Heading to your favorite seaside destination? Ready to catch some rays, waves, and of course major chill vibes? Of course, you are–you deserve a beach vacation and a chance to wind down!
Make life extra easy and stress-free by hacking our packing strategy; pack a capsule wardrobe! Here’s our simple guide to using just a few pieces to put together the best vacation capsule wardrobe ever. We’ve chosen a soft muted vibe for this capsule, but you can do this with any color palette.
What is a Capsule Wardrobe?
A ‘capsule wardrobe’ is comprised only of pieces that can be used for a variety of event types, and with a variety of other pieces. In other words, capsule wardrobes only have versatile pieces, allowing you to maximize the use of a few core styles.
By choosing items that can be used for anything, you can cut down on the size of your getaway wardrobe and get the most out of your favorite pieces.
14 Pieces to Bring to a Beach Vacation
So, how do you put together a capsule wardrobe for a beach vacation? Here are 14 items we would bring to a holiday by the sea–and how to style them into outfits!
1. Tropical 2-Piece Midi Dress
Okay, this is a two-for-one, but who could resist this adorable two-piece dress! The pastel tropical print is everything, and we love that you can wear the top and skirt separately.
2. Twist-Back Tank Top
Tank tops keep you cool at your sunny destination, but aren’t always appropriate for going out. This knit twist-back tank solves that issue and is super cute while still being comfy.
3. Lightweight Long-Sleeved Button-Up Shirt
A lightweight, long-sleeved shirt is essential for a beach vacation since you can use it as a cover-up, to protect you from the sun, and as an extra layer when the sun goes down.
4. Cozy Knit Cardigan
It gets chilly at night, even in the tropics, so having a sweater to warm you up is key. A sweater will also help you stay warm in air-conditioned hotels, and while traveling.
5. Denim Cutoff Shorts
Denim shorts on vacation are a no-brainer. Comfy, appropriate for lots of occasions, and easy to style–need we say more?
6. White Wide Leg Pants
Like a sweater, white pants are a nice option for evening looks or times when you’ll be indoors. Having long pants is also good for days with more walking. Since our shorts are standard blue denim, we went with white pants–but you could also opt for white jeans.
7. Lace-Up One-Piece Swimsuit
If you’re going to the beach you need swimwear, but should you choose a one-piece or a bikini? For a capsule wardrobe, we love a one-piece since it can also double as a bodysuit.
8. Flat Leather Slides
Part of going on a beach vacation is wanting to be able to jump in the water at a moment’s notice. Slides make it easy to ditch the shoes, or quickly put them back on to keep exploring.
9. High-Heeled Slide Sandals
Swap the flat slides for high-heeled sandals to elevate your look! Keep the heel under 3 inches though, you never know how far you’ll end up walking in a new place.
10. Espadrille Flatforms
Flatforms are the more comfortable cousin of the platform high-heel and are a great choice for vacations where you’ll be on the go, but also want to look cute. We also love tying in natural fibers like espadrille for our beachy looks.
11. Woven Clutch
For quick trips to local cafes and coffee shops, or dinners out on the town, a clutch is the perfect compact solution to keeping your essentials safe and organized.
12. Woven Tote Bag
Sunscreen, your phone, a book, water, cover-up, snacks, beach toys–there’s so much to bring to the beach! A tote bag is a simple solution, and this one is so cute it also works as a purse.
13. Floral Handkerchief Scarf
A silky scarf is a nice addition to a beach wardrobe since you can use it to tame your hair, keep it safe from gusts of wind and sand, shield your head from the sun, or just wear it as a cute accessory. Not using it? Tie it around your tote bag strap for extra oomph!
14. Straw Bucket Hat
Protect your face, eyes, and head from the heat of the day with a cute straw bucket hat! Hats also make post-swim hair a little cuter so you can transition from beach to restaurant patio and back again.
10 Beach Vacation Outfits
Now for the fun part: Let’s style some outfits! You could do virtually anything with this fun capsule wardrobe, but here’s how we would wear these pieces for 10 different activities.
1. Fancy Dinner Date
Matching sets give you that classy vibe with zero effort. Pair with your simple heels and a clutch, and you’re ready for date night.
2. Exploring the Local Area
Casual, comfy, but still super chic, this look is low-key and appropriate for casually exploring beyond your pool or beach.
3. Shopping Day
A shopping trip is serious business, which means it’s time to break out the slides and the roomy bag.
4. Day at the Beach
If you’re spending the whole day at the beach, be sure to bring a cover-up option that is appropriate for visiting nearby restaurants, and will keep you warm at the end of the day.
5. Day at the Pool
If you’re more of a poolside babe, wear something simple to keep yourself protected from the sun and to slip on before going back to your hotel room.
6. Early Morning Breakfast
Enjoy a peaceful early morning breakfast before you go for a dip! With your bathing suit already on, you’re ready to swim as soon as your coffee kicks in.
7. Night On the Town
Check out the local nightlife! White pants are so beachy and tropical, but still give you that extra warmth after sunset.
8. Spa Day
After all that time on the beach, you deserve a day of relaxation! Hit the spa in comfortable, easy-to-remove clothes and a swimsuit to take full advantage of all the amenities.
9. Sightseeing Tour
By boat, by bus, or by foot, sightseeing is a must when you go somewhere new. Wear something casual and comfortable, and don’t bring all your belongings with you. Whatever you can fit in a clutch will be plenty.
10. Day Trip
Taking a day trip away from your main beach gives you a chance to see what else the area has to offer. Make sure to bring a tote to fill with emergency items like clothing changes, first aid kits, and extra cash.
Do you opt for a capsule wardrobe for travel? Show us your beach vacation outfits on Instagram or TikTok @lulus using #lovelulus–and shop more in our Vacation Shop!
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