17 Vacation Outfit Ideas That Are Perfect For Any Getaway (2024)

17 Vacation Outfit Ideas That Are Perfect For Any Getaway (1)

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Heading somewhere warm? Once your flights are booked and your itinerary is planned, it's time to go shopping (naturally). While some vacation spots are fairly low-key—even the Ritz-Carlton in Hawaii has a "resort casual" dress code—others might require a bit more fuss. With enough planning, you'll have enough vacation outfit ideas to last you your entire trip and then some.

The trick is to bring a few key pieces—a silk midi skirt, some slipdresses, and a couple blazers—from which you can make a little vacation capsule wardrobe. If you're traveling somewhere tropical, it's easy to lean on flowy dresses and versatile, humidity-friendly separates that you can mix and match throughout the trip. Similarly, you can take notes from the fashion set and repurpose bathing suit tops and cover-ups as makeshift shirts and dresses, respectively. Even if your destination gets cool at night, we have area few ideas to keep you from getting chilly during your sunset beach strolls.

Ahead, 17 no-fail vacation outfits to pack for your next jet-set adventure.

Tie One On

Don't waste valuable vacation time fussing with your hair. Instead, tie a silk scarf around your head for an elevated take on beach hair.

Get the look: Gucci Silk Scarf, $510, mytheresa.com

Go Tonal

A yellow maxi skirt feels right at home with a banana-hued handbag.

Get the look: Christopher Esber Ribbed Knit Maxi Skirt, $350, mytheresa.com

Go with the Flow

A flowy button-down with similarly easy poly-blend pants are a no-brainer for vacation.

Get the look: Citizens of Humanity Kayla Oversized Cotton Shirt, $200, modaoperandi.com

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Get Groovy

Don't be afraid to have some fun with your resortwear: Instead of packing solely minimalist pieces, add in a few that really sing, like a groovy, swirled dress with cutouts.

Get the look: Zara Cut Out Jacquard Dress, $40, zara.com

Go Bold on Bottom

Here's your official reminder that accessories can make the outfit.

Get the look: Jimmy Choo Minea Woven Raffia Sandals, $575, saksfifthavenue.com

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Heavy Lifting

If you're headed somewhere with unpredictable weather, pack a heavy-weight sweater dress in a fun pastel hue and top it off with a broach or a belt for a little something extra.

Get the look: A.L.C. Clara Rib Knit Dress, $550, alc.com

Tourist Trap

Pair a fancy, frilly vacation dress with sneakers and minimal accessories for a look that unapologetically leans into the tourist vibe.

Get the look: Prada Neon Running Sneakers, $750, modaoperandi.com

Accessorize Well

Top off a breezy top and mid-length shorts with fun accessories like a beaded necklace or a mini basket bag in a contrasting hue.

Get the look: Balenciaga Bistro XXS Basket With Strap, $675, theyes.com

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Easy Flowing

A flowy maxi dress is always a good idea.

Get the look: Mara Hoffman Luz Coverup, $195, marahoffman.com

Slow Drape

Heading somewhere that gets chilly at night? Drape a sweater around your shoulders as part of your dinner look—then throw it on when you stroll down the beach past sunset.

Get the look: Max Mara Leisure Giorno Sweater, $227, mytheresa.com

Layer Up

If you prefer to layer up, add visual interest by tying a full-size silk scarf as a makeshift tube top over a lightweight base layer.

Get the look: Dior Oblique Diortwin Silk Scarf, $590, dior.com

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Matchy Matchy

Pack a matching floral outfit for a look that feels impactful when worn together, but works just as well when worn separately.

Get the look: Wray Gregory Top, $178, wray.nyc

Put a Blazer on It

Top off a typical maxi skirt-and-tank outfit with a blazer for a more elevated feel.

Get the look: The Frankie Shop Tansy Oversized Blazer, $285, thefrankieshop.com

Elevate Your Tank

Pair a basic, wear-anywhere white tank with a slip skirt and kitten heels for a look that feels sophisticated and casual all at once.

Get the look: Acler Lawton Draped Satin Midi Skirt, $295, modaoperandi.com

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Keep It Simple

When in doubt, remember that a silk midi dress is a one-step outfit you can't go wrong with.

Get the look: Olivia von Halle Bibi Printed Silk Crepe De Chine Nightdress, $315, net-a-porter.com

Go Long

Make a pair of straight-leg denim feel special by adding an open-button poplin shirt.

