Packing for a warm-weather trip means striking the right balance between comfortable and chic, and creating cute beach vacation outfits that look (and feel) effortless–which, ironically, can be stressful. The idea of a getaway is to decompress and have fun, so instead of getting frazzled over what to wear to the beach and beyond during your trip, take style inspiration from some of the best-dressed ladies under the sun.
Influencers just seem to always know how to look put-together, whether they’re on the sand, poolside, sightseeing, or dining al fresco–that’s why ahead, we’ve cherry-picked beachside outfit ideas for you, fresh from the interwebs’ most stylish girlies, as well as Reddit users with helpful insights!
From rompers to ruffle dresses to swimwear the options are plentiful–and shoppable–and ready to take your vacay style to the next level. Consider this your beach outfit cheat sheet.
Beach Vacation Outfits
Advice for getaway dressing can come from a variety of sources. One poke around on Reddit and you’ll see folks have a lot of thoughts about what makes the ideal beachy vacay outfit. One user suggested “think about fabrics like linen or cotton that drape nicely and don’t cling. Accessorize with some fun jewelry and a big sunhat!” That’s perfect advice for keeping cool and avoiding sunburn. Win-win! Another user recommends packing a simple maxi dress because it can “easily go from beach to mini golf to dinner and you can always throw a cute jacket over it in case it gets cold at night.”
With practical points like that in mind, here are some stylish options you can take inspo from:
Matching Side-Tie Pants and Lace-Up Top
Comfortable and sexy? Yes! The side-ties on the pants keep you cool, and the lace-up top gives sultry corset vibes. And blue and white is the perfect color combo for the beach!
Two-Piece Set + Beaded Shell Handbag
Call them matching sets, two-piece sets, or co-ords, but no matter how you refer to them, it doesn’t get easier than a two-piece outfit in summer stripes. This set is breezy enough for the beach but elevated enough for sightseeing or seaside dinner. Just dress it up a beachy shell clutch, polished jewelry and heeled sandals.
Wide-Leg Two-Piece Set + Sandals
Two-piece sets are easy-breezy, and the handkerchief hem and strapless neckline make this outfit super comfy on even the warmest resort day!
Crochet Midi Dress + Statement Earrings
When you’re on vacation, there’s no need to make things complicated! A simple crochet dress is perfect for a breezy evening on the beach, and statement earrings made of shell add a whimsical nautical touch.
Ruffled Halter Dress + Sneakers
Pleats and ruffles are so cute for a warm weather look, and you don’t have to wear sandals on the beach. Sometimes you want sneakers–whether that’s for the look or the extra traction for long walks by the boardwalk.
Floral Maxi Dress + Scarf
A tropical print maxi dress just screams vacation glam, and you’ll love how the matching scarf flutters in the ocean breeze. Pair it with sandals and take it out to dinner, wear it sightseeing, or even to a beach wedding!
Cutout Midi Dress + Strappy Sandals
Nothing says island vibes like a cutout dress in a fun color. Keep your look evening-ready with strappy heels!
Color Block Midi Dress
A relaxed, flowy midi dress isn’t just a cute outfit for going into town–it’s also a perfect poolside coverup! Vacationers on social agree–lots of fashionable Redditors praise casual, easy sundresses as swimsuit coverups.
Ribbed Scoop Neck Dress
Casual dresses are a great choice for any vacation, and I love how packable this one is! The ribbed fabric will resist wrinkles, so even if it ends up scrunched in your suitcase, it’ll look great when you shake it out.
Abstract Print Tie-Strap Midi Dress + Straw Tote Bag
This pastel shade of orange has all the summery vibes without feeling overpowering—perfect if you’re a little shy of bright colors, but want to experiment!
Strapless Top + Maxi Skirt+ Cardigan
It’s always a good idea to have at least one layering piece with you on any beach vacation. A loose knit, relaxed sweater won’t get too warm, and you can toss it around your shoulders or tie it around your waist if you don’t want to wear it during the day!
Floral Print Two-Piece Maxi Dress + Slide Sandals
This dusty blue color feels like it was inspired by the deep blue of the ocean, and will make you feel right at home on the beach.
