35 Vacation Outfit Formulas That Works for 75° Beaches and 45° Mountain Mornings
- Image credit: @scatteringofstyle; @_katepope_; @irenee_daniel; @alliecaminata
- By Lisa Flood
- Published On 28 03 25
- In Vacation
What if there was a single style formula that speaks equally to Florida’s lively shoreline and the serene islands of the Mediterranean, all while making you look like you stepped off a private yacht? You’re about to discover exactly that.
Think about how a printed scarf adds a dose of classic glamour when wrapped around your ponytail. Now stretch that idea into an entire holiday lineup. You might start with a bold color palette, mixing saturated hues- like bright red, yellow, or tropical green with a monogram bag or some artfully layered beaded jewelry.
From South Beach’s boardwalks to charming cliffside cafés in Santorini, it only takes a few playful elements to transform your simple beach day into something chic. Whether it’s a crocheted tote for your sunscreen stash or a big straw hat that frames your face, these touches create a polished aura without leaning on overused basics.
The true power of this formula comes from how smoothly it goes from morning swims to late-night dinners under the stars. One moment, you’re strolling along the shoreline in a navy two-piece that whispers luxury. Next, you’re slipping on a crisp linen shirt- worn open or knotted at the waist and topping it off with black sunglasses. If you ask me, it’s all about weaving together striking details…
This same concept also embraces high-rise bikini bottoms or halter-top one-pieces, especially if you’d like a bit more coverage that still feels on-trend. Pair that swim base with a breezy maxi sarong skirt, then layer crocheted accessories. In the blink of an eye, you’ve turned a swim outfit into something worthy of snapshots, with a scenic harbor as your backdrop that photographs beautifully against lush palm trees and sun-baked coastline scenes.
By tying all these elements into one cohesive look—the “Vacation Outfit Formula”—you’re ensuring that every beach stroll, resort lounge, and island exploration is a head-turning moment. After all, the joy of vacation isn’t just about where you go; it’s about wearing something that feels both current and undeniably eye-catching wherever you choose to roam (it is to me).
#1. Multicolor Printed Silk Shirt And Pant Set + Black Oversized Sunglasses + Straw Tote Bag + Black Slides
Give Silk co-ords the vacation update that they really deserve. Laid-back silhouettes and natural textures meet their match when paired with a straw tote and oversized sunglasses. They are the best thing you can pack for the city escape.
#2. Beige Strapless Hem Top And Trousers Set + Gold Chain Belt + Small White Handbag + Beige Sandals
Out of all of the vacation-ready outfits that you’re going to see below, this is the one I’m most excited to re-create. I love the simple elegance, and the look has a resort-chic vibe that fits perfectly for an evening by the coast.
#3. Black Deep V-Neck Slit Maxi Dress + Gold Metallic Mini Pouch
This look exudes understated vacation sophistication. From the black slit maxi dress to the gold accessories, all of it strikes the perfect balance between effortless and refined.
#4. Black Sheer Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress + Black Straw Tote Bag + Black Flip-Flops
Another way to make a sheer maxi dress feel a bit edgier is to style it with unexpected accessories. While there are a number of ways to do this, we personally love the idea of pairing it with structured sunglasses and a straw tote.
#5. Light Blue Floral Appliqué Maxi Dress + Silver Mini Handbag + White Sandals
Flowing maxi dresses always crop up on vacation. Wear yours with delicate accessories for a look that feels fresh and effortless.
#6. Black And White Bikini + White Lightweight Button-Up Shirt + Black Wrap Sarong Skirt + Straw Sunhat + Straw Tote Bag + Black Flip-Flops
Perhaps one of the most predominant vacation trends is how un-beach-like the outfits are! Where there are bright summer hues, classic black serves as its refined counterpart. These looks appeal to those with sleek aesthetics, not boring ones, and feel more in line with a chic resort getaway than overdone tropical prints.
#7. White Strapless Bubble Mini Dress + Black Mini Woven Handbag + Black Kitten Heels
There are few vacation outfits a structured mini dress won’t solve, but I especially love the juxtaposition of this voluminous silhouette teamed with sleek accessories and pointed-toe heels.
