Bookmark these chic ensembles to re-create for your next jaunt.
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Heading somewhere warm? Once your flights are booked and your itinerary is planned, it's time to go shopping (naturally). While some vacation spots are fairly low-key—even the Ritz-Carlton in Hawaii has a "resort casual" dress code—others might require a bit more fuss. With enough planning, you'll have enough vacation outfit ideas to last you your entire trip and then some.
The trick is to bring a few key pieces—a silk midi skirt, some slipdresses, and a couple blazers—from which you can make a little vacation capsule wardrobe. If you're traveling somewhere tropical, it's easy to lean on flowy dresses and versatile, humidity-friendly separates that you can mix and match throughout the trip. Similarly, you can take notes from the fashion set and repurpose bathing suit tops and cover-ups as makeshift shirts and dresses, respectively. Even if your destination gets cool at night, we have area few ideas to keep you from getting chilly during your sunset beach strolls.
Ahead, 17 no-fail vacation outfits to pack for your next jet-set adventure.
Tie One On
Don't waste valuable vacation time fussing with your hair. Instead, tie a silk scarf around your head for an elevated take on beach hair.
Get the look: Gucci Silk Scarf, $510, mytheresa.com
Go Tonal
A yellow maxi skirt feels right at home with a banana-hued handbag.
Get the look: Christopher Esber Ribbed Knit Maxi Skirt, $350, mytheresa.com
Go with the Flow
A flowy button-down with similarly easy poly-blend pants are a no-brainer for vacation.
Get the look: Citizens of Humanity Kayla Oversized Cotton Shirt, $200, modaoperandi.com
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Repurpose Your Bathing Suit
Wear your bathing suit top as a makeshift shirt—then pair it with a linen maxi skirt for a touch of insouciance.
Get the look: Johanna Ortiz Rich Earthly Strapless Bikini Top, $250, modaoperandi.com
Get Groovy
Don't be afraid to have some fun with your resortwear: Instead of packing solely minimalist pieces, add in a few that really sing, like a groovy, swirled dress with cutouts.
Get the look: Zara Cut Out Jacquard Dress, $40, zara.com
Go Bold on Bottom
Here's your official reminder that accessories can make the outfit.
Get the look: Jimmy Choo Minea Woven Raffia Sandals, $575, saksfifthavenue.com
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Heavy Lifting
If you're headed somewhere with unpredictable weather, pack a heavy-weight sweater dress in a fun pastel hue and top it off with a broach or a belt for a little something extra.
Get the look: A.L.C. Clara Rib Knit Dress, $550, alc.com
Tourist Trap
Pair a fancy, frilly vacation dress with sneakers and minimal accessories for a look that unapologetically leans into the tourist vibe.
Get the look: Prada Neon Running Sneakers, $750, modaoperandi.com
Accessorize Well
Top off a breezy top and mid-length shorts with fun accessories like a beaded necklace or a mini basket bag in a contrasting hue.
Get the look: Balenciaga Bistro XXS Basket With Strap, $675, theyes.com
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Easy Flowing
A flowy maxi dress is always a good idea.
Get the look: Mara Hoffman Luz Coverup, $195, marahoffman.com
Slow Drape
Heading somewhere that gets chilly at night? Drape a sweater around your shoulders as part of your dinner look—then throw it on when you stroll down the beach past sunset.
Get the look: Max Mara Leisure Giorno Sweater, $227, mytheresa.com
Layer Up
If you prefer to layer up, add visual interest by tying a full-size silk scarf as a makeshift tube top over a lightweight base layer.
Get the look: Dior Oblique Diortwin Silk Scarf, $590, dior.com
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Matchy Matchy
Pack a matching floral outfit for a look that feels impactful when worn together, but works just as well when worn separately.
Get the look: Wray Gregory Top, $178, wray.nyc
Put a Blazer on It
Top off a typical maxi skirt-and-tank outfit with a blazer for a more elevated feel.
Get the look: The Frankie Shop Tansy Oversized Blazer, $285, thefrankieshop.com
Elevate Your Tank
Pair a basic, wear-anywhere white tank with a slip skirt and kitten heels for a look that feels sophisticated and casual all at once.
Get the look: Acler Lawton Draped Satin Midi Skirt, $295, modaoperandi.com
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Keep It Simple
When in doubt, remember that a silk midi dress is a one-step outfit you can't go wrong with.
Get the look: Olivia von Halle Bibi Printed Silk Crepe De Chine Nightdress, $315, net-a-porter.com
Go Long
Make a pair of straight-leg denim feel special by adding an open-button poplin shirt.
Get the look: L'Agence Cameron Linen Maxi Shirt Dress, $319, intermixonline.com
