10 Vacation Dress Outfits

Craving some sun? Consider a vibrant vacation dress the centerpiece of all your resort-ready looks to come. Not only does it make for an all-in-one outfit requiring little more than a sleek sandal, raffia tote, and statement jewel, but it also works for any kind of warm-weather scenario, from sightseeing during the day to balmy nights spent beneath the stars.

Luckily, this season’s most coveted styles are equal parts festive and fabulous. There are certified classics from resort brands we know and love, like Johanna Ortiz, Etro, and Christopher Esber, alongside newcomers to the scene, including Themis Z, Faithfull, and Sir. Below, discover why the vacation dress belongs in every summer suitcase—with 10 chic ways to wear it.

For the Day Party

Picture this: You’ve just touched down in the tropics with a day party—and Aperol spritz—waiting for you. Dress the part in Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza’s sunset-orange cutout halterneck dress styled with Jamie Haller’s barely-there leather sandals and Cult Gaia’s turquoise beaded handbag. Zara’s shell-adorned necklace and Juju Vera’s sculptural cuff add to the bohemian spirit, while Gigi Burris’s raffia hat brings some shade-worthy glamour. Now all that’s missing? Pumping music and a golden-hour dance floor.

For the Beach Wedding

Destination wedding on the calendar? RSVP yes in Etro’s tropical floral-print gown styled with Alaïa’s chartreuse thong sandals for a playful pop of color. Keep the look beachside-appropriate with Bottega Veneta’s chunky silver earrings, Le Sundial’s shell necklace, and Dries Van Noten’s embellished top-handle bag. The final flourish? A festive flower pin tucked into your hair for the ultimate seaside soirée touch.

For the Daytime Excursion

Whether you’re headed to the local market or sightseeing seaside, Alémais’s printed sundress is both polished and practical. Style it with derby-inspired white sneakers from Polo Ralph Lauren, Saint Laurent’s raffia tote, and Cos’s woven bucket hat. Madewell’s green beaded necklace grounds the look, while Business & Pleasure’s striped towel is the ultimate pool bag addition—you never know when the ocean might call, so it’s best to come prepared.

For Nights Out Underneath the Tropical Stars

Oh, those festive tropical vacation nights! You’re going to need something extra fabulous to wear: enter Johanna Ortiz’s puka shell-detailed printed dress. Embrace your more glamorous side and style it with Maryam Nassir Zadeh’s seafoam wedge sandals, Loewe’s raffia-and-leather shoulder bag, and Chan Luu’s shell pendant necklace. Alémais’s fishbone drop earrings and Pardo Hats’s netted cap complete the look with an island-like spirit.

For the Beach Club Brunch Reservation

Brunch by the beach calls for something refined and relaxed—Faithfull’s minimalist white halterneck dress fits the bill and then some. Style it simply with Toteme’s sleek thong sandals, Dragon Diffusion’s woven leather tote, and Hunting Season’s long pendant necklace. Then, lean into the season’s scarf-styling trend and tie Altuzarra’s fishnet-print scarf at the waist for a final look that feels both timeless and right on trend.

For Cocktails at Golden Hour

There’s no better time to wear Christopher Esber’s sultry bandana-print dress than cocktail hour at sunset. A favorite among fashion insiders, the striking blue maxi makes a statement all on its own, perfectly styled with Khaite’s sculptural white mules and Kallmeyer’s netted pouch bag. Vertigo’s chunky wooden bracelet and Missoni’s striped head scarf add to the festive vacation mood, while Chloé’s sleek aviators provide shade in total style.

For the Beach-to-Bar Transition

Transition seamlessly from the beach to the bar in Zimmermann’s scarf-adorned sheer tank dress layered atop Lido’s simple string bikini. Celine’s roomy raffia tote makes for a seriously chic pool bag, while Emme Parsons’s minimalist thong sandals keep the look effortless. Top off the outfit with Tohum’s shell pendant necklace and Eugenia Kim’s woven sun hat.

For the City Shopping Spree

Navigate old cobblestone streets in style with Toteme’s scarf-detailed halterneck dress. For comfort and chicness, style it with Lié Studio’s roomy raffia tote—perfect for toting home vacation souvenirs—and a pair of strappy black sandals from A.Emery. Finish the look warm-weather getaway essentials: Julietta’s beaded shell necklace, Loewe’s raffia sun hat, and Thistles’s retro-inspired tortoiseshell sunnies.

For the Beach and Boat Day

In need of a chic cover-up? Look no further than Tove’s eyelet-embroidered staple. Wear it layered over Loewe Paula’s Ibiza’s palm tree-print one-piece with Jude’s platform flip-flops and Toteme’s roomy raffia pool bag. Inside, Loewe’s hydrating face mist is a must-have for refreshing sun-soaked skin, while Janessa Leone’s shady sun hat keeps the entire look elegant from beach to boat and back again.

For Dinner and Dancing

Salsa night awaits, and Marrakshi Life’s striped ruffled maxi is more than ready to meet the moment. Lean into the festive mood and style it with Jimmy Choo’s lace-up wedge sandals, Staud’s playful fish-shaped clutch, and Hunting Season’s wooden-bead necklace. Oscar de la Renta’s palm tree earrings and Juju Vera’s sculptural silver cuff are sure to shine in the dimly lit cabana.