The hardest part of planning for a vacation is packing. There sits an empty suitcase just begging the question: what to wear in Florida?

The thought of Florida is often closely associated with heat. Some might imagine the beautiful Florida beaches. Most, though, don’t think about Florida’s rain. That’s why it’s important to plan out what to wear.

Sure, for the most part, we wear tank-tops and flip-flops. On the other hand, there are times when we need a little more than that.

What to Wear in Florida by the Season

When deciding what to wear, the first thing to consider is the weather. The climate in Florida is hot and humid. The air will be thick with moisture. It also means that we're big fans of AC.

The Dry Season in Florida

While most of the country has four seasons, and some places have cold or hot seasons, Florida has wet and dry seasons. These are otherwise known as beach or hurricane season. Let's start with the best to wear during beach season.

Cover Ups for Cooling Down

Yes, it’s hot in Florida. Yes, that does make less clothing more attractive. However, don't you know that the best way to beat the heat is to cover up?

A thin linen overshirt protects the skin from the sun while allowing a breeze in for cooling down. Cover-ups are also useful for battling the bugs. We know that long sleeves don’t seem like ideal clothing for the dry season, but when the mosquitos come out, they have their benefits.

Flip-flops for Fashion

Flip-flops are the best shoe choice for a Floridian vacation to beat the heat. Of course, we can also wear shoes and socks, though, at times, they create too much insulation for the humid Florida heat. If you're about to do long days of walking, wearing sandals can be a better idea.

Keep Your Garments Breezy

Cotton and linen are our best friends. These fabrics help keep us cool in the hot Florida sun. They won’t take up a lot of room when packing either. So, when deciding on what to wear in Florida, better grab something light and breezy.

Big Hats or Small Hats

Giant sun hats have taken over beaches everywhere. It’s not just a beauty trend either. Large hats block out the sun, protecting the face from wrinkles and keeping eyes sharp.

For those that aren’t fans of big hats, protection is still needed. An old baseball cap can be nice, but any small hat will do the trick.

Protect Your Eyes from the Sun

Florida is a lot closer to the equator, which means it's closer to the sun. Being in such a hot and sunny place isn’t just a problem for the skin, the eyes are at higher risk too. To avoid damaging your eyes from too much sun exposure in Florida, don't forget to wear your polarized sunglasses.

The Wetter Half of the Year

Just because some people call it hurricane season doesn’t mean there are actually going to be hurricanes all the time -- the potential for big storms is just higher.

Don’t worry though, it’s still warm and beautiful here in Florida during the wet season. Since it’s the off-season, it's a much better time to visit the state without worrying about the crowds of tourists ruining your day.

Dry Bag with Emergency Towel

Packing a dry bag for wet season vacation is another important factor to consider, as is a waterproof smartphone case.

Considering all the outdoor sports we have in Florida, a waterproof smartphone case is a smart choice during any season. It would be terrible to have a day of deep-sea fishing ruined by a waterlogged phone.

Florida Clothing During Hurricane Season Means Rain Gear

I know that rain gear isn’t what most people think about when they’re deciding what to wear in Florida. That might end up being a big mistake, though.

While rain often passes as quickly as it comes, the wet season can bring its long stretches of strong storms. Even the short burst can leave us soaked, so having a plan for dealing with the downpours is essential.

Consider bringing a lightweight rain jacket. To keep things more compact while packing, consider a poncho. It packs up tightly and will keep things dry. Bringing along an umbrella can be a good idea, though I should warn you that if the winds pick up, it might not work as intended.

Don’t forget about shoes. Florida may not seem like boot country, but in the wet season, it’s a good idea. With lower temperatures, there’s no need to worry about overheating from this layer of protection. The best part is they keep our feet dry when puddles abound.

Consider the Locals' Customs

Packing for your trip to Florida can be a bit overwhelming with all that you need to consider.

When deciding what to wear in Florida, consider the weather, what you’ll be doing and how the locals dress.

Knowing the locals' customs will help you greatly when it comes time to ask yourself what to wear in Florida, so don’t be afraid to ask friends who have visited or do a bit of research on the internet.

When it comes to clothing, you'll need something made with the right materials that can protect you from the sun and mosquitoes. Check out some of these lightweight graphic t-shirts that can surely help you blend in with the locals of Florida.