Beach Vacation Outfits
Before jumping into my favorite resort outfit ideas, I thought it might be helpful to answer some commonly asked questions about packing for a beach vacation. Since we live in Florida, I am very experienced in packing a beach bag, finding pretty vacation dresses and putting together resort outfits. But, I realize this is certainly not the case for everyone. If you’re planning a resort vacation this year and wondering what to pack, here are some tips!
What do women wear to a resort?
When visiting a resort, you will most likely see a variety of outfits. I like to pack a few casual dresses, a fancy dress or two, and a nice top and jeans or pants in addition to my “beach attire”. Some resorts do have special dress codes for dining, so be sure to pay attention to this when packing. You might also want to check out these past resort outfits for inspiration.
What is “resort casual” for a woman?
The resort outfit ideas I mentioned above are for activities such as dining or attending a performance. You will also want to pack some casual resort outfits. These are often daytime looks for exploring, shopping or lunch. I like to pack sundresses and casual tops and shorts or capris. You will also want to pack comfortable shoes if you will be doing a lot of walking during your trip.
How can I look stylish while at the beach?
I think the very best way to look stylish at the beach is to wear a swimsuit that you feel comfortable in. If you are comfortable and confident in your swimsuit you will look and feel your best. I would recommend layering a pareo or cute cover up over your swimsuit and bringing a sun hat and a large tote. These beach accessories can make your swimsuit feel less daunting and more like a resort outfit.
Favorite Resort Swimsuits
Now that I’ve covered some commonly asked questions, I’m going to share some of my favorite resort outfit ideas. It only seems appropriate to start with resort swimsuits, as these are often worn daily on a beach vacation. I am absolutely loving the resort swimsuits I’ve come across this year! In the past I’ve been drawn to brightly colored swimsuits, but I’m really feeling the neutral and muted hues right now, such as this pink and green floral bikini (which happens to be on major sale!)
Another resort swimsuit trend that I’m loving is flattering details and cuts. For example, the belted waist on this $47 brown one piece swimsuit is super flattering. If you’re self-conscious about your arms, this long sleeve floral one piece swimsuit is a wonderful option. I also find high-waisted swimsuits to be very flattering. This light blue bikini and this green floral bikini are two of my favorites this year. No matter how you would classify your beach vacation style, I think the most important part of finding a swimsuit is choosing one that makes you feel comfortable in your own skin.
Vacation Dress Ideas
One of my favorite parts of traveling to a resort is wearing pretty vacation dresses! It’s so fun wearing bold, bright colors and tropical prints while on a trip. I like to bring a variety of vacation dresses so that I have a few different options depending on my mood. If you prefer long dresses, this affordable pink floral midi dress and this blue floral tunic dress are both beautiful. If you’re a fan of mini dresses, the details on this teal green floral mini dress are absolutely stunning and this pink floral cotton dress is casual and fun.
If you’re looking for formal vacation dress ideas, this gorgeous green balloon sleeve gown is simply amazing! I also love this bright floral midi dress, which is a more affordable option. This light blue floral mini dress is another great resort dress and it could also double as a wedding guest dress! I always recommend bringing a vacation dress that you’re sure to feel comfortable and confident in, such as this orange floral maxi dress. The flattering waist will having you feeling your very best while on vacation!
Resort Outfit Ideas for a Beach Day
Along with choosing the right swimsuit for your resort vacation, it’s important to also pack some beach day accessories. You most likely won’t want to stroll to the beach wearing nothing but a swimsuit. Instead, you’ll want a full resort outfit including a swim cover up, sandals, a sun hat and a large tote bag.
This tunic cover up is the prettiest shade of pink and has an adorable tassel detail. You could pair it with this affordable raffia visor and this large natural grass tote bag. Don’t forget to pack a pair or two of sunglasses for your beach vacation. This pair of women’s tortoise sunglasses is adorable and only $28! And these natural woven slide sandals will complete any beach day resort outfit.
Resort Outfit Ideas for a Day Exploring
As much as I love lounging by the pool, I also like to get out and explore while on a beach vacation. I’ve previously shared my vacation guide to Anna Maria Island and I touched on a lot of the activities we like to do. Many of these activities are ones that you can do on any beach vacation such as shopping, going to the spa, renting bikes or riding around in a Moke. It’s always a good idea to know your vacation activities in advance so you can plan resort outfit ideas around them. I typically like to pack a casual linen dress, a lightweight floral blouse and jeans, and a pair of comfortable shoes.
Resort Outfit Ideas for a Day of Traveling
Last, but not least, be sure to pack something cute and comfy for your travel days. It’s always a good idea to wear multiple layers for a travel day outfit because oftentimes the weather between your original location and resort destination varies greatly. I like to pack a cute activewear dress, such as this white polo dress or this green activewear dress with a white pullover to layer on top. Of course, you will want to wear a comfy pair of sneakers when traveling and I like to pack this monogrammed hat for days I’m unable to wash my hair. And possibly, the most important resort outfit essential of all, is my favorite giant tote bag, which holds so much stuff!
My Favorite Resort Outfit Ideas
That completes my favorite resort outfit ideas for a beach vacation! To summarize, you will want to pack some swimsuits that you feel confident in, a few fancy vacation dresses, some casual resort outfits for daytime adventures, a few beach outfits and a comfortable travel outfit. If you’re looking for additional resort outfit ideas, be sure to check out my previous vacation wardrobe roundup. And if you haven’t quite decided to where you’d like to travel, you might find inspiration in my travel guides to Ponte Verde Inn, the Ritz Carlton Resort in Naples, Palm Beach or Anna Maria Island.
I hope you find these resort outfit ideas to be helpful for your next beach vacation! If you use any of these ideas, I’d love to hear about them in the comments below. Feel free to also leave any additional questions you may have about resort clothing and I will do my best to help you find the perfect outfit!