When putting together the perfect beach or poolside look, there’s so much more to enjoy than just a bikini or one-piece swimsuit. Chic cover-ups like sultry scarf tops, easy, breezy button-ups, and sarongs are thoughtful additions to add to your vacation packing list. Not to mention, they make transitioning from the water to whatever you have planned next effortlessly elegant.
Apart from any beachside activities, packing and planning for balmy evenings out is equally important when crafting your vacation outfits moodboard. You can go the nontraditional route by pairing Matteau’s little black bikini with palm-tree printed palazzo pants from Zimmermann; you can turn up saturation with a multicolored dress from Rixo, either result will no doubt be fabulously fun. For a more classic pairing, sport Johanna Ortiz’s shell-printed sarong with Zara’s cool knit blouse and a pair of mesh, espadrille-esque slides from Toteme.
Beachy accessories are not to be ignored, either—think shell jewelry from Anni Lu, Julietta, and Éliou or Vince’s crochet bucket hat. For those prioritizing shoes, strappy heeled styles from Reformation, The Row, and K.Jacques are a must-have on your packing list, while Massimo Dutti’s fashion flip flops feel just as polished with denim cut-offs or airy linen pants. As for the ultimate finishing touch? That’s a covetable raffia tote, of course, with It buys from Saint Laurent to Marni.
Your holiday starts off in style with these 20+ vacation outfit ideas, below.
The Metallic Bikini With a Silky Slip Skirt
Thanks to Alix of Bohemia, this vacation outfit captures that bohemian spirit we all know and love—and associate the summertime with. Complete the look in Oséree’s multi-colored metallic bikini and a pair of gold strappy sandals from Mango.
The Crochet Maxi Dress With a Woven Beach Tote
This summer’s style mantra? The more crochet the better. Zara’s maxi dress strikes the ideal balance between simple and sultry, while a pair of raffia slide sandals from Loulou Studio are masterfully minimal by design. Eilaf’s woven beach tote works for any summer scenario, whether you’re seaside or sticking to the city streets.
The Floral-Print Two-Piece With a Chunky Raffia Sandal
Dainty florals, a shirred bodice, and a flattering bandeau fit make this two-piece swimsuit from Toteme a must-have in any warm-weather wardrobe. Style it with Faithfull the Brand’s muted striped pants, Birkenstock’s chunky raffia sandals, and Marni’s mini woven tote.
The Crochet Short Set With a Red-Hot One-Piece
Sometimes two is better than one. Take Calle Del Mar’s crochet short set, for example. It’s a one-and-done outfit formula that is low-effort, high-reward. Underneath, layer in Hunza G’s signature terry cloth swimsuit in a fiery red color and then, slip in to Amanu Studio’s toe-ring detailed sandals.
The Boho-Inspired Swimsuit With a Printed Pareo
When boho meets beach! Everything is getting the bohemian treatment this summer, even beachwear. Eres’s rope-detailed one-piece is the perfect match for & Other Stories’ printed pareo, while a pair of charm-adorned sandals from The Row are totally timeless. Sport this look from the beach to seaside lunches—just make sure you have Dragon Diffusions’s woven tote in tow, too.
The Summer Night’s Halterneck Dress With a Festive Basket Bag
Oh, those warm summer nights! You’re going to need a show-stopping dress to do them justice. Luckily, Missoni excels in that department—and this shimmering halterneck dress is proof. Continue the festivities after hours in The Attico’s embellished thong sandals, Tory Burch’s embroidered tote, and a pair of dramatic shell earrings from Julietta.
The Woven Tank With a Relaxed Trouser
A relaxed yet refined woven tank and pair of wide-leg printed trousers will match your laid back attitude while on vacation. Complete the look with Ancient Greek’s jelly sandals and a gingham bikini from Posse.
The Broderie Blouse With a Floral-Printed Miniskirt
This summer, all things are coming up broderie, from blouses to midiskirts. Here, try on Sea’s tie-detailed top with Agua by Agua Bendita’s floral-printed miniskirt. Margaux’s crochet-trimmed sandals and a floppy sun hat from Janessa Leone are sweet finishing touches.
The Knit Midi Dress With a Fashion Flip Flop
This knit midi dress from Rixo is meant for vacation. Its colorful striped pattern is toned-down ever so slightly by a pair of fashion flip-flops from Massimo Dutti and Haight’s chestnut-colored swimsuit. Staud’s rope tote bag fits right in.
