Summer is approaching, and if you’re planning a vacation, you’ll need vacation attire. After all, aren’t attractive vacation clothing one of the benefits of going on vacation? I’m not sure about you, but I get as enthusiastic about putting together vacation looks as I do about the actual trip.
If you’re seeking for inspiration and want to start preparing some killer outfits, I’ve got you covered with wardrobe ideas for sightseeing, beaches, vacation dinners, and more. Plus, read on for my top packing advice and the five fashion must-haves to pack for your summer vacation that are both practical and attractive.
Summer Vacation Packing Tips
- Stick to a single color scheme. While it may be tempting to pack a variety of colors and prints for a vacation, aim to pick mostly apparel from the same color family. This allows you to mix and match your clothing, and you’ll end up packing less if you can wear your items interchangeably. And, by the way, this doesn’t mean you have to wear neutrals (though I do enjoy a good neutral color palette); you can still wear vibrant colors, but choose hues and prints that can be worn together and have a similar vibe.
- Pack multifunctional parts. I know this can be difficult because many of us (myself included) have a propensity to want to bring every latest, stylish, and sometimes impractical clothing item with us, but try to select for more practical things, especially if you have limited suitcase room. Basics are essential for traveling, such as a plain white t-shirt, a simple black dress, a classic pair of jeans or jean shorts, and so on.
- Check the forecast ahead of time! You could have been so preoccupied planning your attractive vacation attire that you didn’t think about the weather before packing. I recommend always bringing at least one sweater/jacket (even if you’re going to a hot destination) and closed-toe shoes just in case!
- Comfortable footwear is essential. If you’re going on a trip that will require a lot of walking, sightseeing, and/or a historic area (read: old, broken sidewalks), leave your stiletto heels at home. Sky-high heels, as cute as they look, aren’t as practical as flat sandals or sneakers—and they’re certainly not as comfortable. You don’t want to be uncomfortable on your journey (or risk twisting an ankle), so choose comfy, functional shoes that you can rely on.
Mini Dress Summer Vacation Outfit
Is this an absolute must-have for summer vacation? A soft little dress. When it’s hot outside, it’s one of the greatest ways to combat the heat in style.
This casual, airy babydoll dress is ultra-lightweight and can be dressed up or down, making it perfect for packing for a vacation. You can also go for a printed little dress, but a solid color, such as white, will provide you the most styling possibilities if you’re trying to pack light and want to re-wear your clothes during your vacation.
If you intend to explore a new place while on vacation, match the dress with some white low-top sneakers to ensure a comfortable walk. These sleek kicks may be worn with a wide variety of outfits, making them extremely flexible.
Add a summery touch to your wardrobe with a woven jute tote bag and elegant oval sunglasses. Don’t forget to include a claw hair clip (this olive green one matches the tote bag well), which will be your best friend on hot days when you want to wear your hair up.
White Pants Summer Vacation Outfit
Nothing beats some lightweight, loose-fitting linen or cotton pants in the summertime. They’re incredibly simple to put on and can be dressed up or down for endless effortless outfits.
This gauzy cotton pair has a drawcord waist (so it’ll almost feel like you’re wearing sweats!) They are available in a variety of hues, but traditional white is a must-have for summer. Wear these as a swimsuit cover-up, with tank tops, going-out outfits, or even a knit cardigan for a breezy night at the beach.
Wear the pants with a cropped tube top and layers of gold jewelry, such as this multi-strand necklace. A pair of raffia sandals completes this sunny look, which would be perfect for a restaurant supper.
Maxi Skirt Summer Vacation Outfit
Long skirts are a big trend this season, and they’re another easy, adaptable garment to pack in your suitcase and dress in a variety of ways.
Wear a linen blend maxi skirt with a matching sleeveless crop top for a sophisticated vacation style that can be worn both day and night. A pair of chunky flat shoes adds a stylish, modern vibe to the outfit—but if you want to dress up for the evening, change them out for some low-heeled sandals.
Add a straw handbag (a summery must-have), gold jewelry, and a pair of slender oval-shaped sunglasses for an extra elegant look.
