Timeless Resort Outfit Ideas | November Sunflower

One of the best aspects of planning any coastal resort vacation is choosing what beach-themed outfits you’ll wear. From stylish dresses to fun and flirty swimsuits, here’s everything you need to inspire beautiful resort outfit ideas that you can use to look your best, all while enjoying your dream vacation.

Timeless Resort Outfit Ideas for Every Coastal Escape

Daytime Looks for Comfort and Style

When enjoying your time along the coast, you’ll want to maintain your sense of style with beach-ready attire that is both aesthetically on-point and comfortable when you’re out walking along the boardwalk, dining, or soaking up the sun.

Some great resort outfit ideas for vacations include:

Dresses

Sundresses, maxi-dresses, and casual linen dresses are great for staying cool while enjoying the ocean breeze. They can be dressed up with additional accessories, such as belts or comfortable wedges. Or, they can be worn for casual days relaxing by the pool or shopping near the resort.

Choose fun island colors to reflect your sense of style, or go with soft hues, like sandy beige, white, or cream, to help keep you cool on warm days.

Bottoms

For casual bottoms that go from the beach to lunch, choose shorts, wide linen pants, or capris. Skirts are also a great option when paired with tanks or over your swimwear to keep you cool. Go with soft and flowy fabrics that help maintain breathability.

Tops

Daytime tops are your chance to show off your personal style.

Go with tropical prints, fun colors, or embellished tops with decorative lace or necklines. Choose flowy fabrics that are breathable, soft, and comfortable, such as cotton or linen.

Tank tops are always ideal for hanging out by the beach, and they can also be layered with lightweight jackets or button-ups when the evening chill starts to roll in.

Swimwear

You can’t forget the swimwear when looking for resort outfit ideas! Have fun with your swimwear by going with options that are figure-flattering and fun.

Make sure to bring two sets of swimwear at a minimum, so you always have a dry swimsuit to put on for swimming and lounging by the pool or on the beach.

Cover-Ups

Keep one or two beach cover-ups on hand to throw on over your suit. They will not only keep you more protected from the sun when you aren’t in the water, but they also provide a quick and easy outfit to wear if you’ll be going straight from the beach to lunch, shopping, or activities within the resort.

Shoes

No women’s resort wear is complete without the right shoes. Go with comfortable, supportive sandals for walking longer distances, such as down the beach or exploring the town.

Flip-flops are perfect for hanging out by the pool. For a more elevated look at lunchtime, keep a pair of simple heels or wedges on hand.

To pack lighter, choose a few pairs of shoes in neutral colors that will match with numerous outfits. Beige, black, white, or gold are great options.

Sun Protection & Accessories

Play up your daytime outfits with fun accessories that do double duty as both fashion and function. Some accessories to play up your resort vacation outfit ideas include:

Jewelry

Keep a few statement pieces on hand to add a little glam to your outfits. Keep in mind that it’s easy to lose small items while you travel, so don’t bring anything that is too expensive or too important.

Go with a bold necklace, simple earrings, and a few bracelets in bold colors.

Hats

Bring a stylish sunhat to not only complete your beach ensemble, but also to help protect your face and shoulders from the sun’s rays.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are another statement piece that combines style with utility. Choose a bright color or designer pair that combines visual appeal and eye protection.

Scarves

Lightweight silk scarves allow you to add a pop of color to simple summer dresses without adding bulk. They can be tied around your waist to enhance your outfit, draped around your shoulders, or even tied in your hair.

Resort Outfit Ideas: Nighttime Styles That Keep it Cool & Classy

Keep your nighttime wardrobe cool and comfortable, but in bolder hues and more dramatic cuts for an elevated look. These looks are perfect for going out to dinner, having cocktails on the patio, or hitting the local night scene.

Going-Out Dresses

Because it’s cooler at night, and you’ll have the benefit of the ocean breezes, it’s easier to keep comfortable wearing darker hues than you might choose during the day.

Go with a classic little black dress, choose a bold red hue, or find something that combines bright colors and prints for island vibes.

Dresses are a great way to play around with unique cuts and fits. Tropical dresses can be flowy and long or short and playful, depending on how daring you wish to be. Shorter dresses with side-slits or figure-flattering ruched detail are fun and flirty.

Heels

Keep at least one pair of strappy heels on hand to kick any outfit up a notch. Heeled booties are also a fashion-forward option.

Hair Essentials

Bring along hairpins, styling tools, and any haircare products you may need to take your beach-tussled locks into a sophisticated updo or bombshell blowout.

Tips for Choosing Pieces to Create Resort Vacation Outfit Ideas

No matter what outfits you decide on, there are a few basic tips you should keep in mind when choosing individual pieces.

Choose Neutrals

Neutral colors can be mixed and matched to create an endless number of outfits without having to pack your entire wardrobe. You can go with a solid piece for the top or bottom and a more colorful piece to pair it with, if you want to add a little coastal flair to the look.

Choose Soft & Breathable Fabrics

Cotton, linen, silk, and other flowy fabrics are going to be the most comfortable in coastal locations. This is especially true during the hot summer months. They’re also typically lighter in weight, so they’re easier to pack and carry.

Choose Layers

Wear something comfortable when leaving for your trip, such as a tank top with an outer hoodie or jacket you can remove once you’re in a warmer climate. Bring a couple of lightweight jackets or cardigans to wear at night or on unusually cool days.

Be Prepared for Anything

Finally, be prepared for rainstorms and other inclement weather while on your trip.

Pack an umbrella and protective shoes if needed. You should also consider at least one pair of sneakers for outdoor adventures and long stretches of walking.

Goggles, ear and nose plugs, and other protective wear should also be on hand.

About the Writer: Aaron Smith is an LA-based content strategist and consultant in support of STEM firms and medical practices. He covers industry developments and helps companies connect with clients. In his free time, Aaron enjoys reading and writing about adventure, fitness, and lifestyle.

About the Editor: Staci is the New Yorker who launched NovemberSunflower.com in March of 2009. In the beginning this digital publication had just one writer. Over the years, Staci opened her platform to guest writers, and she then not only wrote for NovemberSunflower.com, but also stepped into the editor role, making her the Editor-in-Chief. Learn more about Staci.