#8. Fuchsia One-Shoulder Ruffle Maxi Dress + Black Strappy Sandals + Purple Shoulder Bag
It should come as no surprise that bold one-shoulder dresses can make vacation dressing look effortless. Wearing said statement piece with simple accessories? Inspired!
#9. White Floral-Print Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress + Blue Slip-On Sandals + Grey Shoulder Bag
Pien Bolk’s outfit is the perfect daytime vacation ensemble. Paired with slip-on sandals, it’s an ideal look for strolling through city streets of Spain.
#10. Black Cropped Tank Top + Black Tiered Maxi Skirt + Small Beige Handbag + Black Ballet Flats
You also can achieve the “preppy” vacation look by styling a cropped tank top with a flowy tiered maxi skirt.
#11. White Voluminous Mini Dress + Yellow Printed Silk Headscarf + Black Woven Tote Bag + Brown Leather Slide Sandals
I’ll admit that most vacation outfits already have a luxe feel, but when it looks like the outfit above, it screams effortless elegance. You don’t need to overdo it—just pair a white dress with a silk headscarf and leather slides for an outfit that will make you feel (and look) like you belong on the coast of Spain.
#12. Black Cutout Maxi Dress + Striped Jumper (Draped Over Shoulders) + Small Checkered Handbag + Black Flat Sandals
If there’s one other staple you shouldn’t be caught without on vacation, it’s the black maxi dress. No matter how you style this timeless piece, it will always make you look effortlessly put together. If you really want to lean into the chic European feel, keep your outfit minimal by draping a striped sweater over your shoulders and pairing it with sleek sandals.
#13. Yellow Floral Puff-Sleeve Tiered Mini Dress + Leopard-Print Slip-On Sandals + Black Bag
Another proof that floral dresses are the perfect vacation staples, use the outfit above as your blueprint by styling your tiered dress with playful sunglasses.
#14. White Oversized Button-Down Shirt + Beige High-Waisted Linen Midi Skirt + Brown Woven Bag + Brown Strappy Sandals
Simple, yet effective.
#15. White Sheer Shirt + White Crochet Skirt + White Bikini Set + Straw Tote Bag + Brown Leather Slide Sandals
We will be wearing lots of breezy white separates on repeat this vacation season! This modern yet timeless look is so easy to dress up or down and perfect for travel. We both love the minimalist, chic appeal that a tied button-down and crochet skirt have to offer!
#16. Striped Button-Up Maxi Dress With Side Slits + Beige Baseball Cap + Blue Quilted Bag + Brown Strappy Sandals
By now, I’ve hopefully proved that dresses are a classic choice for every vacation, whether you’re exploring a new city or grabbing gelato by the beach. If you’re still not sold, consider the above outfit styled with a baseball cap for a more laid-back feel.
#17. Off-Shoulder Ruched Bright Yellow Maxi Dress + White Slide Sandals
Whether you’re heading to a sunset dinner or a European soirée, the above by Iffat will do the trick. Take it from day to night with a quick switch of accessories.
#18. Hot Pink Pleated Halter Maxi Dress + Pink Ruched Clutch + White Kitten Heels
Wearing bold pleats might understandably feel outside your comfort zone, so styling a statement maxi dress with classic heels and pearl accessories is a smart way to ease yourself in. This is the kind of elegant look that could work for different occasions during whole vacation.
#19. Leopard-Print Deep V Maxi Dress + Black Slides
Whether you are planning a beach day in one of the islands of the Mediterranean Sea or have secured an elusive invite to a seaside dinner, you’ll want to make sure your dress looks sophisticated. When in doubt, you can’t go wrong with a sleek leopard-print maxi.
#20. White Lace Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress + Beige Woven Clutch + Red Flat Sandals
When you can’t be bothered to pull together an intricate vacation look, the next best thing is a breezy lace maxi dress. Styling this staple with a woven clutch and sandals is the simplest way to wear this style sans effort.
#21. Red Crochet Bikini Set + White Button-Up Shirt + White Wide-Leg Pants + Black And Red Printed Scarf + White Platform Sandals + Red Mini Bag
With a crochet bikini set and wide-leg pants, this outfit instantly feels refined and gives off an effortlessly chic vacation quality—something I always find synonymous with tropical destinations.
