Packing for a warm-weather trip means striking the right balance between comfortable and chic, and creating cute beach vacation outfits that look (and feel) effortless–which, ironically, can be stressful. The idea of a getaway is to decompress and have fun, so instead of getting frazzled over what to wear to the beach and beyond during your 2024 trip, take style inspiration from some of the best-dressed ladies under the sun.
Fashion influencers just seem to always know how to look put-together, whether they’re on the sand, poolside, sightseeing, or dining al fresco–that’s why ahead, we’ve cherry-picked beach vacation outfit ideas for you, fresh from the interwebs’ most stylish girlies.
From rompers to ruffle dresses to swimwear the options are plentiful–and shoppable–and ready to take your vacay style to the next level. Consider this your beach fashion tips cheat sheet.
Beach Vacation Outfits:
Cutout Dress + High Heel Sandals + Woven Tote
Comfortable and sexy? Yes! A knit dress and cutouts are a combo made in beach vacay heaven. Bonus points if you add woven high-heel sandals with sculptural details.
Two-Piece Set + Beaded Shell Handbag
Call them matching sets, two-piece sets, or co-ords, but no matter how you refer to them, it doesn’t get easier than a two-piece outfit in summer stripes. This set is breezy enough for the beach but elevated enough for sightseeing or seaside dinner. Just dress it up a beachy shell clutch, polished jewelry and heeled sandals.
Floral Bikini + Chiffon Ruffle Tie Top
Want to mix up your beach outfit? Instead of a traditional swim cover-up, toss on a pretty vacation top like a button up or a floaty tie-front top.
Two-Piece Jumpsuit + Flat Sandals + Straw Tote
A stylish swim cover-up is a summer/vacation staple. Worn as a set or pulled apart, this ultra-versatile two-piece outfit easily takes you from the beach to town.
Knit Cardigan + Knit Midi Skirt + Flatform Slide Sandals
What to wear to a breezy dinner by the beach? A lurex knit cardigan and matching midi skirt–with chic slides, of course. (Don’t forget the sleek hoops and Quiet Luxury bun!)
Crochet Cutout Midi Dress + Dainty Necklace
Sexy and simple, a crochet knit dress makes for a perfect tropical nighttime look. Dress it up with gold accessories or go barefoot in the surf. Either way, you look cute and you’re comfy–that’s a beach vacation outfit win!
Floral Print Slip Maxi Dress + Raffia Platform Slide Sandals
A tropical print maxi dress with sandals just screams vacation glam. Take it out to dinner, wear it sightseeing, or even to a beach wedding!
Cutout Maxi Dress + Espadrille Wedges
Nothing says island vibes like a cutout maxi dress in a punchy color. Keep your look evening-ready with lace-up wedges.
Abstract Print Bikini + Crochet Swim Cover-Up Skirt + Structured Woven Handbag
Is any color combo more beach-worthy than blue and white? A graphic abstract print bikini and organic woven extras in the palette make for another perfect pairing.
Sleeveless Crop Top + Smocked Midi Skirt + Neutral Slide Sandals
Hey, minimalists take vacations, too! If you like the sleek, effortless look, but want to make your style destination-ready, turn up the volume in a bright skirt and pair it with a simple white crfop top and neutral flat sandals.
Abstract Print Tie-Strap Midi Dress + Straw Tote Bag
This pastel shade of orange has all the summery vibes without feeling overpowering—perfect if you’re a little shy of bright colors, but want to experiment!
Floral Print Two-Piece Maxi Dress + Slide Sandals
This dusty blue color feels like it was inspired by the deep blue of the ocean, and will make you feel right at home on the beach.
Crochet Cardigan Sweater + Linen Cargo Pants
If you’re heading to a vacation destination that gets cooler, a cozy crochet cardigan is the ultimate beach layer. Throw it over your swimsuit, then add breezy linen pants and you’ve got an outfit that will take you from the sand to sightseeing and beyond.
