white embroidered honeymoon dress
Shop the Look: Tickets To Paradise White Embroidered Maxi Dress

In all the commotion of wedding planning, figuring out what to wear on your honeymoon can fall to the bottom of the priorities list. It’s entirely possible to overpack or forget something crucial–especially when you’re riding that post-wedding high. If you’re heading to a tropical island or other hot-weather destination, the last thing you want is to get delayed at the airport with an overweight suitcase–or have to scramble to buy what you need once you arrive.

starfish swim cover-up
Shop the Look: Arizbeth Ivory Crochet Starfish Long Sleeve Swim Cover-Up

To help you avoid these vacation-packing fails, I’ve narrowed down the specific types of beach honeymoon clothes you’ll need for a one-week honeymoon, and recommendations of how many of each to take. Read on ahead–and bon voyage!

5-6 Tops

beach honeymoon tops
Shop the Look: rawn Ivory Floral Embroidered Pierced Knit Button-Front Top, Rudia Bright Red One-Shoulder Top, C’est La Vie White Short Sleeve Cropped Graphic Tee

A variety of tops you can dress up or down is ideal for a beach honeymoon, especially in lighter, neutral shades. A good mix: 2 short-sleeve tees (one solid and one print–stripes never fail), a casual cotton tank for daytime activities, a silky cami and a pretty blouse (white lace, anyone?) for romantic dinners, and a button-up shirt that can easily double as a swim cover-up in a pinch!

1 Pair of Pants

beach pants
Shop the Look: Eydis Ivory Multi Print Wide-Leg Drawstring Pants Brisa Beige Cuffed Wide-Leg Pants, Brenda Crinkle Cotton Drawstring Pants

Odds are you’ll be spending most of the trip in skirts, dresses, or shorts, but a pair of easy pants you can wear on the plane or on cool evenings is always a good idea. Just make sure they’re comfy as well as stylish: Pants with elastic waist detail or jeans with stretch will serve you well.

2 Pairs of Shorts

honeymoon shorts
Shop the Look: Crossroads Medium Wash Distressed Mid-Rise Cutoff Shorts, Classic Ivory and Beige Striped Linen Beach Shorts, Marilena Cream Crochet Lace Drawstring Shorts

Denim cutoffs can go from the beach to town and look super cute with a bathing suit. Tailored shorts are a great option for when you want to look a little more polished (say, for dinner) but still laid-back.

2 Skirts

skirts for beach honeymoon
Shop the Look: Relaxed Charm White Gauzy Tiered Drawstring Maxi Skirt, Nathalia Ivory Floral Print Lace Midi Skirt, Valeriana White Polka Dot Smocked Tiered Mini Skirt

Skirts are essential beach honeymoon clothes! Be sure to bring a summery midi or maxi skirt that can go from day to night, as well as a miniskirt for a fun, flirty evening out. A breezy, lightweight fabric will keep you cool and comfortable, even if you’re honeymooning right on the equator!

3 Dresses

honeymoon dresses
Shop the Look: Lettie White Poplin Plunge Neck Midi Dress, Bright Bloom White Floral Strapless Mini Dress, Sweet At Heart White Floral Embroidered Two-Piece Midi Dress

No honeymoon wardrobe is complete without dresses and you’ll need at least two. For daytime, a girly sundress in a fun print goes just as great with sneakers as it does with wedge sandals. For romantic evenings, pack a sexy option like a silky slip dress or bodycon. Choose colors that complement your glow and fabrics that feel good against sun-kissed skin. A dress that flows in the breeze will photograph beautifully and keep the vibe effortlessly romantic.

1 Light Jacket or Cardigan

summer sweaters
Shop the Look: Cooler Than You Light Wash Distressed Denim Jacket, Crochet It AintSo Ivory Oversized Cardigan Sweater, Springtime Sweetie Light Yellow Loose Knit Cardigan Sweater

Vacation weather can be unpredictable. A lightweight jacket that you can easily pack or tie around your waist is ideal in case of rain or cooler temperatures at your destination or when you return home. If a jacket seems a bit much, you might prefer a cardigan. A lightweight, drapey knit might be a bit more packable than a more structured jacket, and is the perfect companion for drafty restaurants!

3 Swimsuits

honeymoon swimsuits
Shop the LookLola Red Gingham Textured Bralette Bikini Top, Lola Red Gingham Soft Side Holiday Bikini Bottoms, Sunny Day Babe White Crinkle Halter One-Piece Swimsuit, Paradise Blue Floral Underwire Bikini Top, Paradise Blue Floral Holiday Bikini Bottoms 

You spend a lot of vacation time in your bathing suit so it’s tempting to throw them all in your suitcase. But you don’t really need one for every day of the honeymoon! To conserve space, however, bring two for sunbathing and one stay-put swimsuit for activities like stand-up paddleboarding or jet skiing (or vice versa, depending on how active you are).

1 Swim Coverup

honeymoon beach cover ups
Shop the Look: Pier to Pier White Sheer Crochet Swim Cover-UpVesper White Sheer Crochet Maxi Cover-Up, Olivia Slate Blue Eyelet Embroidered Swim Cover-Up Top

With swimsuits come swim cover-ups, of course. To get more bang for your buck, try a pretty button-up that looks great over a bathing suit on the beach and with a tank and jeans at dinner. Crochet styles are also a great idea; they’re super packable, dry quickly, and perfect for lounging around the resort or a quick trip into town!

Lingerie: As Much As You Want

white honeymoon lingerie
Shop the Look: Kiss Me Goodnight White Satin Lace Lingerie Slip, < More Amour White Lace Satin Cami Top, Love and Luxe White Lace Satin Shorts, Unforgettable Romance White Sheer Lace Halter Bodysuit

Wow your new spouse with some sexy underthings: Lace bralettes, satin camis and shorts, and sheer kimonos will look pretty and up the romance factor. Pack as much as you want, whether that’s something new for each night or a couple of real show-stoppers. This is your honeymoon–you only get to do this once!

With this checklist, you’ll have the just-right mix of beach honeymoon clothes. Just be sure to leave room in your suitcase for vacation souvenirs! 

What are you packing for your honeymoon? Show us your romantic vacation looks on Instagram or TikTok @Lulus using #LoveLulus, and check out our Honeymoon Shop and Vacation Shop for even more honeymoon essentials!

This post was originally published in 2019 and has been updated with new content.