Get the look: L'Agence Cameron Linen Maxi Shirt Dress, $319, intermixonline.com

17 Vacation Outfit Ideas That Are Perfect For Any Getaway (2024)

FAQs

Which outfit is best for trip? ›

When traveling, it's important to choose clothing that's as comfortable and low-maintenance as possible. That said, we recommend clothes made of soft, sweat-wicking, and breathable fabrics such as cotton, polyester, linen, or wool.

How do I look classy when traveling? ›

Opt for Versatile and Comfortable Clothing

Opt for basics like stretchy jeans, leggings or travel-friendly trousers as a foundation. Pair them with blouses, tops, or sweaters in neutral tones, allowing you to effortlessly create stylish ensembles.

What should I wear on beach? ›

Choose a sporty swimsuit or bikini made of high-performance fabrics. It goes well with athletic shorts or leggings. For added support and comfort, layer a lightweight, moisture-wicking tank top or a sports bra. For beach volleyball or water sports, wear comfortable sneakers or water shoes.

How many outfits should I take on vacation? ›

Do the clothing countdown: If you need a mantra to help streamline your wardrobe, use the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rule for a weeklong trip: Limit yourself to no more than five sets of socks and underwear, four tops, three bottoms, two pairs of shoes and one hat. The list should be adjusted to suit your needs.

How many outfits do I need for a 7 day vacation? ›

As a general rule, it is a good idea to pack enough clothes for at least one change of clothing per day, plus a few extra items for contingencies. For a seven-day vacation, this would mean packing at least 7-8 outfits, plus additional items like swimsuits, workout clothes, and outerwear depending on your plans.

What is vacation casual attire? ›

The styles you'll find in a resort casual or informal atmosphere are similar to what you'd find at popular breakfast and lunch spots. You can comfortably wear swimsuit coverups, jeans, capris, and shorts with a t-shirt or polo.

What is vacation casual dress? ›

In resort casual attire, comfort and sophistication go hand in hand. For tops, think polo shirts, Hawaiian shirts, breezy blouses, or a light cardigan. Men might lean towards a polo shirt, button-down, or collared shirt, while women can opt for a summer dress or tank top.

How can I look gorgeous and elegant? ›

  1. Classic styles win over trendy items.
  2. Drape in luxury fabrics like cashmere, satin or silk.
  3. Good accessories are important. Sunglasses, watches, handbags, scarves.
  4. Age-appropriate dressing will add to your elegance.

Which color dress looks good on beach? ›

Best Colors to Wear to the Beach

that are loose, airy, and lightly colored, such as whites, light grays, corals, yellows, or powder blue. Think pastels but don't get stuck on hues that are really washed out. Feel free to be brave when working with this color palette.

What kind of shoes to wear on the beach? ›

“A good beach sandal should be lightweight, waterproof, and durable,” says podiatrist Dr. Saylee Tulpule of Foot and Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic. "It's rather difficult to walk on uneven sand, so I usually recommend beach sandals that have straps around the ankle for better stability." Podiatrist Dr.

What color would be better to wear at the beach? ›

Whites and Neutrals: These colors will keep you cool in the hot climate and will also highlight the blue of the ocean. White is a common choice for beach photoshoots as it gives a clean and fresh look. Neutral tones like beige, cream, and khaki can also work well, especially if you want a more natural, organic look.

How many outfits to pack for 1 week vacation? ›

For a week-long trip, pack up to five tops, four bottoms, three accessories, two pairs of shoes, and one swimsuit. Lay out what you think you'll need, then edit.

How many clothes should you pack for a week vacation? ›

Pack complimenting clothing.

I have a simple equation for a week of packing – three tops and three pants that all must match each other. This way I get nine outfits from six articles of clothing! Throw in a little black dress, and you're ready to take on any destination.

What should I wear to the airport for vacation? ›

Summary of What to Wear to the Airport
  • Well-fitted foundation of pants or leggings.
  • Lightweight, breathable t-shirt.
  • Lightweight knit sweater.
  • Roomy cardigan.
  • Travel wrap.
  • Slip-on sneakers.
  • Comfortable loafers.
  • Low-heeled ankle boots.
Sep 7, 2023

How many outfits do you need for a 2 week vacation? ›

There is no way you will be able to go on a 2 week trip with a carry-on if this is how you travel. Plan to wear every outfit at least 3 or 4 times. I pack scarves and jewelry to change my look so my outfit appears different in pictures. Pack neutral items that go well with everything and are classic pieces.

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