What to Pack for a Beach Vacation
Don't forget these must-have essentials for your next getaway.
Beach Vacation Outfit Ideas
Planning a vacation? Whether you're headed to a luxurious island resort or a breezy coastal getaway, packing the right clothing is key to enjoying paradise in comfort and style. That's where resort wear comes in. Resort wear is a versatile category of clothing designed specifically for warm-weather destinations, blending lightweight fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and sophisticated touches that transition effortlessly from poolside lounging to sunset dinners. From airy cover-ups to elegant evening pieces, beach vacation outfits are all about keeping you cool, chic, and travel-ready. Read on to learn what to pack for any sun-soaked adventure that comes your way.
Vacation Dresses
A vacation dress (or beach dress) is a lightweight, easy-to-wear piece perfect for tropical climates and relaxed itineraries. These dresses are typically made from breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, or chiffon and come in a variety of silhouettes — flowy maxis, flirty minis, or classic wrap styles. Style a sundress with simple sandals and a sunhat for daytime exploring, or elevate it with statement jewelry and wedges for a seaside dinner. Many resort wear dresses also double as chic cover-ups, easily thrown over a swimsuit when heading from the beach to a bar or café.
Swimsuit Cover-Ups
A swimsuit cover-up is designed to be worn over swimwear, offering both a stylish layer and sun protection while transitioning from the beach or pool to other parts of a resort or seaside town. Cover-ups come in a wide range of styles to suit different tastes and occasions, including breezy kaftans, lightweight pants, flowy tunics, sarongs, and wraps. These versatile pieces can be styled effortlessly — pair a sheer tunic with sandals and oversized sunglasses for a laid-back poolside look, or throw on a printed kaftan with a wide-brimmed hat and bold earrings for a glamorous beachside lunch.
Swimsuits
When packing swimwear for a weeklong vacation, it’s smart to bring a variety of options to suit different activities and moods. A good rule of thumb is to pack at least three to four swimsuits — this allows for drying time between wears and gives you flexibility in style. Consider including a mix, such as a classic one-piece swimsuit for water sports or spa days, and a couple of bikinis for sunbathing and casual beach outings. You might also want to pack a statement swimsuit for poolside photos or resort parties. To keep your swimwear organized and clean, pack them in a separate waterproof pouch or laundry bag.
Vacation Tops
Vacation tops are the cornerstone of effortless beach outfits, bringing comfort and versatility to your summer wardrobe. From breezy tanks and crop tops to lightweight blouses and classic button-down shirts, these pieces are perfect for everything from sightseeing to seaside dining. A button-down blouse is especially versatile — wear it open over a swimsuit, tucked into relaxed shorts for a daytime stroll, or tied at the waist with a maxi skirt for a chic evening look. Pair these vacation tops with your favorite bottoms to create mix-and-match outfits that transition seamlessly from beach to bar.
Vacation Bottoms
Give your wardrobe a solid foundation with vacation bottoms that do it all. Think flowy palazzo pants for sunset dinners, tiered skirts for sightseeing, and denim shorts for all-day comfort. You want staples that are easy to mix and match with all your go-to tops and blouses.
Vacation Matching Sets
Vacation matching sets are your one-and-done ticket to easy-breezy style. With coordinated prints and airy fabrics that feel as good as they look, these sets make packing (and dressing) a total breeze. They’re statement-makers on their own, so all you need are minimal accessories to keep the vibe cool and effortless. From lazy beach days to dinner dates, matching sets bring all the charm — no overthinking required.
Beach Sandals
When packing shoes for a beach vacation, it’s important to choose styles that balance comfort, practicality, and style. Beach sandals are essential for walking on sand and lounging poolside — think waterproof flip flops or slip-ons that are easy to kick off. For more active days, sporty sandals with cushioned soles and secure straps are perfect for excursions, sightseeing, or strolls through local markets. To elevate your resort look, pack a pair of strappy sandals that can be dressed up for dinners, cocktails, or sunset events — these pair beautifully with resort wear dresses or wide-leg pants.
Beach Vacation Accessories
Accessories are key to elevating your beach vacation style while also offering practical benefits. Start with a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun and add instant polish to any outfit — oversized frames or trendy cat-eyes are great options. A wide-brimmed sun hat not only completes your resort-ready look but also provides essential shade during long days outdoors, whether you're lounging poolside or exploring a coastal town. A straw bag is a versatile must-have: roomy enough to carry sunscreen, a towel, and a good book, yet chic enough to double as a casual day bag for lunch or shopping.
Shop Beach Vacation Outfits at Anthropologie!
Ready to elevate your getaway style? Shop vacation-ready outfits at Anthropologie and discover effortlessly chic pieces perfect for your next tropical escape.