Vacation Packing Guide: What to Wear on a Resort, Beach, or European Trip
For a vacation in 2026, pack 4-5 sundresses for daytime, 2-3 satin or slip dresses for dinners, lightweight separates for travel days, and one statement piece for the photo op. Keep the palette neutral and golden so everything mixes; choose breathable fabrics that pack without wrinkling.
This guide covers what to pack for beach, resort, and European vacations — plus the destination-specific outfits that photograph well at sunset.
The 5-piece vacation capsule wardrobe
Pack 5 dresses that mix-and-match — each works for 2-3 outfits with different accessories. These cover an entire 7-10 day trip without overpacking.
- White or cream sundress — for daytime, brunch, beach club lunches
- Satin slip dress in champagne or jewel tone — for dinner reservations and sunset photos
- Linen two-piece set — for travel days and casual meals
- Halter-neck maxi dress — for the dressier evenings
- Lightweight floral midi — for daytime variety
The Vacation Edit (39 pieces) and Sunkissed Nights collection are both built around this capsule.
By destination
Beach destinations (Tulum, the Maldives, Greek islands)
Light, breezy, and made to weather salt and sand. Stick to cotton, linen, and lightweight satin. Skip stilettos (they sink) — wedges and flat sandals work better.
- 3-4 sundresses
- 1-2 cover-ups
- Beach tote (woven, large)
- Flat sandals, wedges, no heels
Browse the Vacation Edit and Cotton Comfort for beach-ready styles.
European resort towns (Capri, the Côte d'Azur, Mykonos)
Elevated coastal style — satin slip dresses for dinners overlooking the water, halter-neck maxis for boat days, and one structured piece for the gallery.
- 2-3 satin slip dresses
- 1-2 halter maxis
- 1 structured midi
- Wedges, flat espadrilles, one heel for nights out
Honeymoon
The dressier vacation — every outfit gets photographed. Lean into pieces that photograph well in golden hour: ivory, soft pink, champagne, dusty rose. White cocktail dresses for receptions abroad, satin slips for sunset dinners. Many couples want "after-wedding white" looks for honeymoon photos.
The Wedding Dresses collection includes after-party second-look options, and the Sunkissed Nights edit is built for honeymoon dinner photography.
City getaways (Paris, Rome, Barcelona)
More structured than beach vacations. Add a blazer or jacket for cooler evenings. The Vacation Edit plus the Jackets collection cover both.
Packing essentials beyond dresses
-
Woven tote bag — for the beach, market, and as a personal item on flights
- Small evening clutch — for dinners out
- One pair of statement earrings + simple hoops
- Sunglasses — oversized, photograph well
- Hair accessory — silk scarf, claw clip, or hair bow for variety
Browse accessories for travel essentials, most under $50.
The packing strategy
- Choose a neutral palette (white, cream, gold, soft pink, one jewel tone) so everything mixes
- Pack rollable fabrics — satin, jersey, knit, lightweight cotton
- One statement piece — the dress you'll photograph in
- Shoes: 3 pairs max — flats/sandals, wedges, one heel
- Leave room — you'll buy something while you're there
Frequently asked
What should I pack for a beach vacation in 2026?
Pack 2-3 sundresses for daytime, 1-2 satin or slip dresses for dinners, a woven tote, and minimal jewelry. Skip stilettos (they sink in sand). The Vacation Edit covers all four categories in one collection.
How many dresses do I need for a 7-day trip?
4-5 dresses minimum: 3 for daytime, 2 for dinners. Add 1 statement piece if you have a planned photo moment.
What fabrics travel best?
Cotton, linen, lightweight satin, and jersey blends. They pack without wrinkling and breathe in heat. Avoid heavy silk and structured cotton blends — they crease.
What colors should I pack for a vacation?
A neutral palette (white, cream, soft pink, champagne) plus one or two jewel tones (emerald, sapphire, or burgundy for evening). Photographs beautifully in golden hour.
What's the best dress for a sunset dinner photo?
A satin slip dress or halter-neck maxi in cream, champagne, or ivory — these reflect golden hour light. The Sunkissed Nights collection is specifically built for this.
Can I wear the same dress multiple times on a trip?
Yes. Photographers don't care, and your Instagram audience won't notice if you change accessories (different earrings, sunglasses, or hair).
What about a destination wedding as a guest?
Read our Wedding Guest Dress Guide for full breakdown. Short version: midi-length floral or solid pastel for daytime, satin slip or maxi for evening receptions.
Do you ship internationally?
Free shipping on US orders over $100. International rates calculated at checkout.
Shop the Vacation Edit for 39 hand-picked styles, $65 to $200.