Getting Dressed | Notes from 48 Hours in the Bahamas
carry-on style, last-minute outfit improvisation, and what I packed (and forgot) for a quick weekend getaway.
Last week, I spent a whirlwind 48 hours in the Bahamas to celebrate my soon-to-be sister-in-law! It was my first time traveling solo since Eleanor was born—and honestly, one of the first times I’ve traveled alone in years. (Probably a topic for another post.)
Normally, I’m a meticulous packer: checklists, outfit plans, the works. This time? I threw everything together in about 36 hours. My priorities were simple: carry-on only (I refuse to check a bag if I’m not juggling kids) and easy, mix-and-match pieces.
Packing light doesn’t mean sacrificing style—but it does sometimes mean getting creative. For this quick getaway, I leaned into easy pieces, a few old favorites, and some unexpected outfit improvisation (plus a well-earned club nap). Here's what I packed (and forgot) for a quick weekend in the Bahamas.
Outfit 1 | Monochromatic Pool Lounging
Worn for a day at the villa. I worked in the morning, took a quick midday break, and spent the afternoon on a zoom. Not exactly a full day of relaxation, but at least the backdrop was beautiful!
One of my favorite things about packing from my closet? Rediscovering old gems. I pulled out this red bikini I bought a few years ago but never wore—lately, one-pieces have been my go-to. With no time for swimsuit shopping, I made an exception to my one-piece rule…and it actually worked. Maybe I’m entering a new bikini era?
I paired it with a matching red top and bottom beach set I recently purchased: top on for Zoom calls, top off for poolside lounging. Leaning into a monochromatic palette was intentional—and honestly made packing a lot easier.
The set’s sleeves were an awkward length, so I rolled them up, left a few buttons undone for a relaxed feel, and called it a day.
Outfit 2 | Silk Pants and Club Naps
Worn for dinner at a restaurant followed by a late-night club outing at Baha Mar (yes, I made it to the club...and yes, I rested my eyes there).
There’s always one packing fail, right? I planned to wear these silk pants (a recent The RealReal find) with one of my Julia Amory blouses in either the perfect shade of pink or blue—only to leave them both at home.
Cue improvisation: I grabbed this white sleeveless Anthropologie blouse I had tossed into my suitcase at the last minute. It was a bubble top and felt too voluminous, so I used a hair clip to cinch the fabric at the nape of my neck, giving the top more of a halter shape.
Not what I originally envisioned, but it worked well enough. And those pants? Expect to see them again this spring and summer—they deserve a proper moment.
Also, let the record show that going to a club while still sleep training an infant is not for the faint of heart. I 100% had to sit down and take a 15-minute power nap.
Outfit 3 | The Hat That Earned Its Spot
Worn every day by the pool—and likely to be worn every day this spring and summer (when I’m not reaching for my gardenia hat).
Okay, I lied: I did buy one thing specifically for this trip—this packable hat. I tried both the tan and black versions, and the black version instantly won me over. It felt richer against my skin tone and somehow a little more polished. I’ve since purchased the tan version which I think will go well with certain outfits. If I love something in one color, I tend to buy it in every color.
This hat will be on heavy rotation: elegant, practical, crushable, and carry-on tested and approved.
Notes from the Closet
A few takeaways from a quick Bahamian getaway with just a carry-on:
— Packable hats are essential (can’t believe it took me this long to invest in one!).
— Monochromatic dressing looks intentional, even when it’s put together last-minute.
— Your closet has more magic than you think. The key? Always buy pieces you love.
— Improvisation is inevitable—and not necessarily a bad thing.
In My Cart
I didn’t do much pre-trip shopping (and honestly, let’s normalize not buying an entirely new wardrobe for every vacation). That said, I’m starting to scout for summer and resort pieces. Here’s what I’ve recently purchased or am eyeing:
Links below!
Beach Tent for My Littles – Adorable, although full disclosure: still figuring out how to close it.
Shell Hair Clip – Wish I had this one with me in the Bahamas when I needed to MacGyver my shirt.
Portable Booster Seat – Great for beach days or outdoor picnics when Eleanor isn’t interested in laying on a blanket (or when I need my hands free).
White Cover-Up – Beautiful detailing; you can never have too many for summer.
Utility Tote Bag – A recent gift from the brand that’s quickly become my go-to utility bag: lightweight but sturdy.
Splurge-Worthy Tote – On my list if I decide to splurge (but etsy alternatives are also calling my name).
Colorful Tote Option – A more affordable choice in a fun hue.
Caftan, Always – Another day, another caftan.
Caviar Picnic Set – One of those things you don’t know you need until you see it...
As always, this Getting Dressed series isn’t about chasing newness for the sake of it—though there’s no harm in finding a few new favorites along the way.
Whether you're packing for a quick trip or just getting dressed for the day ahead, I hope this brings a little inspiration (and maybe a few ideas worth bookmarking).
May your closet—and your carry-on—always have room for something that sparks joy.
Thanks for coming along. It means so much to me.
x Jasmine
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i love a packable hat! buying! xx