I love being by water, so, for me, a beach vacation is the most relaxing getaway. Since my wardrobe is predominately comprised of black, grey, and navy, a tropical environment gives me the perfect excuse to throw on some color and even mix in a few patterns. The secret to making this look work? Pack a balance of basic solid hues that work with both your prints and bold colors.

Bonus Pick: This Trina Turk maxi dress is a multi-tasking piece: Wear it to the beach as a cover-up and then style it at night with statement jewelry and heels. (Find It: $228, Rebel, 5910 S. University Blvd., 720-283-1004, shoprebel.com)

SWIMSUITS: Obviously, you will need a properly fitting swimsuit. I say take three, including a brightly colored bikini, like this beaded Shoshanna bandeau ($138) and brief ($88).

Find It: Blush, 1411 Larimer St., 303-399-7779, shop-blush.com

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LAYERS: Locations in humid climates—like Miami—tend to have the AC turned up too high so that it is chilly indoors, which is why this lightweight Tibi sweater is an essential.

Find It: $265, Alicia The Boutique, 3035 E. Third Ave., 303-399-4597, aliciatheboutique.com

WRAPS: A beautiful, oversized scarf can accessorize an outfit, be tied like a sarong for the beach, or worn like a wrap.

Find It: Leigh & Luca, $208, A.line, The Landmark, 5375 Landmark Pl., 303-773-8200, aline-online.com

SHORTS: Hanging out on the shore is not the same as hanging in the urban jungle, so keep your shorts playful, like Mara Hoffman’s high-waisted, tropical hued ones.

Find It: $209, Goldyn, 2040 W. 30th Ave., 720-489-0580, shopgoldyn.com

BUTTON UP: A soft, worn-in looking cotton blouse—such as Current Elliott’s—easily transitions from daytime to casual night out.

Find It: $186, Scout & Gray, 278 Fillmore St., 720-502-4697

SLEEPWEAR: Drawstring, PJ-inspired pants in vibrant prints are definitely a trend this summer and perfect for beach dressing. I like the color and geometric pattern of these by Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent.

Find It: $295, Scout & Gray, 278 Fillmore St., 720-502-4697

SANDALS: In addition to stilettos and flip-flops, pack these super cute Vidorreta espadrilles (legit; they’re from Spain) for the beach or just getting around town.

Find It: $125, JGilbert, 3003 E. Third Ave., 303-322-3280, jgilbertfootwear.com

PURSE: A flat clutch is great because you can simply toss it into your luggage and not worry about whether there is enough room to fit it. But when you actually need to carry stuff, Gigi New York’s python embossed leather Teddie Tote is big enough to stash all of your necessities, whether at the beach or out sightseeing.

Find It: $295, Gigi New York, Blush, 1411 Larimer St., 303-399-7779, shop-blush.com

HAT: Packable hats—those you can pack without breaking the crown—are not always easy to find, but this one by David & Young is stylish and wallet-friendly.

Find It: $28, Kismet, 3640 W. 32nd Ave., 303-477-3378, kismetaccessories.com