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As we eagerly wait for the sun to set later and later each day, many of us find ourselves looking forward to the much-awaited arrival of warmer days. With the prospect of sun-kissed days, spring break, and beach vacations, in general, becoming more realistic each day, planning our wardrobes is a great way to get into the spirit and turn our excitement into productivity!
Despite the excitement, it’s no secret that packing for any trip is a task always accompanied by a touch of stress – between learning to pack light, remembering to bring everything we need, and planning our effortlessly chic looks for the beachside soirée, there are many things to consider.
Navigating the wardrobe selection process can obviously be overwhelming – not to mention those of us who have to plan and pack for our families as well! At the end of the day, a good vacation wardrobe strikes a balance between style and comfort, all while considering important factors like the sand, sea, and the sun. Easier said than done? Maybe. Possible? Definitely!
The truth is, planning a vacation wardrobe gets easier once you know which style you’re going for. To help you achieve your dream beach wardrobe, I’ve put together a list of 10 beach vacation outfits, complete with accessories, dinner looks, beach ensembles, and more.
From tackling beachside days to special dinners and excursions, these looks will have you covered for whatever your relaxing time away might bring. Get your packing list ready!
1. maxi cover-up dress + one-piece swimsuit + sandals + wicker or straw handbag
dress | swimsuit | sandals | bag
Did anybody say anything about chic beach outfits? You might be enjoying your time in your tropical getaway, but that doesn’t mean you have to leave your style at home.
When it comes to the beach, loose two-piece sets are great – but vacation dresses are better! This gorgeous maxi cover-up dress is the center of this look, keeping you ready for the day’s adventures while still sporting a flawlessly tropical look.
Underneath, this one piece swimsuit continues to impress. Featuring a belted waist for an ultra-flattering fit and rib fabric, this bathing suit keeps you supported and comfortable as you enjoy your sun-filled getaway.
For accessories, this mini ark handbag by Cult Gaia is a great way to incorporate a stylish accessory while also keeping your look functional for the beach. Featuring the brand’s signature cage silhouette, this bag is perfect for keeping your essentials visible and within reach throughout the day.Â
For shoes, trade in your leather boots and comfy pair of sneakers for these Tory Burch cloud sandals to keep you extra comfortable as you continue to explore, while also adding yet another layer of elegant style to your ensemble.
2. long beach shirt + straw hat + one-piece swimsuit + slide sandal
long shirt | hat | swimsuit | sandals
Having a good-quality, versatile cover-up is a must for any beach vacation, and this style is a particularly great option to consider bringing along.
Made from a linen-cotton blend, this long beach shirt keeps you protected from the elements while contributing its own classy flair. Able to be styled in a ton of different ways, this cover-up is also a great addition to any compact vacation wardrobe for variety during your stay.Â
This one-piece swimsuit is a look of its own, with gorgeous rope and gold accents that bring their own tropical, chic feel. Fully lined and featuring a full-coverage cut, this bathing suit is perfect for bridging the gap between style and comfort.Â
When your looks are going to be as simple as a swimsuit and a cover-up, accessories are especially useful for adding a dose of your personal style to your outfit. Here, this sun hat complements the bathing suit perfectly with its understated sprinkle of color, while these slide sandals stay on the tropical theme and bring the elements of this outfit together.
3. one-piece swimsuit + cover-up pants + flip flops + straw tote
swimsuit | pants | flip flops | tote
This bathing suit has earned its fair share of rave reviews from customers, and it is not hard to get why. Featuring a v-neck detail and front ruching, the intentional design details behind this one piece make for an ultra-flattering fit and unmatched support.
Convertible, adjustable straps make it easy for this piece to adapt to your specific needs; able to be worn both normally and with the straps crossing on the back, this bathing suit can adjust to offer both normal and extra support.
For those who love neutrals but still want to integrate a little bit of color into their vacation wardrobe, this khaki color is also easily integrated into a neutral palette while still steering away from beiges and creams.
On top, these beach cover-up pants are the perfect piece to throw on any time of day, whether you are headed to the beach or back to your room for a midday vacation nap. Lightweight and easy to match with various other pieces throughout your trip, these pants are likely to come with you to every beach vacation you go on!
