Target; Old Navy; Kohl's)

1. Minimize colors to maximize wear.

Limit your packing to 10 to 12 items of clothing based around one neutral color, with white and a single pop of color. My strategy provides enough versatility to mix, match and layer that you won’t need more than that. Check your closet for color guidance, but for many women, the base color will be navy, black, khaki or tan, plus plenty of white pieces to brighten up the look. Among the dozen items in your bag, take more tops than bottoms. Here’s a sample plan: the basic Universal Thread Women’s 90s Ribbed Tank Top in White ($8, target.com); the classic Hanes Women’s Long Sleeve Cotton V-Neck T-Shirt in White ($10, walmart.com); the Banana Republic Factory Relaxed Cotton T-Shirt in Navy Stripe ($24, bananarepublicfactory.gapfactory.com); an oversize shirt; a sleep tee; a lightweight sweatshirt; the cozy cotton Old Navy Women Shaker-Stitch Sweater in White ($28, oldnavy.gap.com); Madewell Women Kick Out Crop Jeans in Pure White ($128, madewell.com); lightweight cropped pants or shorts such as the Gap Factory 9” Mid Rise Denim Bermuda Shorts in Medium Wash or Dark Wash ($25, gapfactory.com); two swimsuits, including the Andie Swim Malibu One Piece in White ($112, andieswim.com); and a pull-on midi skirt such as the Sonoma Women’s Goods For Life Tiered Long Midi Skirt in Deal Bay ($25, kohls.com). Trust me, it all works. You can layer the white shirt over the tank and knot it at the waist over the skirt; wear the sleep tee as a beach cover-up; wear a white tee and white jeans as a monochromatic look; and tie the sweater over your shoulders for last-minute warmth as the day cools down.

(Left to right) Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre; Drunk Elephant Umbra Mineral Cream SPF 30 Tinted Face Sunscreen; Goody Damage-Free Hair Elastics; Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo

Photo Collage: AARP; (Source: CVS (2); Ulta; Target)

2. Pare down your beauty routine.

Taking a break from the daily grind doesn’t mean slacking off on looking good. A lake getaway is not the time for perfect blowouts, multistep skin care or full makeup. Rather, it’s an opportunity to reduce the number of products and tools you use with problem-solving, time-saving shortcuts for skin, hair and makeup. Instead of day and night regimens, try one do-all moisturizer such as the Embryolisse Lait Creme Concentre ($29, cvs.com), which functions as a 24-hour hydrator, and multitasking sun protection and makeup such as Drunk Elephant Umbra Mineral Cream SPF 30 Tinted Face Sunscreen ($36, ulta.com), which comes in three skin-compatible shades. Windblown hair can feel grubby even when clean, and humidity can amplify out-of-control texture and frizz. Instead of lugging straightening tools and serums, take along a few accessories, such as the Aimee Hair Claw Clip Set in Sand or Ivory ($24, anthropologie.com) for updos, and neutral-toned scrunchies or bands such as the Goody Damage-Free Hair Elastics, Assorted Neutral Colors ($4, cvs.com), which won’t damage even fine, thin hair. Not Your Mother’s Clean Freak Refreshing Dry Shampoo, Travel Size ($3, target.com) absorbs oil and odor between air-dry washes and gives roots extra oomph. A big pair of sunglasses can function as makeup during the day — no need to do water-resistant liner and mascara. Save those for evenings out.