What To Wear On A Beach Vacation
Beach vacations are supposed to be worry-free from start to finish, so don't stress out about packing for your trip. Getting dressed should be every bit as relaxing as a day by the pool. The key is to pack wisely and stick with the summer staples like sundresses and sandals, which can take you from a day in the sand to an evening on the town. Stick with a small carry-on suitcase and a beach tote, and be sure not to over-pack. All you really need for a weekend away a handful of dresses, brigade of bright accessories, and token pair of espadrilles.
Your makeup bag should be every bit as low-key as your suitcase. Pack a few beauty essentials, like bright lipgloss, waterproof mascara, and bronzed blush. You really can't go wrong when you're packing for the beach—as long as you have a swimsuit or two and a bottle of sunscreen, you're golden!
1/21From patterned swimwear to pretty sundresses, this stylish beach gear will have you looking your best during your coastal getaway.
2/21Bandeau Bikini
Swimsuits take up very little space in a suitcase, so bring a few options.
Topshop Multi Flower Print knot Bandeau Bikini, $52. topshop.com.
3/21Quirky Sunglasses
Shade your eyes with these playful sunglasses.
Topshop Gingham Top Frame Flat Top Sunglasses, $32. topshop.com.
4/21Patterned Romper
Take a break from the sand and cover up with a playful romper.
Modcloth Flamingo Print Romper, $88. modcloth.com.
5/21Sunscreen
Before you hit the beach, slather on this creamy sunblock (and don’t forget to reapply!).
Clinique SPF 50 Body Cream, $21. saksfifthavenue.com.
6/21SPF Lip Balm
Use a creamy lip balm to protect your lips from sunburn.
Kiehl’s Lip Balm SPF 15, $10. kiehls.com.
7/21Colorful Espadrilles
Pack one pair of nice shoes; espadrilles are fancy enough for a nice restaurant, but casual enough to wear to the beach.
Tory Burch Criss Cross Espadrille, $123. toryburch.com.
8/21Classic Hat
Don a vintage inspired hat to keep your face protected from the sun.
Madewell Panama Hat, $58. madewell.com.
9/21Bright Suitcase
Pack up all your travel necessities in a classic—but patterned—suitcase.
HeysPalm Tree Rolling Suitcase, $300.
10/21Sunglasses Strap
Don’t let your sunglasses slip into the ocean! Secure them in style with a bright strap.
Need Supply Co. Summer Sunglass Strap, $4. needsupply.com.
11/21Maxi Dress
Bring along one long dress, which will take you from poolside afternoons to beachfront dinners.
Ruche Tribal Bandeau Maxi Dress, $62. shopruche.com.
12/21Striped Sarong
Save room in your suitcase by accessorizing with a preppy sarong that moonlights as a scarf for breezy-beach nights.
Steven Alan East African Sarong, $115. stevenalan.com.
13/21Pool Tote
This tote doubles as a plane carry-on and poolside carry-all.
Juicy Couture Gen Y Sunnies Tote, $78. shopbop.com.
14/21Statement Necklace
A statement necklace can make a casual sundress fancy enough for a night out on the town.
Modcloth Tech Bauble Necklace, $25. modcloth.com.
15/21Refreshing Towelettes
Keep your skin hydrated and glowing with fresh-smelling towelettes.
Say Yes to Cucumbers Natural Glow Facial Towelettes, $6. dermstore.com.
16/21Striped Dress
Polish up for a waterfront lunch in a spunky full-skirted frock (or toss it over your swimsuit for a poolside snack).
Quicksilver Striped Printed Dress, $60. quiksilver.com.
17/21Strappy Sandals
A pair of bright sandals will take you from the sand to the city.
Aldo Rothrock Sandals, $35. aldoshoes.com.
18/21One-Piece Suit
The right one-piece swimsuit also works as a cute tank when paired with skirts and shorts.
Delias Cut-Out Halter One-Piece, $20. delias.com.
19/21Printed Tunic
A pretty pool cover-up can also elevate a simple tank and cut-off ensemble.
Diane von Fursternberg Priam Printed Fine-Jersey Hooded Tunic, $265. net-a-porter.com.
20/21Colorful Hair Clip
Accessorize a simple bathing suit with a fun floral hair clip.
Asos Lily Hair Clip, $11. asos.com.
21/21Beach Mat
Stake your claim on the beach with a comfortable beach mat.
Kirra Cali Sunset Beach Mat, $12. unitedhabit.com.
