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 Mango; you can turn up saturation with a multicolored dress from All That Remains, either result will no doubt be fabulously fun. For a more classic pairing, wear Loewe’s sarong from its latest drop with Paula’s Ibiza with A.LC.’s cool knit polo and a pair of mesh, espadrille-esque slides from Toteme.
Beachy accessories are not to be ignored, either—think shell jewelry from Anni Lu and Éliou or Vince’s crochet bucket hat. For those prioritizing shoes, strappy heeled styles from Reformation and K.Jacques are a must-have on your packing list, while Madewell’s sleek thong sandals 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 11 vacation outfit ideas, below.
The Tropical, Tie-Dyed Dress With a Fringed Handbag
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 Mango’s fringed basked bag, a pair of metallic sandals from Flattered, and Zara’s shell-adorned necklace—and you’ll be out the door in serious style.
The Airy Shirtdress With a Minimalist Sandal
Cara Cara’s easy, breezy midi 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 Madewell’s 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 Valére’s ’80s-inspired, 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 Cool Knit Polo With a Graphic Sarong
For lunch by the sea or a casual dinner out, Loewe x Paula Ibiza’s printed sarong is a chic choice. Keep it cool and style the striped staplepiecewith A.L.C’s knit polo 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 palm tree-printed pair from Mango, 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 Mini Wrap Skirt
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 wrap skirt from Johanna Ortiz 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 Madewell’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 Agua by Agua Bendita’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 Proenza Schouler White Label’s mini crochet 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 Massimo Dutti, this papaya-colored 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).