Striped Dress + Ballet Flats
Ballet flats are the perfect casual shoe for vacation– and they basically take up no room in your suitcase! Pair them with an adorable blue and white dress for immaculate maritime vibes.
Crochet Button-Up + Slides
A stylish swim cover-up is a summer/vacation staple. Throw this crochet cutie over your suit and enjoy the vacation vibes wherever you go.
Geometric Print Mini Romper
Fall in love with this adorable romper’s shortie length and sweetheart neckline! It’s the perfect outfit for a hot, sunny day, and looks great with sandals, sneakers, or heels. Or yes, western boots! You can totally get away with wearing boots to the beach– but if they’re suede, make sure you have a soft-bristled brush to keep them looking nice.
Color Block Sweater Dress + Ballet Flats
Sometimes you need a no-frills dress to throw on to head into town for a quick errand… but just because it’s quick and easy, that doesn’t mean it can’t be cute! This sweater dress isn’t too warm, and makes a perfect coverup.
Tie-Front Cutout Midi Dress + Woven Tote Bag
Easy, breezy, and so beautiful, you’ll stay nice and cool in this gorgeous tie-front midi. Beyond being practical, I love how this woven tote looks a little like a picnic basket!
Floral Print Halter Tiered Midi Dress + Flat Slide Sandals
Perfect for a mid-morning brunch look or a day of shopping on the boardwalk, this beautiful halter dress will also help you stay cool in the warm sun.
White Two Piece Midi Dress
Take the one-and-done route with a versatile white dress. On days when it’s not quite beach weather, you can swap out your sandals for sneakers and throw on a denim jacket!
Bustier Mini Dress + Slide Heels
You’ll love how the sexy bustier top and the playful mini hemline of this dress come together for the perfect vacation outfit! The pinstripes mean that it partners well with elegant shoes for a preppy, polished look.
Crochet Dress + Sneakers
This bright shade of orange has all the summery vibes– perfect if you want to play around with bright colors! And the crochet construction means it’s perfectly breezy in the warm weather.
Bodycon Midi Dress + Bright Clutch + Bright Shoes
White is a classic resortwear color, but what if you want to glam it up? Simple– coordinate your bag and shoes in a bright color, and push the look further with gold jewelry and accessories. You’ll get the best of both worlds.
Strapless Top + Wide Leg Pants
If you want to cover up at the beach, wide-legged pants are cute and comfortable options! You’ll love how cool the natural fibers in the linen blend keep you, too. Pair these wide-legged pants with a simple tank top or strapless top for an effortless outfit.
Bright Maxi Dress + Straw Tote
Wearing a maxi dress in a bright hue makes a major impact. To keep it streamlined, try adding neutral accessories like espadrille wedges, a straw hat, or a woven straw tote.
Cutout Dress + Dainty Sandals
A cute print and cutouts are a combo made in beach vacay heaven. Bonus points if you add sweet high-heeled sandals and a coordinating bag.
Crochet Dress + Strappy Heels
Sweet and simple, a crochet knit dress makes for a perfect tropical nighttime look. Dress it up with sexy heels or go barefoot in the surf. Either way, you look great, and that’s a beach vacation outfit win!
Button-Down Lace Dress + Printed Tote
When you’re visiting a cute little beach town, you need a big beach bag for all your essentials– your sunscreen, a coverup, a million souvenirs from the beachy boutiques… you know, just the little things. Go sustainable with a sturdy, reusable, and beautiful tote– it’ll look great when you carry it while wearing a lovely, light, lacy dress.
Crochet Coverup + Wide-Brimmed Hat
A stylish swim cover-up is a summer/vacation staple, and a broad-brimmed hat isn’t just an adorable accessory; it’ll keep the sun off of your face and protect your beautiful skin!
Fringed Dress + Slide Sandals
No embellishments give a boho beach vibe quite like fringe! The crochet construction lets this dress dry quickly, so it makes a cute coverup– it doesn’t really matter if it gets wet!
Striped Maxi Dress
The long length and stripes of this elegant maxi dress make you look tall, even if you’re wearing flats. Kick back with a mai tai or piña colada and watch the waves go by.
Show us your cute beach vacation outfits on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus–and head to our Vacation Shop to shop more beachside outfit options!
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new content.