A big straw tote is a beach vacation must – large enough to fit all of your essentials throughout the day and cute enough for cute beachfront snaps! Made for the beach, these flip-flops keep you comfortable as you walk around all day on their quilted footbed.Â
4. linen beach shirt + one-piece swimsuit + flip flops + sunglasses + straw bag
beach shirt | swimsuit | flip flops | sunglasses | bag
White linen shirts or longer cover-ups are all the rage for their incredible versatility and instant chic flair. While I certainly recommend taking one of those with you, switching it up with another neutral – but different – shade is a fun way to keep your vacation wardrobe interesting.
Made from a linen-cotton blend, this long beach shirt is just as versatile and elegant, contrasting beautifully with lighter-colored swimsuits and accessories.Â
Pair it with this cross-back one-piece suit in white for a simple but show-stopping ensemble. Lined and featuring full back coverage, this bathing suit also features a deep v-neckline, sculpting banding at the front, and great support.Â
As for accessories, this straw beach bag keeps this outfit on theme with its subtle tropical charm, while a big pair of brown sunglasses keeps you comfortable and chic wherever you go. For shoes, these white flip-flops will do the trick to keep your feet away from hot surfaces and your outfits looking complete.
5. crochet cover-up dress + one-piece swimsuit + straw hat + jute tote + flip flops
dress | swimsuit | hat | tote | flip flops
Specifically designed for a figure-shaping, flattering fit, this bathing suit offers plenty of support through its asymmetrical neckline and angled mesh insets. Included to sculpt and smooth, this suit will keep you feeling as good as you look.
If you want to show off your favorite swimsuit, then this beach dress is the perfect way to do it. This crochet dress is a stunning way to elevate your outfit for a special day at the beach, from taking sunset portraits to visiting jaw-dropping sights, while still making for an effortless look. Breathable and fashion-forward, this piece gives you the option of some coverage while keeping you cool and stylish.
Accessorize with this wide-brim brown hat for a touch of elegance and style. Beyond matching your bathing suit and tying the outfit together, this hat also provides some much-needed shade from the sun whenever you want.
For accessories, this large jute tote fits the tropical beach aesthetic and keeps your valuables at hand throughout the day. From sunscreen bottles to books, sunglasses, and cover-ups, you’ll have everything you need within reach. For shoes, opt for some simple water-proof flip flops for equal parts comfort and functionality.Â
6. maxi dress + sandals + wicker, straw, or raffia bag
On vacation, long days at the beach are ideally followed by a quick afternoon nap and a nice dinner to close out the day. While we love dressing to enjoy our time under the sun, it’s important to remember a few pieces for the nighttime – whether it be a nice dinner with your family or a fun show, there is always something to do after the sun sets.
Lightweight dresses and the perfect style choice after a long day under the sun, and this colorful, maxi dress proves it. Flowy, comfortable, and fun, this stunning piece embodies true summer style in an easy outfit that looks like a lot more effort than it is – what could be better than that on vacation?
For shoes, I recommend going with a pair of quality, breezy sandals that can work with most of the outfits that you are bringing along. Whether that requires a more neutral color or a cleaner silhouette, small considerations like these go a long way in optimizing our travel wardrobes. On that same note, accessorize with a wicker bag for an easy dose of style.Â
7. cotton dress + hair clip + sandals + straw tote
dress | hair clip | sandals | tote
Perfect for a nice lunch or dinner during your vacation, this next easy look is truly foolproof for a number of occasions during your time away. This blue, lightweight cotton dress kicks things off with its comfortable, loose silhouette and boxier fit.
Nobody should have to sacrifice comfort on their vacation – which is why these cloud sandals are the perfect shoe option for this look. Comfortable, classy, and versatile, these flip-flops can be easily paired with a variety of different outfits for a chic touch every time.Â
Taking care of our hair during vacation can be another hassle, which is why easy up-dos and quick fixes are necessary if we want to enjoy our time stress-free. This simple gold-toned hair clip kills two birds with one stone, keeping your hair out of your way while also dressing up your look.Â
For your bag, this pompom straw tote is great at all times of the day, easily transitioning between the beach, restaurants, and the pool while keeping you fashionable.Â
8. two-piece swimsuit + beach shorts + straw clutch + slide sandals + hair clipÂ
bikini | shorts | clutch | sandals | hair clip
If you love a high-waisted bikini, this two-piece swimsuit is just the thing for you. Made from thick, supportive crinkle-stretch fabric, this bathing suit stretches along with your natural curves while plush seams keep it from digging into your skin.
