Vacation means editing down your closet to the best of the best, and tight suitcase space typically demands that only the most vital accessories make the journey. As space-hoggers, bags are usually limited to one or two per trip, so it’s smart to put thought into the shape and size that’s best for wherever you’re headed.
After consulting a list of trending travel destinations for 2019, we settled on four locations with different enough vibes to require something particular out of the bag you carry. Whether it’s extra room for beach gear or street style-inspired flair, there’s something for every type of vacation.
Here, see the style we’d suggest bringing along for the journey, then shop it (plus full travel looks).
For Aspen
A city with a sporty vibe calls for a practical-but-polished shape.
Alex John Beck
INC International Concepts Bag
For cities with itineraries that are likely to be packed with walking, exploring, and taking in the fresh air, the bag you carry needs to be roomy enough for a full day spent out and about. Aspen, with its beautiful landscapes, is the type of destination where you’re unlikely to spend much time holed up inside.
The practical bucket bag is an MVP here, and the pattern you pick can take it from essential to extraordinary. A brown and black snakeskin print is a neutral with a touch of attitude.
Alex John Beck
Styled with: INC International Concepts Metallic Trench Coat; INC International Concepts Sequined Sweater; INC International Concepts Jeans; Adidas Hat
For Palm Springs
A resort town is best conquered with a versatile bag that works for multiple situations.
Alex John Beck
Radley London Bag
Some places are made for vacation, and Palm Springs, with its gorgeous landscapes and sunny days, is one of them. Pick a small-size style that will work as a crossbody during the day, then magically transition it to evening by removing the long strap.
If your destination has a style vibe associated with it, the bag you pack can be a fun opportunity to play up that DNA. A rounded top handle bag with a retro feel is perfect for Palm Springs and its midcentury-modern aesthetics.
Alex John Beck
Styled with: Betsey Johnson Dress; Donald Pliner Shoes; Ionna & lilly Rings
For Tokyo
A major city is the spot to play with street style trends.
Alex John Beck
If you’re headed to a bustling urban area for time off, embrace the fashion-forward energy you’re about to step into with an of-the-moment pick. No city can match Tokyo when it comes to street style and emerging trends.
See-through PVC is a cool-girl favorite, and the newest iterations are mixing in other materials like leather and high-shine hardware. The only downside is that you’ll have to be thoughtful about what you keep in it (everything is on display, so items like your wallet and sunglass case should also be worth showing off).
INC International Concepts Clear Bag
Alex John Beck
Styled with: Calvin Klein Blazer; INC International Concepts T-Shirt and Pants; Calvin Klein Sneakers
For St. Lucia
A beachy vibe requires a tote-like shape that can double as a beach bag.
Alex John Beck
Straw bags are a trend with momentum per Macy’s The Edit, and there’s no place more perfect to embrace it than sandy shores. Look for a medium size that can fit a beach day’s worth of stuff (or a tired pup as needed).
The relaxed material matches the laid-back feeling you get on a tropical vacation, plus there’s a happy bonus: Durable and pretty much resistant to damage, you won’t stress if sand or ocean spray touches it.
INC International Concepts Bag
Alex John Beck
Styled with: INC International Concepts Dress
