Dreaming of Jamaica, Mexico or the Mediterranean to break up your long winter season? Sun-kissed skin, sandy toes and the soothing sound of waves may be the ticket. While a beach vacation is the ultimate winter escape, if you’re anything like me, you want to do it packing lightly and not practice overconsumption when it comes to vacation fashion. We’ve curated a guide to seven staple outfits for women who wonder what to wear on a beach vacation. From breezy sundresses to chic swimsuits and comfy sandals, this guide will help you curate a stylish yet practical beach wardrobe.
To make this list, these staple items to wear on vacation meet the following criteria. They are:
- compact (allows you to pack more options than bulky outfits.)
- versatile (can be worn for more than one occasion)
- lightweight (because who wants to be overweight when flying) and
Disclosure: This article is sponsored and published in partnership with adidas.
1. Sundresses
Nothing screams “beach vacation” quite like a flowy sundress. These versatile pieces are comfortable, chic and easy to style. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen that can take you from a morning coffee to an afternoon sightseeing adventure. Plus, since they are usually lightweight, you can get away with packing options in terms of colours and styles!
Styling sundresses: Pair a great sundress with flat sandals, a wide-brimmed sunhat, and a woven tote bag for a classic daytime look. For the evening, swap the sandals for wedges and add some delicate jewelry.
2. Classic Black & White Swimwear
While colourful swimwear is fun, a classic plain black or white bikini or one-piece (or both!) is timeless, sophisticated, and not to mention, incredibly flattering. These neutral tones allow for endless mixing and matching with your other beachwear, making them essential for any beach vacation.
Styling your swimwear: A sleek black one-piece can double as a top when paired with high-waisted linen pants. A white bikini, on the other hand, looks stunning against sun-kissed skin. For bikinis, you can incorporate the tops into other outfits and swap them around (like black bottoms with white tops, and vice versa). Classic coloured bikinis also let you accessorize them more easily, like with a wrap or coloured sunglasses.
3. The Versatile Cover-Up
A stylish cover-up is non-negotiable for beach days. It offers sun protection and instant modesty for transitioning from the beach to a casual lunch. When paired with denim or linen shorts, it creates a laid-back, chic outfit.
Styling your cover-up: Opt for a lightweight, versatile cover-up to wear over your swimsuit. Depending on the style and how many days you want to be at the beach, these could double as outfits. Add a pair of comfortable denim cut-offs or tailored linen shorts and finish the look with slide sandals and oversized sunglasses.
4. Wide-Leg Cotton or Linen Pants
For breezier evenings or elevated daytime looks that keep the sun directly off your skin, wide-leg pants are incredibly comfortable and sophisticated. You want the fabric to be breathable, allowing air to pass through and keeping you cool.
Styling your wide-leg pants: A neutral colour lets you pair them with a wide range of tops, from swimsuit tops to crop tops and tees. to provide an instantly put-together look. Accessorize with anything you like: from statement earrings and block-heeled sandals for an evening out, to flip-flops for an evening stroll on the beach after dessert.
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5. Denim and Linen Shorts
As an islander, I have special love for a pair of well-fitting denim shorts (especially one that leaves the cheeks out). It is definitely a beach vacation essential. When layered with a crisp, oversized white (or striped) button-down shirt, tees or tanks to create an effortlessly chic and comfortable outfit.
Styling your shorts: Wear the button-down open over a bandeau top or your swimsuit, or tie it at the waist for a more casual look. This look is perfect for casual lunches, beach walks or shopping trips.
6. Activewear
While relaxation is key, many beach destinations offer incredible opportunities for hiking, snorkelling, or exploring. A comfortable activewear set and sneakers ensure you can travel comfortably from the cold to the warmth and back, and that you’re ready for any adventure.
Styling your activewear: Pack a pair of versatile leggings or bike shorts and a supportive top. Don’t forget your trusty workout shoes for those scenic walks or a session at the hotel gym. You can easily carry your essentials in a lightweight backpack.
7. Wide-brimmed Sunhats
Protection from the sweltering sun rays and style for days? Sign me up anytime, thank you very much! Over the years, the size and colour differ, but no beach outfit is complete without a sunhat. Personally, the bigger the better. What better than wearing your shoulders out and without them getting roasted and looking stylish? Nothing! Not only does it protect your skin from UV rays, but it also adds instant vacation flair. Wide-brim hats and floppy straw styles are both chic and practical.
Styling your sunhat: Great news, the sunhats go woth almost everything. Remember, they’re but practical and functional. And ehi doesn’t love that?
A Few More Tips for What to Wear for a Beach Vacation
Focus on mix-and-match pieces in a cohesive colour palette. This allows you to create multiple outfits with fewer items, saving space in your luggage. and breathable pieces that let air pass through on hotter days while keeping the sun off your skin and providing a bit of cover on a chillier evening. Remember your accessories – sunglasses, jewelry and that all-important sunhat – to elevate any look!
With these seven staples for your outfits, you’ll be perfectly prepared for a stylish and stress-free beach vacation. Now you’re all set to enjoy that sunshine!
Xo, Shandean.
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