Tropical Vacation Outfits for Women - How to Dress for Fun in the Sun!
Updated: May 8
You’ve booked your trip to an exotic tropical getaway, and now you just have to pack. But what should you wear? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! If you’re headed to the beach or poolside, stick with lightweight cotton or rayon fabrics that dry quickly and won’t wrinkle in transit or when stored at home (avoid denim unless it’s very lightweight, or in the form of shorts!). Tropical vacation outfits are all about fun, so don’t be afraid to match prints or colors!
Button Down Short Pocket Dress, Layered Pendant Necklace, Budhagirl All-Weather Bangles,
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Casual Dresses
The best way to dress for a tropical vacation is with a casual dress. During your fun in the sun, you'll be able to wear all sorts of outfits, from flowy maxi dresses and breezy sundresses, or even a pair of cutoffs and a tank top.
From left to right:
Button Down Short Pocket Dress, Casual Button Down Midi Dress, Flowy Ruffle Sleeve Short Dress
Bohemian Strapless Summer Dress, Summer casual loose dress, Boho Beach Maxi Dress
Keep your look laid-back and light with wedges or sandals, and don't forget about your bathing suit. Whether you prefer bikinis or one-pieces, make sure you have plenty of options so you can change it up every day.
Skirts, Shorts, and Pants
Shorts and skirts are easy, breezy options for tropical vacation outfits. Shorts can be worn with a variety of tops, such as tank tops and t-shirts, or bathing suit coverups.
From left to right:
Boho Floral Print Maxi Skirt, Cute Highwaisted Ruffle Skirt, Two-Piece Wide legged Pant set
Athletic Quick-dry Summer Shorts, Trendy Two-piece Summer Short Set, Comfy Linen Lounge Shorts
Skirts can be styled with a pretty blouse or dress. A great way to keep your look updated is by adding some fun accessories like a floppy sun hat, brightly colored sunglasses, or sandals with heels.
Tops
A loose-fitting top is a good choice when traveling because it can be layered with tank tops or camisoles as needed. Plus, it's easy to wash and dry a loose-fitting top after a day at the beach.
From left to right:
Casual Dressy Ruffle Blouse, Casual Summer Buttondown Shirt, Flowy Sleeveless Cotton Soft Top,
Casual Sleeveless Waffle Knit Top ,Colorblock Stripe T-shirt, Casual V-Neck Tank
If your luggage space is limited, then my advice would be to choose tops that can pair with anything, opt for neutral colors!
Swimsuit
A swimsuit is a must-have when it comes to tropical vacation outfits.
From left to right:
Sexy One-piece Cutout Swimsuit,One Shoulder Highwaisted Bikini, One-piece Sexy V-neck Tummy Control Swimsuit
Highneck Tummy Control Swim Suit, Retro Highwaist Bikin, Elegant Tummy Control Swimsuit
For a classic look, try a high-waisted bikini with cutouts and a braided strap. For something more daring, opt for a strapless bikini with an embellished waistband or high-cut sides. If you're feeling like showing off some skin, go for a bandeau top paired with high-waisted bottoms.
Cover-ups
A cover-up can be as simple as a sarong or as complicated as a flowing maxi dress. Cover-ups are usually worn over bathing suits, but they can also be a great way to dress down your evening look and make you feel more comfortable on the beach.
From left to right:
Beach Cover up Net, Tassle Swim Cover up Button down Swim coverup
Moss Rose Coverup, Sheer Beach Swim Cover-up, Boho Kimono Print Coverup
As long as you keep it light, breezy, and airy, any cover-up will do!
Footwear
When picking out what shoes to wear on vacation, you have to keep in mind that you'll be on your feet a lot.
From left to right:
Croc's Brooklyn Low Wedge, Recovery Slide Sandal, Cushion Breeze Flip-Flop,
Cork footbed Sandal, Adidas Original, Sperry Crest Vibe Sneakers
Sandals are great, but they can be difficult when it comes to walking around a lot and chasing after kids. Sneakers will work just fine; just make sure they're clean before you head out the door. Flip-flops are also an option as long as you're comfortable with them.
Accessories
A great accessory can really take an outfit from drab and dreary to fabulous. Accessorizing is a great way to personalize your look and make it your own. For example, a statement necklace or earrings can give you that extra pop you need. Think about what type of accessories will work best with your clothing choices.
From left to right:
Woven Beach Travel Bag, Budhagirl All-Weather Bangles, Raffia Boho Drop Earrings,
Layered Pendant Necklace, Acrylic Fashion Earrings, Waterproof Tote Bag, Dainty Boho Anklet
Another thing to consider is their durability. Will the accessories you take withstand a day at the beach? Weather-resistant accessories, such as the Budha Girl Bangles, are an excellent option for those who plan on having waterboard adventures!
Sun Protection
The sun is a beautiful thing, but it can be dangerous if you don't take care.
From left to right:
Supergoop Sunscreen, Iconic Aviator Sunglasses, Hello Sunshine Floppy Hat
Protect yourself with sunscreen (SPF of 15 or higher) and lip balm (SPF of 30 or higher) that offers broad spectrum protection. Wear UV protective clothing like wide-brimmed hats, UPF shirts, and sunglasses.