Outfits to Wear on Beach Vacation

The most anticipated trip this year is a beach vacation because the previous two summers were exclusively spent indoors in air conditioning. Of course, the middle of summer is in May, and many people take a month off from work, which makes beaches a sought-after vacation spot. All things considered, packing suitcases is a terrible task that we have to plan for several days in advance. If you’re one of those people, you might find some shopping ideas for beach holidays useful. Longer stays necessitate more supplies in addition to the basic necessities like sunscreen, swimwear, and hats. You might immediately think of a dress, but with the countless categories fashion has nowadays, shorts and co-ord sets are both at the top of the lists of what celebrities are wearing.

Making cute beach clothes that seem (and feel) effortless while packing for a warmweather trip requires finding the ideal mix between casual and stylish, which may be challenging. 

The point of a vacation is to unwind and have fun; instead of stressing out about what to pack for the beach and other destinations, get some fashion ideas from some of the sexiest women in the world. Following are some carefully curated beach vacation outfit ideas for you, straight from the It girl set. Fashion girls just always seem to know how to look put-together, whether they’re on the sand, poolside, touring, or dining al fresco.  The alternatives are copious, shoppable, and ready to elevate your vacation look, from rompers to ruffle dresses.  Consider this your cheat sheet for beach fashion advice.

Cruise vacations are the ultimate way to escape the grind. You can spend a week on the beach, exploring beautiful spots and exploring the city-like vibe of one another’s spaces. But where do you wear your swimsuits? Here are some outfits to wear on a cruise vacation that will make all eyes turn your way.

Outfits to Wear on Beach Vacation

If seasons were personality traits, mine would be fall. I was born in October and came home from the hospital on Halloween. I will devour anything pumpkin flavored, and a basic ensemble consisting of knee-high boots and an oversized sweater is my best look. So you can imagine my husband’s utter shock when I announced last week that I was craving a tropical vacation. Out of character though it may be, all I find myself wanting as of late is an open tab at a tiki bar, unlimited Malibu Bay Breeze refills, and to wear nothing but beach outfits for at least a week. Maybe two.

As the vivacious Go-Go’s once said, vacation is all I’ve ever wanted.

I’m more than ready to shed bulky layers in favor of summer outfits, specifically those I can live in on the beach or by a pool. However, if you, like me, are new to the whole swimwear-as-ready-to-wear aesthetic, piecing together beach outfits worthy of Instagram or a Pinterest board can prove no small feat. So, in addition to browsing social media for inspiration, I asked a roster of fashion stylists to break down the best beach outfits for summer 2022. Their accounts of what’s hot for the season (now and always) are below

Keep It Colorful

The pandemic had us feeling like we were living in a world void of color and joy. Now that we’re (almost) on the other side of it, it’s time to break out the vibrant shades that have been collecting dust in our wardrobes, starting with our beachwear. For example, bold hues like lush tangerine, magenta, and lime are all on style expert Christian Sismone’s mood board for her beach outfits this year.

“The color brings a little razzle-dazzle to your life,” she tells InStyle. And if you’re feeling really adventurous, Sismone is all for an all-neon outfit. “It will surely make you the conversation starter.”

Add a Sarong

Sarongs came into style in the 1930s and the piece of clothing quickly became a vacation essential. Most popularly worn as a skirt over bare legs, this piece of fabric can be worn tied around the waist to cover your bare legs, or over your shoulders for additional sun protection. Vanessa Valiente, a San Diego-based personal stylist and fashion blogger, loves a sarong for its versatility, but says her go-to beach look is a triangle bikini with a large printed sarong tied into a halter dress and a pair of water-friendly flip-flops. “This look can gracefully go from your wet and sandy activities to the casual waterfront restaurant without issue,” she says.

Channel a ’90s Vibe

If you thought all-things ’90s fashion was exclusive to fall outfits, think again. Valiente tells Instyle channeling the alternative era with beach outfits is as simple as layering a pair of short overalls over your bikini, or even pulling on denim shorts. Add a straw Panama hat “to make it more modern and protect your face from the unforgiving sun rays” and you’re good to go.

Embrace The Linen Everything Trend

Linen looks are huge for summer 2022, which means linen dresses, linen pants, linen button-ups, and linen skirts are all fair game when putting together your beach outfit.

“It’s the perfect summer indulgence,” celebrity stylist Cindy Conroy says of the fabric. “The lightweight material is beach ready and will protect you from the sun’s rays while making you feel light and airy like a goddess.”

Prioritize Convenience

If you’re the kind of beach-goer who likes to make the most of their trip, alternating between lounging, swimming, and joining a game of volleyball, head stylist at Tobi, Joanna Angeles, recommends sticking with a simple ensemble consisting of a one-piece swimsuit, sun hat, and sandals. That way, you’ve dressed appropriately for every possible scenario, no matter where your day’s itinerary takes you.

Wear a Bandana for Some Retro Flare

Bandanas and handkerchiefs are having a moment, and stylist Christina Stein can’t get enough of the ’50s throwback accessory, especially when its paired with beach outfits.

“I am obsessed with silk bandanas,” Stein tells InStyle via email. “They can be worn in your hair or you can make them into a chic top with a pair of denim shorts! This is probably going to be my go-to accessory this summer.”

Don’t Overlook Accessories

Lisa Sanchez, the fashion editor at The Nines, wants you to know that sunblock isn’t your only line of defense against the sun; your accessories can help, too. Add a sizable (and probably delightfully floppy) hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved or a UPF short-sleeved shirt to your packing list, Sanchez advises, noting cowboy, bucket, and straw beach hats are great picks. “Lastly, don’t forget a cover-up for the chilly evenings or extra blast of the sun when you’re not in the water.”

Balance is Key

Yes, even on the beach. For instance, when sporting a geometric print or vibrantly colored swimsuit, Stitch Fix stylist, Heather Tooker tells InStyle she’ll offset the something bold with something chill, like an oversized button-down (she loves this one from Kut From The Kloth) or denim shorts.

Outfits to Wear on Tropical Vacation

Time to enjoy some sun-filled fun! I’ve traveled to tropical locations all around the world, and I discovered that the packing for each trip was quite similar.  You should mix up your bright clothing with breathable materials, neutral basics, and lots of bikinis, of course. You’ll probably spend the most of your time outside in the sun or in the water, depending on the kind of tropical vacation you’re planned.  Pack stuff you can mix and match with swimwear as you won’t need much.

What to Pack for a Tropical Vacation

Essentials

Sun Hat // It gets hot if you’re in a tropical destination and you WILL need a hat. I love big-brimmed hats for days by the pool and beach — protect your beautiful face from the rays!

Sunscreen // I don’t leave for any trip without sunscreen! You’ll want one that provides great protection and is made from natural ingredients — I typically travel with SPF 50 for my face and body.

Dry Bags // Dry bags are a lifesaver on any vacation involving bikinis. Use them as a sand-proof bag for storing your phone on the beach, or pack your wet bikini inside to avoid soaking your other clothes. They’re water-resistant so they keep water out or in depending on what you need!

Sunglasses // No explanation needed! But, pack a few pairs!

Tote Bag // Travel bags that double as handbags, beach bags and backpacks are my go-to. You can easily go from a day around town to a day of exploring without worrying about your bag.