Fashion·10 min read

Everything You Should Pack for a Warm-Weather Vacation

vacation-outfits
Design: theSkimm | Photos: Free People, Anthropologie
February 5, 2026

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Anyone else starting to feel the lack of heat and sunshine wearing on them? Whether you’ve booked a trip or we’ve just convinced you to, we’ve found vacation ’fits that’ll take you from the pool to the beach to dinner, so the only thing you’re thinking about is reapplying sunscreen and ordering another marg. Let’s get away.

linen-mini
Anthropologie

An eye-catching linen mini…

When we think of vacation dressing, we can’t help but think of Farm Rio for their bright colors and interesting silhouettes. This mini looks like you’re wearing a big lily pad, in the best way possible. You can keep the accessories minimal with a standout dress like this. ($298, Anthropologie)

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sweater-tank
Abercrombie & Fitch

A sweater tank you can layer…

Don’t underestimate the power of a good sweater tank. It gives off a Nantucket in the summer vibe and pairs well with shorts or jeans if it gets chilly at night. Wear it with a tee underneath to make it extra preppy. ($60, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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sporty-top
Quince

A bikini top that won’t stress you out…

When I think about the perfect bikini top, it’s one that I’m not constantly checking to make sure nothing is popping out. It’s one I can trust when I’m splashing in the water or lying on the sand. This is it, thanks to the under-bust band that doesn’t dig and full coverage. Plus, sporty styles are timeless. ($24.90, Quince)

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polo-set
Nordstrom

A terry cloth Polo set…

Polo Ralph Lauren does beachwear like none other. This terry cloth set is so easy to pull on over your swimsuit, whether you’re having a boat day or shopping in town. Adding a matching baseball cap is the cherry on top. ($160, Nordstrom)

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linen-pants
Old-Navy

A pair of linen pants you’ll wear when you’re back home…

These are breezy, packable, and won’t cling to your skin, even if it’s 90 degrees outside. They’re high-waisted for plenty of coverage and come in fun gingham and polka-dot prints. The price alone is enough to make us want to get multiple pairs. ($19.99, Old Navy)

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sweater-set
Free People

A sweater set you can wear on and off the beach…

A light sweater you can throw on when the sun goes down is essential for a beach trip. A pair of matching shorts? Even better. When you’re not wearing this set together, you can wear the shorts over your bathing suit during the day, and the sweater with denim shorts at night. ($88, Free People)

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swimsuit-top
Free People

A swimsuit in a trendy color…

I tried out Montce swimwear last year and have been obsessed with the brand ever since. This top is so supportive and has thick, adjustable straps to hold it up. I love the trendy, textured chocolate brown. Grab the matching bottoms here. ($132, Free People)

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t-shirt
Vacation

An off-duty T-shirt you can throw on and go…

Whether you’re walking down the hall to get ice or going casual for the pool, you’re going to need an easily accessible oversized tee. This one is the perfect shade of blue and has a retro feel that makes it look vintage. While you’re at it, stock up on the brand’s delicious-smelling sunscreen. ($34, Vacation)

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one-piece
J.Crew

A classic printed one-piece…

We love a standout one-piece. This one comes in a playful cherry print we can’t stop thinking about. It has adjustable straps, flattering high-cut legs, and a medium-coverage bottom. Grab the matching dress for a beach outfit that’ll get you endless compliments. ($138, J.Crew)

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linen-dress
Reformation

A linen dress for the hottest days…

You’re going to need a little linen dress. This one has a roomy fit that ensures you won’t be sweating at an outdoor lunch. The straps are adjustable, and it pairs well with sandals or sneakers. Get the black; you’ll wear it for years. ($98, Reformation)

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midi-dress
Abercrombie & Fitch

A trendy midi dress with pockets…

This midi dress has a tank-style top and a flowy bottom. We love that the top is thick enough to wear without a bra, and the poplin fabric stays cool. Wear it to the office with a cardigan once the trip is over. ($102, Abercrombie & Fitch)

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maxi-dress
Old Navy

A maxi dress that’s comfortable for all day…

This is the kind of dress you’ll throw on in the morning to go exploring and wear right to dinner, especially since it’s made of comfy cotton with just a hint of stretch. Pair it with fun sandals to dress it up. ($44.99, Old Navy)

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going-out-top
Aritzia

A new Going Out Top to add to your collection…

If you’re headed somewhere warm, a slinky Going Out Top is a necessity. This one is made of a lightweight jersey fabric that won’t stick to your skin in the humidity. The halter neck is flattering, and the material is thick enough to wear without a bra. It looks chic when paired with a long skirt. ($42, Aritzia)

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necklace
Mon Été

A colorful necklace you’ll never want to take off…

I love this brand for its extremely convenient magnetic clasps that stay put, whether you’re splashing in the ocean or snorkeling (trust me). I firmly believe that a beach ’fit is never complete without a few fun accessories, and this bright, layerable necklace fits the bill. ($90, Mon Été)

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hoodie
Quince

A cashmere hoodie for the journey…

If you want to feel put together for your travel day, wear cashmere. This hoodie can be worn zipped all the way up as a top, or layered over a T-shirt for a look that screams off-duty model. ($99.90, Quince)

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kitten-heels
TKEES

A pair of kitten heels to base your outfit around…

One time I saw Dua Lipa wearing thong kitten heels with her swimsuit, so I bought thong kitten heels to go with my swimsuit. These are so comfortable I barely remember I’m making a slightly impractical shoe choice. They’ll go with your evening wear, too. ($175, TKEES)

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midi-skirt
Anthropologie

A maxi skirt that’s part of a set…

This stretchy, sweater-like maxi skirt comes in a bright blue tropical flower print that reminds us of Mary-Kate and Ashley’s vacation movies (we know you see it, too). It has a mid-to-high-rise fit and a matching crop top for easy pairing. The side slit will let you show off the tan you’ve been working on all day. ($88, Anthropologie)

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mesh-dress
Eloquii

A mesh dress that stopped us in our tracks…

Now this is a vacation dress. From the citrus-colored floral print to the allover mesh, this is a stunner. It has a lining, so you don’t have to worry about it being see-through. Pair it with a slicked-back hairstyle and gold hoops and you’ll feel like a chic mermaid. ($77.97, Eloquii)

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