Maybe you’re packing a sizeable suitcase for two blissful weeks in the Med. Perhaps you’re jetting off with nothing more than a carry-on bag to stroll the cobbled streets of Rome for the weekend. Either way, you deserve to feel your most stylish self on vacation this year. Luckily, our must-see selection of effortlessly chic vacation outfit formulas is destined to have you feeling runway-ready from the moment you reach your destination. Keep scrolling to discover our carefully curated list and make a note of your favorites – we’re certain they’ll be your go-to holiday looks for years to come!
1. Best Travel Outfits For The Plane
When we said you’d be feeling your most fashionable self from the moment the wheels hit the tarmac – we meant it. Great outfits needn’t be reserved for the resort, so why not start your style journey in the clouds?
The key to nailing outfits that’ll see you chicly from home-to-hotel is to find the perfect balance of comfort and style. So forget about high-waisted jeans and fitted sweaters, and opt for pieces that’ll give you and your body room to breathe. Beneath our coats, we love layering oversized shirts over sleek, high-neck tops. You’ll look perfectly put together at all times and can add or remove layers as and when you need to along your journey.
As for trousers, we say anything with a zip is a no-no when flights are involved. Instead, palazzo pants are our go-to fashion staple for travel days. They look seriously elegant with all of the above. Plus, they’re so comfortable you’ll feel as though you’re wearing sweats! The ultimate ensemble for any long-haul flights, train journeys, and taxi rides you encounter on the way to paradise.
2. Floaty Floral Dresses And Sandals
Whether you’re spending a sun-filled fortnight by the ocean on a tropical island or strolling through countless piazzas in the heart of Europe, floaty floral vacation dresses and a chic pair of sandals will never let you down.
As practical as they are pretty, these versatile silhouettes will work for everything from impromptu lunch dates to fancy dinner plans. The best part? They look just as good with flats as they do with heels. So, you can easily dress them up or down depending on your itinerary.
If your luggage allows, we recommend packing a few different color options when it comes to floral dresses. They’re the ultimate throw-on-and-go vacation outfit – and one you’ll be reaching for on repeat. So trust us, having just one never feels like enough! You could even treat yourself to a stylish new silhouette before you go…
3. Block Color Wrap Dresses
Another dress style we can’t live without on vacation? Wrap dresses. They’re fun, functional, and not to mention incredibly flattering. We also love that, like our floral dresses suggestion, these silhouettes will work seamlessly from day to night. And, as anyone who travels will know, we love vacation outfits that do double duty and save space in our suitcases.
Now, it’s totally up to you if you adore prints and prefer having floral, striped, or polka dot designs to choose from on your trip. However, we highly recommend opting for block-color style wrap dresses too.
Not only will it make an effortlessly elegant statement whether it’s in a romantic shade of red or a cool cream tone, but it’ll also be much easier to coordinate with every purse and pair of shoes you bring with you.
4. Jeans & A Statement Top
Jeans might not have worked for the plane, but if you’re treating yourself to a city break, don’t leave home without them. Sure, they look great with a simple tee or a comfy sweater back home, but on vacation, they’re the ultimate foundation piece for the hottest casual-chic looks.
Pair your go-to fitted jeans with a pretty top, a pair of block heels (no stilettos on cobblestones please!), and a sleek pair of sunglasses. You’ll not only look instantly put together, you’ll feel it too.
As for the style of top you choose, that’s really down to you and your style. A printed wrap top with a peplum hem or a puff sleeve blouse will contrast fitted jeans perfectly. Meanwhile, a neutral eyelet shirt or black silk cami will add an extra chic element. Think about the color and wash of your jeans too. For sunnier climes, we suggest leaving the black jeans at home and leaning into lighter hues in soft blue or maybe even white for a dressier look.
5. Lightweight Beach Skirts And Tops
We love to have as many outfit options as possible on vacation – that’s why we love lightweight skirts and tops so much!
Unlike a maxi-length beach dress, they take up minimal space in your luggage. Plus, if you choose the right colorways and prints, you can mix and match different tops and skirts to create new looks every day you’re away.
A pro tip? If you love vibrant patterns and colorways as much as we do, make sure to pack a few neutral pieces to pair them with. This will make the styling process much easier and will help the prints you wear stand out even more. Alternatively, if you’re all about clashing prints and maximalist vacation outfits, it’s the ideal time to step out wearing the boldest and most beautiful pieces in your closet.
6. Don’t Forget The Accessories
After all of the time you’ve taken to curate the perfect vacation wardrobe, the last thing you want to do is forget the finishing touches.
Of course, we’re talking about the accessories! The bags, the shoes, the sunglasses, and the jewelry. All of these things are what make the clothes you put on feel like an outfit – and a seriously stylish one at that.
One thing to remember? Vacation accessories are quite different from the ones you’re used to reaching for at home. You want to compliment your looks with items that don’t overwhelm or make them feel too heavy.
Need some inspiration? Try switching out thick black-framed sunglasses for metallic or white frames instead. Carry a woven beach bag in place of a leather one, and opt for statement vacation jewelry to give your resort outfits an undeniably glamorous edge.
Before You Board
If you’re still wondering what to wear on vacation and which outfits to leave behind, we get it, not having access to your closet can be stressful when you want to feel your most comfortable and most stylish self on vacation. Our best advice?
- Try everything on before you go. Don’t take chances on new purchases you haven’t test run yet. A suitcase full of all-new clothing might feel exciting, but if it turns out they don’t work when you arrive, you’ll quickly wish you had your tried and tested pieces with you.
- Plan out full vacation outfits. Yes, we’re talking about everything from the clothes and shoes to the accessories and even jewelry. Packing random pieces means you’ll be wasting time trying to put outfits together from a random selection. Not only will you not feel your best doing this, you’ll also be wasting precious time that could be spent on the beach or at your favorite café!
- Don’t take it too seriously. Finally, fashion should be fun and make you feel good not stressed out. So prioritize comfort, prioritize your favorite prints and colors, and prioritize the outfits that make you feel most like yourself. Then, sit back, relax, and enjoy your vacation in style.
