Must-Wear Vacation Clothes to Have in Your Closet

Before your next vacation or staycation, update your wardrobe with the right clothes. You’ll want to stay comfortable and look stylish no matter where you’re headed, which is easy with a few tops, bottoms, and other must-have apparel. We’ve put together some vacation-worthy outfit ideas to get you started:

For the Beach

Hit the waves—or just lounge by them—in flattering women's swimsuits made from a chlorine-resistant material. Whether you like the look of a one-piece or prefer the versatility of a tankini, it’s easy to find swimwear in your perfect size. There are scoop-neck, V-neck, and high-neck swimsuit styles, along with swim dresses and skirts in various lengths.

It’s a good idea to take multiple swimsuits on your beach vacation, as you might want to change things up from day-to-day. A one-piece in a classic color like black or navy and an assortment of tankini tops and bottoms provides plenty of fashion options.

When packing for the beach, don’t forget a cover-up or two. There are beach cover-ups with sun protection; they come in short-sleeve and long-sleeve styles and a variety of colors. You’ll also find cover-up dresses in various styles and colors that can be worn to a beachfront cafe.

For Sightseeing

Maybe you’re planning to visit a museum or landmark on your vacation. If so, you need an outfit that’s cool and comfortable for all-day wear. In the summertime, cotton sundresses are a good option. They’re light and breezy, and you can wear them with a light summer sweater if you want more coverage. Mid-length skirts and short-sleeve tops are also good for sightseeing and/or shopping.

If you prefer pants, a pair of women's capris with a cotton top is an outfit to consider. Capris are always stylish—they go with all kinds of top styles from fitted tees to flowy tunic tops, and you can wear them with many different types of shoes.

Speaking of shoes, you’ll want footwear that keeps your feet comfortable. Walking sandals are one such option—they have a casual, vacation-ready look and are designed for putting in the miles. You might also want to pack a pair of sneakers for days when you’ll be walking a lot, along with slides or flip flops in case you go to the beach or visit the hotel swimming pool.

For a Night Out

If you plan to go out for a semi-formal evening, you can’t go wrong with a midi dress. Fit and flare dresses come in knee-length styles, and they’re available in an array of colors and prints. As with cotton dresses, you can wear a lightweight sweater or denim jacket over a fit and flare dress for extra warmth. Ballet flats are a comfortable shoe to wear with this type of dress, or you can go with a pair of strappy sandals for on-trend style.

Maxi dresses are another option. They pair well with cardigans and jackets, and they come in colors ranging from neutral to bright. Choose a wrap-style dress to fit your figure—they come in petite, regular, and plus sizes to fit everybody. As with midi dresses, you can wear maxi dresses with flats or heeled shoes depending on your preference.

Skinny jeans are also a stylish choice for a night out while on vacation, especially if you’re going to a casual restaurant. Wear them with a pair of pumps or wedge sandals for a streamlined look. When it comes to tops, these jeans go with everything from tunic tops to linen blouses. You can even go casual with a T-shirt or give your skinny jeans a dressy touch with a button-down top in a silky fabric.

For the Ski Lodge

If you’re headed somewhere cold, bring packable jackets, gloves, and hats to ensure you stay fashionable and warm. Rock ski-lodge style with a pair of leggings or jeggings and calf-high boots, topped with a comfy sweater. Women’s tunic sweaters come in many colors and prints, with neck styles including V-neck and cowl neck. Or give your look a luxe touch with a cashmere sweater; there are women’s cashmere pullovers and cardigans that you can wear with basically any bottoms from corduroy leggings to a skirt and fleece tights.

For an At-Home Vacay

You don’t have to leave home to enjoy a relaxing getaway from your daily routine. The at-home vacation—or staycation—calls for comfy sweats and other women’s loungewear pieces. There are no rules when it comes to putting together your staycation wardrobe; you can wear women’s yoga pants and T-shirts, leggings and tunics, or even your favorite comfy pajamas. When it comes to staycation dresses, you can’t go wrong with a shift dress or T-shirt dress in your favorite color.