Everyone needs a few (maybe more than a few) cute vacation outfits in their suitcase for nights on the town. From trendy outfits to timeless ensembles, we’ve got the pieces (and all the styling tips) you’ll need to turn heads on any occasion. Dresses are our top pick because they’re versatile, effortless and can make a statement all on their own. Need a fancy dinner outfit? Easy—just pop on a maxi dress and a pair of heels. What about a casual dinner outfit? Slip on a mini dress and sneakers, and you’re golden.
Blouses and other cute throw-on tops are great multitaskers because you can easily dress them up or down depending on the occasion. Add denim shorts, a casual shoulder bag and sneakers for a daytime event, or pair with your favorite skirt and layers of jewelry to create a winning dinner date outfit.
Seaside or poolside, a cute beach outfit is a must, complete with all the accessories you need for a long day in the sun. You can’t go wrong with a summer beach dress paired with beach sandals or strappy heels to seamlessly take you to your next event. If a sundress isn’t your thing, a wrap skirt or pair of flowy pants can quickly turn your swimsuit into a casual outfit for strolling the boardwalk or a lunch out with friends.
Along with your beach clothes, don’t forget a sun hat (we’re loving wide brim sun hats, bucket hats and baseball caps) and a pair of designer sunglasses to keep shaded (and looking cool). And to carry it all, there’s nothing better than a chic, oversized tote.
You’ve got places to see, and we’ve got the perfect casual outfits for exploring. Casual vacation clothes are a staple in our suitcases because they’ll truly take you anywhere, from sightseeing to shopping and everything in between. Need some outfit inspo? For all-day excursions, pair a tank top or casual tee with linen or denim shorts and a casual jacket in case it cools down at night. Add some stylish sunnies, and you’re set.
When it comes to carrying all your things while exploring, travel light with a versatile fanny pack (we like to call them belt bags at Coach). And for footwear, you can’t go wrong with a pair of sneakers that’ll have you ready to go wherever your adventures take you.
If you’re all about traveling light and being hands-free on a vacation, a fanny pack (aka, belt bag or waist bag) should be first on your list. This go-anywhere style was originally worn around the waist, but we love wearing our travel fanny packs crossbody or slung over one shoulder. Not only is this a major fashion statement—it’s also a great way to keep your phone, hotel key and other essentials at your fingertips.
Travel totes have our whole heart (for a whole lot of reasons). When you need large bags for travel, this carryall style delivers—whether you use it as a luggage tote or as a catchall for the all the things you need while you’re on-the-go. A medium-sized carry-on tote is perfect for holding your tablet, book and in-flight essentials, while a large travel tote or weekend tote bag will hold everything from your laptop to outfit changes and toiletries with ease.
There’s nothing like an oversized beach bag filled with sunglasses, towels and (plenty of) sunscreen to get you in the mood for a much-needed day by the ocean. Make sure to toss a cute beach bag into your suitcase, whether that’s a trendy (yet timeless) woven straw beach bag or a classic canvas beach bag. Tend to travel light? Instead of a beach tote, try a beach purse for your essentials (think: bucket bags or slouchy shoulder bags).
The most functional and comfortable of the bunch is the hands-free travel backpack. A carry-on backpack keeps your must-haves (passport) and nice-to-haves (film camera) organized, whether you’re stashing it under a seat or into an overhead bin. The best travel backpack is crafted in classic and durable canvas or sleek leather that ages beautifully with wear, is comfortable on your shoulders and is roomy enough to hold everything you need. We love an effortless accessory.
A duffle bag for traveling: sometimes the obvious choices are obvious for a reason. Like totes, travel duffle bags are roomy and endlessly convenient. With a sleek silhouette and a spacious interior, a cute duffle bag will have you looking and feeling put together and organized even on that red eye.
Mini crossbody bags are the style of choice for jetsetters who like to travel light. With just enough room for the things you need most (and more than enough style), small crossbody purses are a great option for going hands-free while traveling. Wear your mini crossbody bag through the airport or out and about at your destination to keep your essentials (phone, passport, wallet, keys) handy. And when you’re home, you can use it as an everyday bag for day or night.
Bright days at home and vacations abroad alike call for a great pair of designer sunglasses. They don’t just protect your eyes—they complement your style effortlessly. Not sure which shape to go with? Try round sunglasses for a retro look or a pair of always-popular cat eye sunglasses. We also love oversized sunglasses for an air of mystery (and a little extra sun protection). Whatever style you go with, remember that the best sunglasses are ones you’ll keep reaching for again and again.
From baseball caps to bucket hats to oversized sun hats, vacation hats belong on your packing list. Summer hats provide much-needed shade and sun protection even on the hottest days (and they can be worn year-round on those sunny escapes). Plus, unique hats can turn your vacation outfit from standard to stand-out (and they’re great for bad hair days, too).
We’ll say it again: vacation dresses are a dream for an easy one-and-done outfit. Sundresses are great to have in your wardrobe for all seasons—you never know when your next warm weather getaway will be. From casual dresses to day-to-night worthy mini sundresses, these versatile pieces style up or down seamlessly for any event. Try a midi sundress for a chic in-between style.