Miami for a minute
Style for the hot and humid sunshine state
Last week we returned from a long weekend in Miami after spending some quality time with family and having a blast attending F1. This trip is always so special for so many reasons.
In past years, I’ve found packing for a Spring trip to Miami to be unexpectedly challenging. Despite the fact that LA and Miami are both warm climates, the Florida humidity means that you’re bound to get a bit sticky after some fun in the sun. If the itinerary was just “beach” (said like Ryan Gosling’s Ken in my head as I write this), it would be easy to throw some bathing suits and coverups into a bag. The daytime activities, however, require some dressier and polished looks without consistent access to shade.
This means that when packing, I’m choosing pieces that fit a few important criteria…the choices must be…
Lightweight and breezy
Lined or not see through
In shades that aren’t likely to show perspiration, in the event it gets especially toasty
Washable / easy to care for knowing everything needs to absolutely be laundered upon return
Easy to wear with sneakers
And in terms of color, as much as it’s tempting to let loose with the tropical palette splash across every Miami storefront, I know deep down that if I go that route, I’m unlikely to wear the piece again because I just won’t feel like myself. So I still opt for more minimalist looks that I can repurpose within my everyday.
I was proud of myself this year, as I wore every piece of clothing packed into my carry on. Additionally, I didn’t buy anything specifically for the trip - instead using what was already in my closet. Here’s the list, in addition to my daily workout gear.
Day 1: The most casual day of the trip.
Posse Poppy White Linen Dress - this is the same one that I wore in Japan in early October (and many other times in between!). I love the fact that it is lined, so you don’t have to worry about see-through white linen. For similar concepts in slightly different styles, check out the Val Mini Dress, Emma Shift, and Alice Mini Dress. I have the Alice in black and wear it all summer long.
My trusty Adidas Gazelles kept my feet comfortable at the races and paired well with the white Posse and tan Jenni Kayne Rove dress. Note that the Gazelles run ever bigger than the Sambas. I size down more than average - typically a women’s 7, I have them in a men’s 5. Additional sizes available here.
Last year, I purchased the Dragon Diffusion Small Triple Jump Tote in black and have been using it significantly more than expected. It flattens easily, making it incredibly packable.
Day 2: Slightly dressier vs. the day before.
Jenni Kayne Rove Dress - I bought an earlier version of this dress 2 years ago and have certainly gotten some nice mileage out of the piece. It’s lined and has pockets - a win, win! It also comes in black.
I re-wore many of the accessories from the day prior, but this time swapped in gold jewelry instead of silver. When I’m choosing gold jewelry, given the cost, I always aim to pick investment pieces that I know I’ll wear year after year. Though it’s more expensive, if you’re committed to wearing it, the girl math works out. I also love the fact that in the summer, it holds up to sunscreen, salt water, and chlorine. My favorite solid gold Ariel Gordon Jewelry Helium Huggies . I love them because their shape isn’t run-of-the-mill and they’re big enough to shine without being overpowering. A few more budget friendly options include these from Jenny Bird, these U-shaped ones, these (which I think are especially gorgeous), and these from Mejuri.
Day 3: Most formal of the bunch, as it’s final race day and the audience is a more professional crowd.
Jenni Kayne Margot Dress - the subtle stripes elongate the body and elevate the piece since they’re part of the weave of the linen fabric. The dress also comes in a gorgeous cream color. While certain sizes are currently out of stock, I highly recommend adding your name to the waitlist as Jenni Kayne restocks relatively frequently. Jenni also did us a favor and made it in a tank as well.
To elevate the flowy dress a bit more, I added my go-to J.Crew Classic Black Leather Belt. I’ve written about this belt many times before. It’s the perfect size and budget-friendly.
My Amanu Constantia Sandals that I’ve had for more than 3 years are always an incredibly comfortable and trusty pair of flats.
During the evenings I swapped in one of my favorite dresses - a piece from Rachel Comey that I purchased about a year ago. It’s similar to the Rachel Comey Zimi Dress that I featured within my Paris packing inspiration post.
I also packed a pair of silk black pants that I purchased back in 2015. One night I wore them with a sheer white Tibi top (featured in this post and since sold out as it’s over a year old; similar idea here) and my J.Crew belt and the second time I wore them with the same belt and a my Three Graces London one-shoulder tank (similar here).
Cheers to beating the heat while still looking chic (or at least attempting to on all fronts!).
x jz
Images | 1 | Posse, Sophie Buhai, Farfetch, Adidas | 2 | b.g.mckay | 3 | Jenni Kayne, Ariel Gordon, Adina Reyter, Farfetch, Adidas | 4 - 6 | me | 7 | Jenni Kayne, Ariel Gordon, Adina Reyter, J.Crew, Farfetch, Amanu | 8 | Jenni Kayne | 9 | Rachel Comey
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Read more about my morning with stylist Allison Bornstein IRL - part 1 and part 2
Packing tips for your upcoming trip can be discovered here and if you’re headed to the beach, here
And if you’re a modern classics lover like me and seeking timeless pieces, you’ll love this analysis of Camille’s style from Emily in Paris, plus this and this. And if you’re a fan of denim on denim, look no further
These are stellar tips Jen!! Thank you for bringing style and sanity to packing for the heat and humidity.
I love how you pick such gorgeousc timeless classics. Thank you for the inspo. So chic!