It’s that time of year again where the sun is peeking out and I’m starting to pull together travel plans with family and friends. On the list so far: Palm Springs in April with Joey and a bunch of Italian cities plus Marrakech with my Aunt Shannon in October. Inevitably, as I think about traveling and what to pack, swimsuits are on my mind.

Swimsuits are that one piece in my wardrobe that I never think about in daily life (I’m in Portland and don’t have a pool, after all) but when I travel, there’s usually a hotel pool or beach nearby.

Wherever I go, I always throw a basic black swimsuit in my suitcase, even when I think I won’t need it. Any time I have forgotten to pack one, I’ve always regretted it! Case in point: that time Gala and I went to Iceland in Winter (hey, the tickets were cheap!) and caught a tour bus to the Blue Lagoon during a snowstorm. I’d forgotten my swimsuit and had to squeeze into her spare too-small, brightly patterned Forever 21 bikini while the more prepared women in our changing room slipped into solid black, practical one-pieces. I took one look in the mirror and it was hilarious and awkward all at the same time!

Even though I know a basic black swimsuit will serve me much better over time and always goes with whatever wacky accessories I pair with it, let’s get real here: it’s so easy to get shiny object syndrome as you’re scrolling through websites and end up with a suit covered in a garish galaxy print, neon patterns or ironic slogans (please tell me I’m not the only one). In contrast, a black swimsuit is sophisticated, works in any environment and never looks dated.

Here are a few of my picks of the season:

1. Mesh rash guard, 2. mesh panel swimsuit, 3. cut-out swimsuit, 4. plunging back swimsuit, 5. fishnet cover-up, 6. mock-neck bikini top, 7. stripe trim bikini top and 8. Warhol palm swimsuit.

P.S. See that swimsuit in the top photo? It was a total score from ASOS a few years back that I sadly forgot in a Palm Springs hotel room! Still searching a replacement…let me know if you spot something similar!