Have a vacation booked for 2025? The only thing more exciting than heading on your getaway is planning the cute outfits you’ll wear! If you need some inspo, you’ll find it here!
Vacation Outfit Ideas We’re Swooning Over
Whether you’re embarking on a weekend trip or an extended tropical vacation, the outfits packed for a beach vacation should feel fun and effortless. Trust me, the last thing you want on a relaxing trip is to feel panicked that you have nothing to wear!
I always like to plan ahead and lay out my looks so I’m not feeling frustrated on vacation. And, I love looking at articles just like this one for extra inspo!
To give you ideas for your future trips, I’ve created and sourced some of the cutest vacation outfits for women. Below you’ll find styles I’ve worn on recent trips, plus covetable looks from my favorite fashion girls that are easy to pack and recreate.
Tank dress, slip-on sandals + tote bag.
get the look:
My number one must-have for a beach vacation (besides swimwear) is an easy dress I can style in multiple ways. This ribbed dress from Quince is one I know I’ll feel cute and comfortable in, plus it’s cotton cashmere blend is light enough for humid island weather. I style it with sandals, cool sunglasses (my Celine sunnies were a worthy splurge but these are a great affordable alternative!), a straw tote bag, and my favorite gold jewelry.
Packing a versatile dress is key! Carefree dresses like this one will be the ones you reach for the most since they can be worn with heels, sandals, or sneakers (depending on the occasion). I wore mine out for dinner, but I can also style it as a beach cover-up or for daytime activities.
Contrasting cover-up.
get the look:
I love adding a playful touch to my beach or lakeside outfit with mismatched pieces, like a striped button-down and bright pink boxer shorts. Pull-on boxer shorts are another must-have piece for my vacation wardrobe since they make the perfect cover-up.
I also love bringing this cozy cardigan sweater on vacation for cooler evenings. And, don’t forget a beach bag! This Anine Bing straw bag is one I take on all warm-weather getaways since it effortlessly stores all my beach trip essentials.
Poplin skirt, bodysuit + heeled sandals.
get the look:
This next vacation outfit is perfect if you have any dressier occasions planned, like winery trips, fancy dinners, or even wedding events. Create the look for yourself with a poplin skirt and a form-fitting tank top or bodysuit. I style this look with heeled sandals and a luxe crossbody bag, but you can easily opt for flat sandals to keep the look more casual.
Style tip: Forgot to pack a bodysuit? Most one-piece swimsuits can be worn as a makeshift bodysuit.
White shorts, tank top + sandals.
get the look:
When I’m packing for a warm-weather trip, I include lots of minimal, neutral pieces that are easy to style for multiple occasions.
Off-white shorts and an open knit tank top, for instance, are simple, chic, and airy (a perfect combination for hot days). These comfortable slides from Chloé give any outfit a more polished feel and are a great choice if you’re traveling light—they go with everything!
Summer stripes.
get the look:
Is there anything more nautical than blue and white stripes? Packing a lightweight striped button-down and cotton shorts is a vacation requirement for me, especially if I’m hanging by the water or have planned any boat days.
These pieces feel so easygoing. I love throwing them over my Hunza G one-piece swimsuit and styling with dainty jewelry for a one-and-done outfit.
Colorful dress + clutch.
shop dresses:
Tropical vacations are the perfect time to pull out the colorful maxi dresses you don’t get to wear regularly. For an evening look, consider lightweight fabrics, tropical prints, and breezy silhouettes that scream vacation.
Tinsley nailed the vibe with this gorgeous one-shoulder silk dress she wore while in Greece. With sandals and a raffia clutch, you’re ready for a magical night out.
Cool in crochet.
shop crochet sets:
If your vacation includes endless beach and pool time, then be sure to pack plenty of crochet.
This staple summer fabric makes for the ideal cover-up that can be worn while lounging poolside with a sunhat and bikini or dressed up with chunky sandals and a straw bag for a casual lunch. Whether you go for crochet shorts, a knit dress, or a matching set is totally up to you.
Beachy accessories.
One thing I love about tropical vacations is getting to wear fun, beachy accessories. For example, I love how Kaylee dressed up this simple white set with cute flower hair clips, a sunny yellow bag, a seashell necklace, and platform sandals. Beachy shell bags and statement earrings make for another perfect vacay pairing.
Style tip: Since accessories are small and easy to pack, they’re a great way to jazz up simple outfits while saving precious suitcase space!
Silk pants + oversized shirt.
