I recently got back from a quick trip to kick off summer vacation so this post felt appropriate to write because everything is still fresh in my mind! Going on vacation can be so exciting especially when deciding what to wear. Choosing your outfits can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the trip especially when you can wear things you wouldn’t in your regular day to day life. It’s important to pack enough outfits to feel stylish without overpacking. In today’s post, I am going to share a roundup of vacation outfit ideas that can give you inspiration for your next trip.

8 Vacation Outfit Ideas

The right vacation outfits do more than look good in photos. They also help you stay comfortable during long travel days, adapt to changing weather conditions, and make packing significantly easier. Focusing on versatile pieces, destination-appropriate clothing, and thoughtful outfit planning allows you to create more outfit combinations with fewer items.

How to Plan Outfits for Vacation

Creating a vacation capsule wardrobe

Decide on some basics that you can revolve most of your outfits around when traveling. That could be your favorite pair of black pants or a new white blazer. Closet staples that can be worn in various ways thus creating your own mini vacation capsule wardrobe.

Choosing a cohesive color palette

You don’t have to stick to only neutrals to make things easy but it does help to decide on a specific color palette for your outfits.

Planning outfits around excursions and activities

Though I love to pack based on vibes only LOL, it’s best to write down all the activities you plan to do so you can decide on an outfit for each one. Once you have decided what you will wear for any and all excursions, you can then add a few fun looks to have other options.

Selecting pieces that can be dressed up or down

Try not to choose anything too dressy or too casual which could limit your styling options with that look. Pick outfits that can be dressed up or down just by changing out the accessories.

Packing lightweight layering options

Layers are key!! It’s better to add or remove layers of clothing instead of being stuck with whatever you have on in a climate that is unpredictable.

Prioritizing fabrics that resist wrinkles

Some outfits don’t travel well because of their propensity to wrinkle so I would try to avoid that if you don’t plan to bring a steamer.

Creating day-to-night outfit combinations

It’s best to choose looks that you can wear all day into the evening without having to change.

What To Wear On Vacation

Matching sets

This can drastically cut down on your decision making while on vacation. Opting for matching sets helps to make it easier when putting outfits together. There are dressy matching sets, casual matching sets, matching sets for any and all occasions so try to add at least one in your suitcase for when you are too tired to think about what to wear.

White lifestyle sneakers

No matter where I am going on vacation, I am probably bringing a pair of sneakers for walking. However, I prefer a more fashionable lifestyle sneaker which can be worn with casual outfits, dresses, shorts, etc.

Simple tees

Even if you don’t think you will wear them, it’s always good to have basic white or black t-shirts in your suitcase. They are so easy to style with any outfit – dressy or casual.

Casual dresses

I’m not the biggest dress wearer but on vacation they take less effort when getting ready. The dress is already the entire outfit so I just have to worry about shoes and my bag to complete the look.

Vacation Outfits

White Midi Skirt and Jelly Sandals

Outfit details: Cardigan | Tank (similar) | Skirt | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses | Earrings (discount code: MAREE20)

How to look chic in summer can be a challenge but a white midi skirt is one of the first pieces I would suggest adding to your closet. It’s effortless, easy to style and always stays on trend.

Casual Matching Set

Outfit details: Pullover | Shorts | Sneakers (similar) | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses

I LIVE in matching sets for my casual looks. They are so easy to put together and make getting dressed so much easier.

Jumpsuit and white sneakers

Outfit details: Jumpsuit | Jacket (similar) | Shoes (similar) | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses  | Earrings (discount code: MAREE20)

You either love or hate jumpsuits but I happen to love them. They are so comfortable especially when traveling. This one I’m wearing in particular is not attached in the back part of the waist so it’s easy to slip on and off when needed.

Slip skirt and sandals

Outfit details: Cardigan (similar) | Tee (similar) | Skirt (similar) | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Sunglasses

Slip skirts will always be a chic wardrobe piece that can be worn all year round. There is an effortless quality to them that makes you instantly look put together.

Comfortable shirt dress

Outfit details: Dress (similar) | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses | Necklace 

This is one of my favorite kinds of beach vacation outfits. A colorful mini dress and sandals. Super comfortable yet easy to dress up or down.

White tee and denim shorts

Outfit details: Tee | Shorts (similar) | Shoes | Bag | Sunglasses | Belt | Necklace 

An outfit like this is always a great vacation option because it leaves endless styling options for any accessories you are excited to use. A simple white tee and black denim shorts is a blank slate in terms of outfits and allows you to have fun with the shoes, belt, bag, jewelry, etc.

Maxi Dress

Outfit details: Dress | Belt | Sandals | Bag (similar) | Sweater | Necklace (discount code: MAREE20)

This is one of my favorite dresses to wear on a vacation because it’s so comfortable yet still looks a bit dressier than shorts + a tee.

Striped dress

Outfit details: Dress (similar) | Sweater | Sandals (similar) | Bag | Belt | Sunglasses

If any of your vacations will involve trips to the east coast, stripes of any kind are a must have! Timeless and always a great outfit option especially in dress form.

Outfit details: Shirt | Pants | Shoes | Belt (similar) | Sunglasses | Bag (similar)

1. This new scent from Salt & Stone is summer perfection!!! Light, watery and refreshing to wear in the heat/humidity.

2. I have so many statement necklaces from this brand. I ordered this one for summer which is mostly neutral with a few pops of color.

3. Basic tank tops are a necessity for my summer wardrobe but finding ones with wider straps is a forever challenge. As soon as I saw these, I ordered a few colors because they look like the perfect style!! (and a great price!)

4. A total splurge but this printed midi skirt is gorgeous!!!

5. This tank dress has such a simple chic shape while the print gives it so much personality and style!

6. Blue and white stripes will always be a summer staple especially in a midi skirt option.

7. I’ve graduated from the super high heels of my 20’s and 30’s in favor of a kitten heel or flats so I am always on the hunt for chic styles that will be comfortable. These slingback flats literally stopped me in my “scrolling” tracks because they are so different and fabulous!

8. This collab between Summersalt and Weezie is SOOO GOOD!!! And my discount code for Summersalt works on it too! Use code: MAREE10 to save!

9. I ordered these smores pajamas for Miles to wear this summer. They arrived and are even cuter in person.

10. I’m not the biggest denim shorts fan so I only have a couple of pairs. But these belted linen bermuda shorts look like an elevated option to wear this summer.

11. This terrycloth tote bag!!!! Such a great bag for the beach + that scalloped edge is so cute.

12. I have watched tons of tutorials using this new water blush. They all look so good which means I am adding it to my cart.

13. Ok this bandana tote is everything. And just under $100.

14. I love a statement coat all year round. I saw this embroidered piece and gasped. So stunning and perfect to wear with an all white look.

15. WOWWWWWWWWW! This iconic skincare line that is so difficult to get is now available at Nordstrom!!!!

16. I’m not an alcohol drinker but I do enjoy my CBD + THC tonics and seltzers. I have been adding a splash of this to a flavored sparkling water at night and it’s the perfect wind down drink. (use code: MAREE10 to save)