#22. White Crochet Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress + White Bikini Set
Ever since sheer crochet dresses became a vacation staple, the fashion set has been finding new ways to wear them without feeling too contrived or tired. In 2025, they are still an essential beachwear piece, providing a balance of coverage and effortless allure. Who said we can’t have it all?
#23. White Crochet Sleeveless Top And Skirt Co-Ord + Beige Slides
Growing up, one of the most popular vacation outfit formulas was a flowy printed sundress. Luckily, I’ve moved on from that time and learned a thing or two, which is why I traded in that look for the opposite one: a structured co-ord that feels just as effortless yet more refined.
#24. Strapless Floral-Print Maxi Dress + White Strappy Sandals
While simple vacation dresses are still very much integral to getaway wardrobes, the rise in which floral maxi dresses have become the go-to for beachside destinations has to be noted.
#25. White Off-Shoulder Top + Black High-Waisted Mini Shorts + Mesh Ballet Flats + Black Bucket Hat + Oversized Straw Tote Bag
Travelers like Lison are always up with new ways to mix function with style. I will sure be re-creating this look—practical yet undeniably chic.
#26. Beige Safari-Style Romper + Brown Leather Crossbody Bag + Brown Wide-Brim Hat + Brown Flat Sandals
Perfect for someone who is a safari vacationer.
#27. White Ribbed Top and Bloomer Co-Ord + White Platform Sandals + Round Woven Handbag
Ever since the rise of ultra-feminine vacation fashion, there have been numerous ways to make sheer and delicate textures feel more wearable. Now, lightweight co-ords like in the above inspo have arrived as a bridge between relaxed and polished, adding just the right hint of texture to an effortless vacation look.
#28. Black Ruched Sleeveless Top + Ivory Satin Wide-Leg Pants + Black Sandals
Filing this under “outfits to wear for a polished vacation dinner look.” This outfit is a capsule-wardrobe winner. A ruched black top, satin wide-leg pants, and sleek sandals belong in all of our getaway closets in my opinion.
#29. Green Deep-Plunge Knit Maxi Dress + Green Beaded Clutch + White Platform Sandals
While understated vacation dressing isn’t off the agenda completely, I’ve seen lots of travelers sporting bolder statement pieces of late, almost always in vibrant hues and eye-catching textures.
#30. Pink Textured Bandeau Top + White Ruffled Maxi Skirt + Brown Slides
Rock that lightweight bandeau top (that is waiting for you inside the closet) with a breezy ruffled maxi skirt and you’ll feel your absolute coolest. You can’t go wrong with a soft, neutral vacation look.
#31. Green One-Piece Bikini + Light-Wash Wide-Leg Jeans + Small Shoulder Bag + White Sneakers
Looking for a way to show off your favorite one-piece bikini? Look no further than the above. Relaxed denim styled with a mini shoulder bag will keep you cool on a warm day but still look cool enough to wear into the evening during a city trip.
#32. White Lace Long-Sleeve Maxi Dress + White Bikini Set Underneath + Woven Straw Tote Bag + Wide-Brim Straw Hat + Black Flip Flops
Just how attractive are these lace details?
#33. White Lace Trim Halter Mini Dress + Nude Ballet Flats + Small Woven Handbag
Consider your search for the simplest vacation outfit completed. It doesn’t get easier than pairing a nude ballet flats with a simple silhouette and a delicate lace-trim mini dress.
#34. Pink Floral-Print Draped Maxi Dress + Shell-Shaped Clutch + White Slides
Don’t think that vacation outfit can look sophisticated? Think again. If you want to make this staple look a bit more expensive, take styling inspiration from the example above. You can elevate a draped maxi by pairing it with a pearl necklace, a shell clutch, and sculptural bracelets.
#35. White Two-Piece Dress (Sheer Top + High-Slit Maxi Skirt) + Nude Strappy Sandals
Understated and easy to wear, a sheer cutout two-piece is a minimum effort and maximum impact, especially if you follow this styling and pair it with delicate gold accessories.
#36. White Sleeveless Linen Top + Blush Pink Maxi Skirt + Silver Chain Belt
It may have been particularly popular this last year, but a long skirt is always in style. Balance the formality of the skirt with a breezy linen top and a silver chain belt for an easy, beach-ready look.
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