Getting ready for vacay? Planning the perfect getaway starts with packing cute vacation outfits–the kind that feel considered, but never complicated. The goal? Pieces that mix, match, and travel well, so getting dressed is effortless, and overthinking is off the itinerary. After all, when there’s sunshine waiting, the last thing you want to worry about is what to wear. Sunglasses on, out-of-office set—this is your official vacation dress code.
What Makes A Great Vacation Outfit
The best cute vacation outfits travel just as well as you do—packing neatly, resisting wrinkles, and requiring minimal effort. Think easygoing fabrics and silhouettes designed to work together, creating carry-on–friendly looks that move seamlessly from the plane straight to the beach.
But what dresses travel well and don’t wrinkle? Jersey, mesh, and knit dresses! You can roll these beauties to pack them and they’ll come out of your luggage ready to rock.
Crochet pieces are naturally wrinkle-resistant, and make ideal beachwear and coverups. The open weave dries quickly–so no stress if you get splashed–and the handmade, vintage-inspired aesthetic is one of the most popular trends in vacation dresses.
But vacation outfits have to do more than look cute and pack well—they need to earn their place in your suitcase. Versatility is key when space is limited, so prioritize pieces that can be styled multiple ways or layered with ease. A tie-front top works just as well with denim shorts as it does over a bikini, while a lightweight shrug or oversized button-down and bold jewelry instantly transitions a daytime dress into an evening look. And yes, you’re officially allowed to break up a matching set—pair the top with crisp white linen shorts or style the bottoms with a bikini top for effortless outfit mileage.
Finally, no vacation wardrobe is complete without a healthy dose of beachy, tropical energy. Even if you’re departing in the depths of winter, your destination calls for sunshine-forward style. Look for sundresses and effortless sets that wave goodbye to the winter blues with vibrant prints and elevated neutrals. Add in flowy silhouettes that move with the breeze for looks that feel relaxed, polished, and unmistakably vacation-ready.
Vacation Must-Haves
So now that you’ve got the vibes, what pieces do you need to pack? While no two dream vacays are the same, certain never fail when it comes to a tropical destination. Think of these pieces as the foundation of your vacation wardrobe—the ones you’ll reach for again and again. Whether you’re chasing golden hour, dipping your toes in the water, or sipping something cold with an umbrella in it, this is what I needed this looks like. Let’s build some cute vacation outfits.
Every beach vacation starts with a swimsuit, of course–at least two of them, so while one is drying, the other is ready to wear. From there, a great cover-up is essential, whether that means an easy wrap, retro-leaning crochet, or an oversized button-down that works just as well off the beach as it does on it.
Next, you’ll want a lineup of easy outfits for bright days and breezy nights. Start with a cute sundress or two: light, airy styles that take up minimal space and deliver maximum payoff. Two-piece sets are another vacation hero: they always look intentional, yet require virtually no effort (and have a great mileage-to-packing-space ratio). Opt for flowy styles and relaxed silhouettes that work just as well while you’re lounging as they do dressed up with sandals and a little gold jewelry.
Be sure to pack at least one elevated option for dinners and nights out. Slinky silhouettes and bodycon dresses tend to pack well and look fantastic, while a flowy long dress is another great option for resort restaurants.
Don’t overlook the accessories, either. You’ll want to bring at least two bags–a roomy tote for your beach days and a smaller clutch for going out. Chic sandals feel right at home on the beach or in town, and a floppy hat isn’t just stylish– it’s sun protection. Paired with SPF, it’s a style move that earns extra credit.
At the end of the day, vacation style should feel as easy and fun as the trip itself. You get away to relax, so getting dressed should be the easiest part of your trip. Packing smart lets you keep things cute, comfortable, and completely carefree from takeoff to touchdown.
If you’re hunting down the latest trends in vacation dresses, Lulus is your pre-vacation destination! Show us what you’re packing for vacation on Instagram and Tiktok and shop our Resort Collection to see what we’re wearing to destinations that don’t believe in off-seasons.
This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new content.
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