Cute & Stylish Outfit Ideas for a Summer Beach Vacation

A woman wearing a sunhat lying on the sand

When prepping for a warm-weather trip, finding chic and comfy beach vacation outfit ideas can be challenging. At The Willow Tree Boutique, we’re here to help you create effortless looks!

As you pack for your getaway, remember you’re traveling to decompress and have a good time. Don’t get too worried about what to wear on the beach—just take some style inspiration from our blog!

We’ve pulled the best looks from the most put-together style influencers, so you can pack with ease. Learn how to dress on a beach vacation with our top tips for poolside relaxation, dining al fresco, or walking along the sand!

1.Two-Piece Set + HOBO Handbag

Matching sets, co-ords, or two-piece sets—they’re all the same! These cute beach vacation outfit ideas come already matching and ready to wear. No more agonizing about matching tops and bottoms when they come as a pair!

You can opt for elegance and sophistication with a neutral-hued linen style or go a little more energetic and fresh with printed florals or stripes. Complete your look with sandal flats for a casual day and a HOBO handbag for all your essentials.

2.Cover-Up Dress + Heeled Sandals + Woven Tote

A woman wearing a casual black dress

Comfortable? Check! Sexy? Definitely! A cover-up dress gives you that comfy vibe you want, while the heels elevate your look and show off your legs. Choose a dress in a color that brings out your eyes, hair, and other assets.

Since cover-ups are typically casual dresses, we say amp up the details for this beach vacation outfit idea with a woven tote that’s unique and intricate. Weaving with natural materials also plays up that vacay vibe with tropical accents that everyone loves.

3.Knit Midi Skirt + Platform Slides

Knits aren’t typically a style you think of when learning how to dress on a beach vacation. This could be the perfect beach vacation outfit idea for a breezier dinner on the beach. Pair a luxe cardigan with a matching midi and platform slides for a cozy style.

Keep your look from being too casual by wearing some bold gold jewelry. A pair of hoops from Kristalize Jewelry and a stack of bangles from Budha Girl will deliver the finishing touches you need.

4.Jumpsuit + Sandals + Colorful Tote

A woman wearing a romper

Jumpsuits and rompers are another fun, easy way to put together a chic look with minimal effort and hassle. 

With these one-piece options, you could go elevated and glamorous with a longer jumpsuit or sassy and sweet with a romper. Pair your look with a colorful tote to add a pop of color.

How you dress on a beach vacation should be versatile, so take this look to town by pairing it with sneakers or wearing it to dinner with high heels.

5.Skort + Backless Top + Dainty Jewelry

Sometimes, a beach vacation outfit idea with a skirt is just calling your name, but it’s not comfortable enough for spending the day wandering around a resort. In this case, it’s time to whip out something a little more sporty—the skort!

Transform this piece of athleticwear with a chic, sexy top, and you’ve got the perfect look to take you from day to night. You’ll be comfortable walking around all day with minimal thigh chafing, and you can throw on some heels to head out for a bit of dancing.

6.Simple Bikini + Floral Kimono Cardigan

A woman wearing a duster over a swimsuit

No beach vacation wardrobe is complete without a swimsuit! And you don’t have to wear your swimsuit just down to the beach or pool. You can wear it out and about with a kimono cardigan. Forget the traditional swim cover-up in favor of something more ethereal.

It doesn’t matter whether you opt for a bikini or a one-piece. It’s your cardigan that takes this beach vacation outfit idea to the next level. Make sure you shop bright, patterned styles that really put the spotlight on you!

7.Crop Top + Midi Skirt

If you’re wondering whether we have any beach vacation outfit ideas for the minimalists, you’re in luck! For that sleek, easy look, you can wear a basic white crop, a simple skirt, and neutral sandals. Free People has some amazing styles you won’t want to miss.

You can play with the details here instead of color with ruffled skirts, cutouts in your crop top, and even tassels or weaving on your sandals. As long as your color scheme remains neutral, you have the minimalist outfit of your dreams.

8.Floral Maxi + Raffia Sandals

A woman wearing a floral maxi dress

Do you love a good maxi dress? We do, too! It’s a must-have for our vacation wardrobe. For this cute beach vacation outfit idea, pair your maxi with some raffia sandals that combine a tropical print with natural materials.

If the material of your dress is elevated enough, you can even take this look out to dinner or a beach-themed wedding! The most beachy-worthy color combination is definitely blue and white, but don’t shy away from other bright hues, like red or orange.

9.One-Piece + Skirt Cover-Up + Clutch

The last look on our list of beach vacation outfit ideas is another casual vibe that allows you to transition from the beach to town to lunch with ease. Wear a detailed one-piece swimsuit and wrap a cover-up around your waist like a skirt.

Whether it’s lace designs or tie details, the extra accents on your swimsuit elevate it from vacay basic to bombshell style.

Start Packing!

Now that you know how to dress on a beach vacation, you can start packing for the getaway of a lifetime. If you’re missing anything from your suitcase, our women's clothing boutique has the stylish options you need!

Shop our selection to round out your beach vacation outfit ideas today!

Kim Kidd

Kim Kidd founded The Willow Tree Boutique in 1992 with a mission to help women of all ages and sizes feel confident and appreciated. The boutique offers a wide range of clothing options, including tops, bottoms, and accessories from top brands at affordable prices. Over the years, The Willow Tree has grown from a small clothing boutique to a beloved fashion destination.