Now that summertime has officially set in, it’s time to consider what you'll wear on vacation. Move beyond your basic swimsuit coverup and pack your weekender bag or carry-on suitcase full of versatile items—the key to foolproof travel style.
I found 15 editor-approved vacation outfits you can and should copy this season. Some of these ensembles include pieces that could easily double as an in-office summer outfit for when you’re back. It's also a great formula for double-duty dressing. These are the perfect pieces to add into your vacation capsule wardrobe this season.
For instance, the linen pants you wear to work can also be dressed up with a crochet top for dinner. Sheer dresses, often worn with a slip, can be worn over a trendy swimsuit as a stand-in for a bodysuit. Style the strappy sandals you’ve been eyeing with a new summer dress. And invest in the perfect lightweight matching set that's ideal for lounging around. Not only are these pieces seriously perfect for packing away, but a lot of them are majorly discounted right now in the summer sales.
Keep scrolling to see all of my top summer-ready looks—and how to emulate the outfits in real life—from three favorite retailers—Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Revolve.
Black-on-White-on-White
You can never go wrong with an all-white look while on vacation.
An all-white summer outfit gets a pop of contrast via a black shoulder bag. This look makes great use of your carry-on, especially if you're jetting off on your honeymoon.
Back-to-School Basic
This easy ensemble is for the packer who lives in elevated basics.
Schoolgirl basics like khaki skirts are made cool for grown-up summers with a pair of chunky sandals and a white T-shirt. This look is perfect if you want to wear your summer work staples on vacation (lowering the cost-per-wear.) Tan sunnies are also the ideal swap for black if you find the contrast to be too harsh.
Look Your Vest
In-office staples can (and should) be worn on vacation.
Vests (a chic summer staple) take pinstriped pants and loafers from the boardroom to the beach. This is the perfect vacation look if you're not necessarily into wearing all-crochet and typical "vacation" basics. Statement-making gold earrings add a touch of fun.
Amped-Up Linen
Linen pants and a bra-style top are an unexpected combination that works.
This summer, swap your usual shirt for a black bikini top, especially as bra-style bikinis are trending for this season. You can wear it from the beach to the bar for a chic play on the season's quintessential linen pants outfits.
Prints-on-Prints
Stay comfortable all vacation long in a boldly-printed matching set.
Coordinating sets and vacations is a match made in heaven. With one purchase, you can basically get four times the outfit possibilities. Plus, a printed set is perfect Instagram fodder, especially if you rely on neutrals in your everyday life.
Flowy Seperates
Florals are edged up with a white tank and chunky accessories like a contrasting black belt.
White tank tops are instantly elevated when styled with a floral skirt and western accessories like cowboy boots or a low-slung belt. Just throw it on and go; it's the perfect outfit for a night out.
Upgraded Beachwear
Daring sheer styles are welcomed on vacation—swap your usual slip dress for a crochet one this time around.
If you have enough time to change out of your swimwear after a day by the pool, crochet midi dresses are perfect, considering the sheer trend continues to dominate the fashion set.
Bold Knits
Play with color while you're out of the office—bold hues like green and blue amp up your tan.
This summer, eschew your usual swimsuit coverup for a crocheted skirt in a bright color. Few things scream "I'm on vacation" more than day-glo hues.
Elevated Basics
Summer dresses are refreshed with chunky sandals and an elevated beach bag.
It doesn't get more classic than a white maxi dress on vacation. To refresh the wardrobe basics for summer 2024, opt for an elevated beach bag and matching comfortable chunky sandals.
Fresh Denim Neutrals
Denim shorts are for adults, we promise—opt for longer cuts to make them feel cool.
Longer, Bermuda-style denim shorts prove that the high school staple works well into your adult life. White denim feels especially fresh for the summertime, especially when worn with neutral wardrobe staples. Go for a monochromatic look with a button-down shirt and matching sneakers. A lightweight woven bag makes it feel more vacation-appropriate.
Oversized Layers
Oversized layers are the epitome of easy dressing.
You probably have two-thirds of this outfit lying around in your closet. An oversized printed shirt in a breezy silk fabrication can punch up any white tank and wide-leg baggy jeans combination. The borrowed-from-the-boys appeal works even if you travel solo—just buy a men's shirt!
Revamped Classics
Slip dresses are made even more feminine with dainty lace details. Plus, mesh flats add trendy appeal.
Black slip dresses are another summer staple worth investing in. If you already have one that covers your '90s fashion bases, consider a style with lace paneling that shows off a little skin. Make yours work harder for you on vacation by teaming it with trendy mesh flats. They're the perfect summer shoe to have on hand if you don't want to commit to flip flops.
Matching Brights
Go matchy-matchy with your clothing and accessories this summer.
Summer dresses don't have to be neutral to become a staple in your vacation wardrobe. Find one in your favorite color and choose accessories in the same hue to match. Comfortable shoes like Birkenstocks are also perfect for wearing on days that include a lot of walking—plus, they mold to your feet.
Not-So-Sweater-Weather
Layer lightweight sweaters over your usual all-white ensemble for added warmth.
Lightweight summer sweaters are a vacation essential, especially if you're going somewhere coastal where the temperature dips at night. A white denim maxi skirt and a white tank or T-shirt are the perfect canvas to play with a colorful knit, and the perfect way to update your usual all-white outfit.
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