Lemon Print Wrap Dress + Lace-Up Sandals
When life gives you lemons, put them on your wrap dress and hit the beach! Perfect for vacation or just a stunning summer day, we’re in love with this lightweight option.
Tie-Front Cutout Midi Dress + Woven Tote Bag
Easy, breezy, and so beautiful, you’ll stay nice and cool in this gorgeous tie-front midi. Beyond being practical, we love how this woven tote looks a little like a picnic basket!
Floral Print Halter Tiered Midi Dress + Flat Slide Sandals
Perfect for a mid-morning brunch look or a day of shopping on the boardwalk, this beautiful halter dress will also help you stay cool in the warm sun.
One-Shoulder Cutout Midi Dress + Lace-Up High Heel Sandals + Box Clutch
You’ll feel like the bougiest babe on the beach in this asymmetrical midi dress that looks so luxurious and comfortable!
Multi-Print Maxi Dress + Pendant Necklace + Aviator Sunglasses
Even if you’re not on vacation, you’ll feel like you’re spending time in the tropics in this fun multi-print maxi dress.
Color Block Two-Piece Midi Dress + Slide Sandals
Sophisticated and sexy, this two-piece dress is worthy of a party at the beach, or a romantic evening overlooking the ocean.
Two-Piece Outfit + Aviator Sunglasses
Two-piece sets are the ultimate vacation packing hack–wear them together as a matching set or pull them apart and pair them with other separates! All you need to complete the look? Classic sunglasses and stacked jewelry.
Backless Maxi Dress + Lace-Up Sandals
Take the one-and-done route with a versatile white maxi dress. On days when it’s not quite beach weather, you can swap out your sandals for sneakers and throw on a denim jacket!
Ruffled Cutout Maxi Dress + Espadrille Sandals + Woven Hat
Wearing a maxi dress in a bright hue makes a major impact. To keep it streamlined, try adding neutral accessories like espadrille wedges and a straw hat.
Floral Dress + Sneakers
A floral dress is always a good idea. Just add white sneakers and you’ve got an instant easy vacation look.
Twist Front Midi Dress + Minimalist Sandals
Looking for a simple vacation outfit? Sexy meets casual beachy when you pair a ribbed knit twist-front midi dress with woven extras–bonus points if you go for head-to-toe neutrals.
Lace-Up One-Piece Swimsuit + Cover-Up Skirt + Woven Straw Clutch
Take your beach outfit to the next level! With a sheer lace cover-up skirt and a bright straw clutch, a one-piece swimsuit goes from vacation basic to beach bombshell.
Button-Up Top + Tweed Shorts
We’re suckers for all-white summer outfits–especially on vacation. Needless to say, this effortless ensemble gets our vote.
Tie-Strap Maxi Dress + Beaded Clutch + Dainty Necklace
Simple and sophisticated? That’s a beach vacation outfit win. A white tie-strap midi dress and embellished white clutch would also make a perfect seaside bachelorette or honeymoon look, just saying.
Crochet Swim Cover-Up Dress + Woven Tassel Clutch
A strapless crochet swim cover-up that doubles as a dress is the ultimate beach vacay staple. Wear this one from the beach to a festival and back again–just swap out your flip flops and beach tote for a woven bag and ankle boots!
Metallic Maxi Cover-Up + Straw Tote + Slide Sandals
A glam pool-to-lunch maxi dress is ideal for vacation, when all you want is to go with the flow. All you need with this relaxed-chic vibe is a straw bag and slide sandals–and a frozen drink, of course.
Scarf (as a top!) + Denim Shorts
Vacation is a great time to get creative and experiment with your style! If you’re up for it, try twisting a satin scarf into a halter top and add cutoffs for a glam, sexy beach look.
Crochet Cover-Up + Metallic Sandals + Woven Hat
Get you a swim cover-up that’s as cute as any dress. Boho texture + glam sunnies + shiny sandals = a perfect combo for walking in the waves or hitting the beach bar.
Show us your cute beach vacation outfits on Instagram @lulus using #lovelulus–and head to our Vacation Shop to shop more options!
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new content.
