7 Summer Fashion Essentials You Need to Pack, According to Below Deck Alum Kate Chastain

After six seasons as a top flight attendant, it’s safe to say that Kate Chastain is well-versed in travel — especially when it comes to packing and knowing how to strategically organize everything.

Before leaving for Europe, Below deck alum talked to PEOPLE about some of her summer travel essentials, including her new warm-weather uniform. “I think you have a black bikini – that’s great – a short kaftan, a long maxi dress, stiletto heels, and you can go anywhere,” she says.

Chastain recently partnered with Dramamine, another item she packs for every vacation and always brings with her for crew or guests. Brand’s Advanced Herbals Ginger Chews have become her new favorite.

Find more of Chastain’s travel must-haves below, along with a few styles inspired by each.

Chrissy Teigen’s summer essentials include a portable speaker that’s now $50 and sneakers she wears ‘every day’

Shoulder bag

A hands-free purse is one item Chastain can’t travel without: “I could lose my suitcase, but as long as I have a shoulder bag that has my essentials in it—my passport, my money—then I can get the rest,” she says.

Her current handbag of choice is this Rebecca Minkoff denim bag that’s embellished with gold sky threads, but we found a similar option for just $25.

Lola Mae quilted shoulder bag

Amazon

Orig. $38 $25 on Amazon

• Kate Spade Leila Mini Flap Crossbody, $69; katespadeoutlet.com
• Mali+Lili Josie triple zip shoulder bag, HRK 35.20; amazon.com

Kaftan dress

Chastain trades in her polo shirts and epaulettes for kaftan dresses, which she calls her “go-to” for all occasions. “It can be dressed up, it can be dressed up. It’s easy, it’s airy. It’s one piece, but it’s still kind of fancy.”

Petite Plum Navy Blue Cotton Kaftan with French Stripes with Stamping

Nordstrom

$84 at Nordstrom

• Free People Groovy Baby Maxi Caftan, $98; freepeople.com
• Banana Republic European linen kaftan mini dress, HRK 160; bananarepublic.gap.com

Maxi dress

Another style she’ll always wear? A maxi dress, more precisely a solid color with spaghetti straps. He’s trying to create a capsule wardrobe, so anything in black or another neutral color like beige, white or navy is a must. Chastain also notes that she opts for lightweight fabrics, including cotton and natural fibers.

Lspace Mallorca Cover Up Tuxedo Maxi Dress

Nordstrom

$158 at Nordstrom

• The Drop Shyla cotton maxi dress with eyelets, HRK 69.90; amazon.com
• Quince organic cotton sleeveless maxi dress, HRK 69.90; dunja.com

Flip-flops

As a Florida native, Chastain believes flip-flops “get a bad name,” noting that she loves backless sandals. “I think this is also from yachting, like when you jump on and off a boat, who has time to carry it on your back?”

If you’re looking for an affordable easy-on-and-off option like hers, these Havaianas flip flops are currently on sale for just $14 on Amazon , and a pair of Birkenstocks is just $80 .

Havaianas Slim flip-flops

Amazon

Orig. $26 $14 on Amazon

• Birkenstock Arizona BS Narrow Sandals Birko-Flor, $79.99 (orig. $110); ruelala.com
• Sam Edelman Bay Classic, HRK 120; amazon.com

Lace-up espadrilles

Chastain called espadrilles “the denim of shoes,” meaning they go with almost anything. She says she just got a pair of Stella McCartney lace-up shorts to wear all summer. For a cheaper option, try this lovely style from Amazon for under $50, or grab these popular Soludos espadrilles.

Nailyhome Espadrille wedge sandals

Amazon

$47 on Amazon

• Lulus Esme Natural Lace Up Espadrilles, $29; lulus.com
• Soludos Marseille Wedge Espadrilles, HRK 148; zappos.com

A great big bag

Chastain currently travels with her favorite Louis Vuitton purse, which she says sometimes doubles as a diaper bag for her son, Sullivan Cay. Her advice for choosing a good bag? “Only [get] anything that can fit in a laptop, your smaller bag and a book; just all your stuff.”

We found a soft faux leather shoulder bag for $16 that should fit all the essentials, along with this Lululemon bag that’s water-resistant and looks like it would roll up well for packing.

Dreubea shoulder bag made of soft artificial leather

Amazon

$16 on Amazon

• Lululemon Daily Multi-Pocket Bag 20L, $68; shop.lululemon.com
• Bagsmart large bag, HRK 37.99; amazon.com

Black bikini

One of Chastain’s first jobs was working at a surf shop in Florida, so she’s “well versed in the world of bikinis.” Similar to her usual dresses, she opts for a bikini in a basic color – one of her favorite brands is Body Glove, which she recommends for “very cool, flattering separates”. Check out a few more of our favorite black bikinis below.

Spanx Pique Plunge Bikini Top

Spanx

$88 in Spanx

Spanx Pique Shaping Swim Swim High-Rise Cheeky Bottom

Spanx

$98 at Spanx

• Tops: Andie Swim The Maui Top, $62; andieswim.com
• Old Navy Halter Bikini, $14.99 (was $29.99); oldnavy.com
• Bottom: Andie Swim The High Waisted Bottom, $52; andieswim.com
• Old Navy French Cut High Waist Bikini Bottom, $9.99 (was $19.99); oldnavy.com

Keep scrolling to shop a few more Kate Chastain-inspired styles for summer travel must-haves before you head out on your next adventure. And if you’re looking for more summer adventures, check out Dramamine’s No Drama on Deck giveaway for a chance to win a private yacht charter experience.

Mali+Lili Josie triple zip shoulder bag

Amazon

$35 on Amazon

Quince maxi dress without sleeves in organic cotton

Quince

$70 at Quince.com

Birkenstock Arizona BS narrow sandals Birko-Flor

Rue La La

Orig. $110 $80 at Ruelala.com

Lululemon day bag with multiple pockets 20L

lululemon

$68 at Lululemon

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education