Denim Shorts Summer Vacation Outfit
Nothing says “summertime” like a classic pair of denim shorts! I’m sure you don’t need me to remind you how important they are for your summer wardrobe, but even having (or packing) just one pair will provide you with numerous outfit options.
Wear your jean shorts with a crochet crop top for a bohemian look—crochet is one of this season’s trendiest fashion trends and the ideal lightweight knit for summer.
Add some layered gold necklaces (available in a compact three-pack) and retro-looking aviator sunglasses with tinted lenses to your style. This outfit goes well with almost every type of footwear, from sneakers to sandals. Still, comfy, sporty sandals like these Teva Midforms are an especially good choice for travel because they may get wet, and their neutral off-white color will complement the majority of the other apparel you carry.
Beach Summer Vacation Outfit
Do you have any plans to visit the beach (or lake or pool) this summer? If so, you’ll need a lovely beach cover-up to go with your bikini, and this is the ideal way to embrace the season’s crochet trend.
I adore this crochet lace swim cover-up dress with bell sleeves and a sheer design; it’s pretty meets boho and would make you look stunning at the beach.
Wear it over any swimsuit of your choosing; this brown bralette bikini top and matching bottom have crochet trimming for an added adorable element that will look great with the dress.
Don’t forget to pack some fashionable sunglasses and waterproof slide sandals (my personal favorites are the Birkenstock Arizona Eva sandals).
Beach-to-Street Summer Vacation Outfit
Let’s be honest: one beach outfit isn’t going to be enough! And because you don’t have access to your entire wardrobe at home while on vacation, you should pack multi-functional clothing pieces that can be worn in a variety of ways and for different activities.
A long button-down shirt made of a lightweight material, such as cotton, can be worn as a dress, shirt, or beach cover-up, making it an excellent vacation choice. Wear it over your bikini and a pair of high-waisted denim shorts for a look that can go from the beach to the street.
Consider a one-piece swimsuit rather than a bikini because it may be worn as a bodysuit with shorts, jeans, or pants. This sparkling gold one-piece has fashionable side cutouts and UPF 50 protection incorporated into the fabric.
Put it all together with some slim-frame sunglasses (this ombré pair is adorable) and water-friendly sandals that can be worn on or off the beach. They also have an espadrille-inspired texture that lends a fashionable, summery vibe.
A Simple, Lightweight Dress
A basic dress in a lightweight fabric will get you so far. It is not only one of the best options for wearing on a hot day due to its airy style, but it can also be dressed up with shoes and cute accessories. Any color can suffice, but traditional black or summery white are also excellent choices.
Gauzy, Elastic Shorts
It’s no secret that denim shorts are a summertime must-have, but if you’re going on vacation, you should also include a pair of loose-fitting, gauzy shorts.
These are super easy to wear, ideal for hot summer days, and can also be used as a swim cover-up as well as for everyday use with tanks, tees, and crop tops.
A Plain Tank or Tube Top
Beat the summer heat in a simple, solid-colored tank or tube top that can be easily paired with shorts, skirts, and slacks. This season, I’m especially into the tube top trend: strapless tops have a clean, streamlined vibe that boosts your overall style.
An Oversized, Lightweight Shirt
An oversized button-down shirt in a lightweight, gauzy material is a flexible garment that can be worn for a variety of occasions while always looking smart.
Wear it over your swimsuit or with denim shorts. If it’s a little chilly at supper, you can drape this top over your dress as a lightweight layer.
Water-Friendly Sandals
Let me introduce you to the shoes I never travel without, especially during the summer: Birkenstock’s Eva Arizona sandals. They are highly comfortable, waterproof, inexpensive, available in a variety of colors, and extremely lightweight. I wear these to the beach, pool, hotel rooms, and everywhere all summer, therefore I strongly recommend them!
Even if you don’t buy this exact pair, waterproof or water-friendly flat sandals are essential for a summer vacation—the trick is to pick a type with a versatile and comfortable design that you can wear both on and off the beach for added convenience.
What do you think of our summer vacation outfits guide?
Would you wear these outfits? Which summer holiday suit is your favourite? Leave a comment to let us know!