The Chic Cover-Up Shirt With a Striped Boxer Short
Don’t sleep on this pair of blue-and-white striped boxer shorts from Donni, whether you’re wearing them as a cover-up by the pool or with a sleek button-up for daytime adventures. As for us, we love styling ours with Solid & Striped’s eyelet tunic, Loulou Studio’s little white one-piece, and a pair of macrame flats from St. Agni.
The Tropical, Tie-Dyed Dress With a Sequin Basket Bag
Is there anything better than getting ready for an elegant evening out on vacation? Look to Alémais’s tropical, tie-dyed dress, which requires almost no effort at all to make you feel put-together. Styling-wise, all you need is a few statement accessories—like Zara’s sequin basket bag, a pair of metallic sandals from Flattered, and Ben-Amun’s beaded necklace—and you’ll be out the door in serious style.
The Airy Shirtdress With a Minimalist Sandal
Cara Cara’s easy, breezy LWD is light and airy enough to wear as a cover-up at the beach or as a statement piece on a daytime excursion. To top it all off, just add Mango’s leather-trimmed raffia tote, strappy suede sandals from Emme Parsons, and Vince’s striped bucket hat to take shade from the sun in style.
The Crochet Mini With a Strappy Suede Sandal
Nothing says “here comes the sun” quite like All That Remain’s multi-colored, crochet mini dress. Elevate the prized piece with a pair of mellow yellow suede sandals from K.Jacques and Paola Sighinolfi’s festive, oversized gold earrings. Meanwhile, Marni’s embellished raffia tote feels right on theme.
The Matching Crochet Set With an Au Natural Ballet Flat
A patterned knit set, like the one below from ESCVDO, is a one-and-done look that requires minimal effort but maximum reward. Wover ballet flats from Staud and Loewe’s raffia-adorned Puzzle tote are added details that help bring the ensemble to life.
The Billowy Crochet Top With a Sarong-Style Skirt
For lunch by the sea or a casual dinner out, Johanna Ortiz’s printed sarong is a chic choice. Keep it cool and style the shell-adorned staple with Zara’s crochet top and a pair of criss-cross, suede sandals from Ancient Greek Sandals. Stay swim ready by wearing Hunza G’s signature swimsuit underneath.
The Poolside Pant With a Little Black Bikini
A poolside pant, like this fringed, terry-cloth pair from Zimmermann, is a perfect alternative to a pareo. Sport Matteau’s little black bikini on top and to finish off the look, slip into a pair of mesh espadrille-inspired flats from Toteme.
The Sweet Striped Dress With a Two-Toned Strappy Sandal
On any given vaca, the more dresses the merrier. A.L.C’s striped, asymmetric style is lightweight yet luxurious—and unlikely to take up much room in your carry on. After sunset, accessorize with Reformation’s two-toned heeled sandals, Simkhai’s oyster clutch, and a pair of shell-like earrings from Éliou.
The Printed Scarf Top With a Crochet Miniskirt
Whether you choose to style yours as a cover-up or as evening-wear, Sir’s printed scarf top is equal parts fun and fabulous. We especially love pairing it with a mini crochet skirt from Frankies Bikinis and a K.Jacques’ emerald green sandals to match. Janessa Leone’s straw Western hat fits right in.
The Must-Have Minidress With a Timeless Thong Sandal
Crochet and vacation go hand-in-hand, which makes this Zimmermann minidress a no-brainer. Go for an understated yet elegant look by styling it with Havaianas’s minimalist thong sandals and Saint Laurent’s covetable raffia shoulder bag. An oversized shell pendant necklace from Anni Lu is a festive finishing touch.
The Linen Cropped Top With a White Poplin Midiskirt
Lean into your sweeter self this vacation season and style Sea’s linen cropped top with a white poplin midiskirt from Dôen. Accessory-wise, Loeffler Randall’s raffia fisherman sandals pack a punch; and same goes for Dragon Diffusion’s roomy woven tote.
The Multi-Purpose Button-Up With a Sleek Bermuda Short
Worn as a cover-up by the beach or buttoned-up for an excursion out exploring the town, a crisp shirt is a multiuse style staple to be packed in any suitcase. From Dôen, this blue-and-white striped poplin, is paired best atop Zimmermann’s striped bikini or tucked into a pair of sleek Bermuda shorts from Toteme. Gabriela Hearst’s simple slide sandals tie the look together swimmingly (no pun intended).