To survive hot, humid weather in style, be sure to bring plenty of breathable linen shirts, airy dresses, and lightweight silk pants. Yes, silk deserves a spot in your vacation wardrobe! This natural material helps regulate body temperature and keep you cool, even when the sun is at its highest.
Felicity’s Toteme silk trousers (one of my personal faves) are stunning. If you don’t have the budget for Toteme, these Quince ones are just as beautiful and give the same effect when styled with a swimsuit and oversized shirt.
When on vacation, I’m of the mindset that the bigger the straw bag, the better! Bring a large enough basket (like this luxe Loewe Bag) to easily store your book, sunscreen, cover-ups, and any other poolside essentials.
Sporty sets.
shop sporty sets:
To nail that cool-girl aesthetic on your trip, try incorporating athletic-inspired styles into your vacation wardrobe.
Terry cloth cover-ups and retro sets, like this Adidas one Jessica sports, are so easy to wear with sandals and a swimsuit whenever you’re heading to the beach or pool. Plus, they can be repurposed throughout your trip as a throw-on-and-go breakfast outfit or travel ‘fit.
Seaside sequins.
No matter what your vacation entails, there is bound to be at least one night when you get all dressed up. So why not make the most of it? Complement your radiant new tan with a sparkly party dress—I could not be more in love with this Bardot sequin dress Mobina wore on her Mexico vacation.
This party-ready dress makes a major statement, so keep the rest of the outfit simple with neutral accessories and minimal jewelry.
Printed skirt, tank top + wide-brim hat.
I’ll be recreating this look for my next trip! My favorite vacation outfits style everyday basics with standout pieces like fun printed skirts to create the perfect effortless vibe.
Zoe, the queen of chic summer outfits, styled a printed maxi skirt from Dissh with a cropped tank and simple sandals. Opt for a lightweight cotton or linen maxi for ultimate vacay vibes. Add a large sun hat (this Lack of Color one is so dreamy) and gold bangles, and you’ll look good without even trying.
Easy pants, white tee + chunky sandals.
This laid-back vacation look is everything.
Whether you’re heading to Hawaii or visiting Europe’s finest beach towns, this outfit works for any warm-weather trip. All you need is your favorite white tee shirt or tank top and a pair of loose drawstring pants—I love the neutral color of these ones!
Chunky sandals like these that are comfortable enough to walk in, luxury sunglasses, and a straw bag complete the look.
Slip skirt + bikini.
Styling a slip skirt with a bikini top captures that bohemian island energy we all try to emulate on vacation. Wearing a bright color skirt (like this gorgeous green one) makes a bold impact, so I’d keep the rest of the look pared-back with a white bikini and neutral sandals. A silk head scarf protects your scalp from the sun while adding to the boho aesthetic.
This vacation outfit is so cute for Mexico, Bali, Thailand, or Hawaii! But you could wear it on any tropical trip. For an evening version, swap the bikini for a flowy top and slip into a pair of espadrille wedges.
Linen pants, strapless top + chic accessories.
If your vacation aesthetic is chic and tailored, then this next look is for you.
A pair of lightweight linen trousers is another must-have on my packing list (especially when modest resorts or restaurants are on the itinerary). They’re elevated and—despite the length—keep you cool in hot weather.
I love how Anastasia styled hers with this black corset, sandals, and a By Far bag when visiting the 30A in Florida. The corset is great for a dinner date, but any tank or strapless top will have a similar effect.
Breezy set + gold accessories.
Two-piece sets make the easiest (and chicest) vacation outfits. I always pack at least one matching set in my suitcase, which I can mix and match with other items throughout my trip.
Because island vacations are typically hot and humid, opt for a lightweight linen or cotton set that you can dress up or down (try these pants and this matching shirt). I love how Onke styled her striped set with gold accessories and flat sandals for an easy everyday look with just a hint of glam.
Mini skort, thong sandals + basic tee.
Not every one of your vacation outfits needs to have bold patterns or bright colors—sometimes simple is best.
I’m obsessed with the toned-back ‘90s vibes in this look. Not only is this outfit perfect for exploring cobblestone streets or grabbing a bite to eat in a new city, but you can also rewear it post-vacation.
Create the look with a white mini skort (look for a cotton or linen fabric) paired with an airy black t-shirt and strappy kitten heels. A spacious shoulder bag, trendy sunglasses, and a glowing tan pull everything together.
Style tip: For a worry-free outfit, opt for a mini skort instead of a skirt!
If you loved this article, don’t miss 31+ Elegant Vacation Nails You’ll Love For Your Next Getaway!
