Vacation Outfits: What to Wear on Beach, City and Mountain Trips

The best vacation wardrobe is small, mixes well and covers the few situations you'll actually be in: exploring, relaxing and going out. Here are outfit ideas for three kinds of trips.

Beach vacation

Day:

1. Linen shirt over a swimsuit + shorts + sandals
2. Cotton sundress + straw hat + espadrilles
3. Tank + linen trousers + slides

Night:

1. Slip dress + flat sandals + light shawl
2. Linen shirt + chinos + loafers (men)
3. Crochet top + wide-leg trousers

City break

Day (lots of walking):

1. Tee + straight jeans + white sneakers + light jacket
2. Knit polo + chinos + leather sneakers
3. Midi skirt + tee + sneakers + crossbody bag

Night:

1. Black trousers + silky top + loafers or heels
2. Dark jeans + overshirt + chelsea boots
3. Knit dress + boots

Mountain or cold-weather trip

1. Fleece + hiking trousers + waterproof jacket + trail shoes
2. Chunky knit + jeans + boots (village evenings)
3. Thermal base layer + wool sweater + puffer

Build a mix-and-match vacation wardrobe

1. Pick a color palette: two neutrals + one or two accents.
2. Choose 3–4 bottoms, 5–6 tops, 1–2 layers, 2–3 shoes.
3. Check that every top works with at least two bottoms.
4. Plan outfits before packing.

Full lists in our travel capsule wardrobe and summer capsule wardrobe.

Packing tips

• Roll soft pieces, fold structured ones.
• Wear your bulkiest items on the plane (airport outfits).
• One "nice" outfit is usually enough.

Day-to-night tricks

One outfit can carry you from sightseeing to dinner with a few swaps:

• Swap sneakers for sandals or loafers.
• Add jewelry or a scarf.
• Change a tee for a silky top or shirt.
• Put on a blazer or light jacket.

Vacation outfits for different weather

• Hot and humid: linen, cotton, loose shapes, sandals.
• Mild and changeable: layers, a trench and closed shoes.
• Cold: thermal layers, a warm coat and waterproof boots.

Check the forecast a few days before packing and plan one backup outfit for unexpected weather.

Try it with your own closet

Plan each day's vacation outfit in Wardrobely, save the looks and pack only those pieces. Preview evening looks with virtual try-on. See how to pack light for the full method.

Frequently asked questions

How many outfits do I need for a week's vacation?

With mix-and-match pieces, around 10–14 items can make an outfit for every day and evening of a week.

What should I wear on a city break?

Comfortable sneakers, jeans or trousers, tees and a light layer for the day, plus one dressier outfit for dinners.

What should I pack for a beach vacation?

Swimwear, a cover-up, linen or cotton tops and bottoms, a sundress or two, sandals and one evening outfit.