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

After six seasons as chief stewardess, it’s safe to say Kate Chastain is well-versed in traveling — especially when packing and knowing how to strategically organize everything.

Ahead of jetting off to Europe, the Below Deck alum chatted with 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 caftan, a long maxi dress, some wedge heels, and you could pretty much go anywhere,” she says.

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

Below, find more of Chastain’s must-have travel essentials, along with a few styles inspired by each of them.  

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

Her current purse of choice is this denim Rebecca Minkoff bag that’s decorated with gold celestial studs, but we found a similar option for just $25.

Chastain is trading her polos and epaulets for caftan dresses, which she calls her “go-to” for all occasions. “It can be dressed up, it can be dressed down. It's easy, it's breezy. It's one piece, but it's still kind of fancy.” 

Another style she’ll always pack? A maxi dress, specifically one with spaghetti straps in a solid color. She’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. 

As a Florida native, Chastain believes flip-flops “get a bad rap,” noting that she likes backless sandals. “ -

'Our Hero': Jennifer Lopez Posts,...

I think this is also from yachting, like when you're jumping on and off the boat, who has time to do a back strap?”

If you’re looking for an affordable option to slip on and off easily like her, these Havaianas flip-flops are on sale for as little as $14 right now at Amazon, and a pair of Birkenstocks are going for just $80.

Chastain called espadrilles “the denim of a shoe,” meaning they go with almost everything. She says she just got a pair of Stella McCartney lace-up wedges that she’ll wear all summer. For a more budget-friendly option, try this pretty style from Amazon that is under $50, or pick up these popular Soludos espadrilles.

Chastain is currently traveling with her favorite Louis Vuitton tote bag, which she says sometimes doubles as a diaper bag for her son, Sullivan Cay. Her tip for choosing a good tote? “Just get anything that'll fit a laptop, your smaller bag, and a book; just all of your stuff.”

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

One of Chastain’s first jobs was working at a surf shop in Florida, so she’s “well versed in the bikini world.” Similar to her go-to 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 of our other favorite black bikinis below.

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

Follow Us

What the Pentagon Has Learned? Are UFOs ,...