A twist top at the front gives off a charming look, and high-waisted bottoms that are cut high on the thigh make for a cheeky fit on the back. Designed to fit sizes 2-12, this bathing suit is ideal for those with smaller busts as it can provide light to medium support in front.
While denim shorts are go-to styles for summer, they are not always the ideal choice for the beach. Hard to slip on and off and definitely not quick-drying, thick denim fabric is better kept for sand-less warm days.
Instead, for a quick and efficient cover-up, these lightweight beach shorts are the way to go. Super easy to slide on, these shorts feature a cute fit and a flattering ruffled waistband – a vacation staple! This cute straw clutch matches beautifully with this look while keeping your belongings safe.Â
To dress up your look throughout the day, try a pair of these sport slide sandals for true comfort and an elevated feel, as well as a matching hair clip for practicality and style alike.Â
9. poplin skirt + pleated top + slide sandal + hair clip + hoop earrings
skirt | top | sandals | hair clip | earrings
For another more dressed-up dinner option, this outfit is a great look to pack for a couple of reasons. Beyond working beautifully on its own, these versatile, staple pieces can also be easily paired with your other tops, bottoms, bathing suits, and accessories.
This poplin skirt keeps things breezy and chic at all times of the day, while this pleated top effortlessly dresses up your final look.
For shoes, these slide sandals seamlessly dress up this otherwise monochrome look with a summery flair. Your straw clutch accessorizes this look beautifully, while delicate gold touches in your hair clip and earrings make for an added feminine touch.
10. one-piece swimsuit + beach shorts + linen cover-up shirt + flip flops + sunglasses + baseball capÂ
swimsuit | shorts | shirt | flip flops | sunglasses | cap
Cool, laid-back beach style doesn’t have to be boring, and it’s definitely not hard to achieve, either! This casual look is the perfect go-to look for a truly relaxed vacation day – of course, while still keeping style in mind.
Start with this one-piece black swimsuit for a sleek, flattering base that keeps you comfortable and looking incredible as you lounge. On top, enter these striped beach shorts for maximum comfort; the perfect way of bringing a subtle hint of color and pattern to this black and white ensemble. Flattering and easy to wear with anything, these shorts quickly slide on and off as you spend your day moving in and out of the water.Â
Layer a classic oversized linen shirt on top. Whether you leave it open or partially buttoned, this piece is truly effortless when it comes to elevating a simple look. Roll up your sleeves, adjust your collar, and there you go!Â
A faded baseball cap adds both sun protection and a modern, relaxed touch to your outfit, while these flip-flops and sunglasses tie it all together with their black accents.Â
Crafting the Perfect Beach Vacation OutfitsÂ
At the end of the day, the right beach-day outfits for you are the ones that make you feel most comfortable and confident, ready to enjoy a hot day under the sun in the best way you know how. Whether that means strappy sandals, floral prints, or understated neutrals, your vacation style is yours to create and rock with confidence.
With enough planning and thought, packing for a beach vacation should be nothing more than an exciting way to anticipate your relaxing time away. After all, dressing well for the beach is about reflecting the laid-back beauty of your surroundings.
Keeping in mind a few quick tips and tricks is all you need to truly facilitate this process, making it more enjoyable than stressful when it comes down to actually packing your bags.
Things like keeping your color palette neutral, opting for pieces you can mix and match, and choosing versatile accessories can have a real impact on how your vacation wardrobe turns out.
For those who are extra anxious about the packing process, breaking it down into steps is also a great way to tackle this task. Visualizing outfits in graphics, Pinterest boards, or Instagram posts, for example, can really help you to hone down your style preferences for you vacation and start planning accordingly.
Need help to hone in on your personal style? I created a resource for you that will help you build a wardrobe completely from scratch – from discovering your personal style to choosing the right colors, and more!
So, it’s finally your time to shine! Get ready to pack those chic cover-ups, grab your beach hat, and slip into those comfortable sandals to enjoy your well-deserved moments of seaside peace. Your next beach vacation anxiously awaits – here’s to sun-soaked days and making a splash in style.
Not ready to give up your neutrals? Even on a beach vacation? Here are 8 Tricks to Make Wearing Black in Summer Chic and Comfortable!
