Easy Breezy White Travel Looks + My Sarasota Top 10

There’s something about white that feels so fresh, crisp and clean. Especially, when you are swapping snow for sun and sand! Indiana weather has been decidedly lackluster this month, so we recently dashed off to Sarasota, Florida for a quick break. We wanted our little guy to have the opportunity to spend some quality time with his great grandmother and great aunt. He also got to dip his feet in the Gulf for the first time! Visiting Sarasota soon? I’m sharing 10 must-see spots toward the end of this post. But first… back to the fashion. Per usual, my suitcase was filled with vacation whites. Whether lace, crochet or denim, I always seem drawn toward white travel looks.

White Travel Looks: Why I Love Em’

This is a neutral that never fails. It always looks chic, deftly highlights a golden glow (or in my case downplays “Casper The Ghost” paleness) and it’s easy to style in a variety of ways. Simple shoe and accessory changes will take your white travel looks from the beach to a night out. Toss a colored cardi over the top and you’re also prepared for cooler nights.

Lace Mini Dress (under $30!) | Sunglasses

This dress stole my heart immediately (for both the look and the price) when I spotted in on Amazon. And it turned out to be a compliment magnet! Seriously, so many people stopped to ask me where I bought it when we were out shopping.

It’s a mix of lace and eyelet trim and has such a pretty shape. I love the unique pinafore shape, ruffles and the tie waist detail. It is also very figure-flattering and easy-to-wear. I paired it with sandals for the beach, then took it out shopping with cute nude wedges.

Fit guide: I’m just shy of 5′ and the length was perfect for me, but tall ladies will probably find this mini dress very “mini” in terms of the hem line. Aside from that, it fits true to the sizing guidelines. I’m wearing the small. The dress has a lining, but is still a tiny bit on the sheer side. Wear nude undergarments and you’ll be fine.

Note: Refer to the dress-specific sizing guide on the left, not Amazon’s general sizing guide.

Need more travel look inspiration?

Now, let’s dig into Sarasota, Florida… We’ve been vacationing in this beautiful Gulf Coast city for most of my life, so I consider myself a quasi-expert on the area and highly recommend it. My grandmother spends her winters here. I wish I could do the same!

Sarasota sits south of Tampa and is incredibly popular with retirees and tourists. Think white sand beaches, a vibrant cultural scene and diverse dining/shopping options. You can see Hudson and my dad having a blast strolling together on Lido Beach in the photo below.

Here are 10 things you’ve got to do when you visit…

Lace Mini Dress (under $30!) | Sunglasses

Sarasota Top 10

1. Lido Beach: This 15-acre beach is within walking distance from shopping and dining and offers some of the best swimming, surfing and kite-boarding conditions you’ll find in the region. It is also fun walk.
2. St. Armands Circle: A shopping/dining must! You’ll find super unique items (at a variety of price points) in this quaint circle. And the food… just swoon-worthy! Kilwins fudge/ice cream is to die for.
3. Walk/Run the Ringling Bridge: This offers great exercise and—in my opinion—the best view you can get of the city!
4. UTC: Mall-lovers meet your new best friend! The Mall at University Town Center boast more than 125 shops and is stunningly beautiful. You’ll feel luxurious just walking around!
5. Mote Marine Aquarium: You’ll learn a ton and come face to face with a variety of aquatic critters and leading marine researchers. Mote is also a working laboratory.
6. Stroll Main Street: Sarasota’s downtown is also very artistic and vibrant. You can expect a wide range of boutiques, restaurants and galleries.
7. Have lunch/dinner on Marina Jack’s outdoor patio: Marina Jack offers the best dining view you can get in the heart of Sarasota’s downtown. Even if it’s just drinks and appetizers, take advantage of this waterfront perspective and snap a few photos by the iconic “unconditional surrender” statue depicting a kissing sailor on V-J Day in Times Square. You’ll also see some massive yachts.
8. South Lido Beach: This beach offers an entirely different vibe. It’s great for picnicking, offers more shade and bird-watching/hiking opportunities. The crowds are thinner too, if Lido Beach is to bustling for your taste.
9. Big Cat Sanctuary: Tigers galore! This large-animal rescue center is a permanent sanctuary for a growing number of cats (and bears). This non-profit cares deeply about its mission.
10. Home tours: Sarasota boasts a lot of cutting-edge design and frequently has Parade of Homes or other home tours. If design interests you, take advantage of this! These multi-million dollar homes will offer plenty of inspiration. If you don’t have time to get inside, at least take a drive around some neighborhoods in the keys. The architecture is incredible! Bird Key is especially exquisite.