Resort Wear Essentials: What To Pack For Your Next Beach Vacation
Fashion Tips
January 08, 2025
By Lindsey Odorizzi
Image Credit:Designed by Freepik
Elevate your 2025 beach vacation wardrobe and soak up the sun in style with these must-have resort looks.
The surf is calling: You reserved your resort suite, booked your flight, and are now counting down the days to your sun-soaked adventure. All that’s left to do is figure out what you’re wearing.
Easier said than done.
While you can quickly fill a Pinterest board with your favorite resort looks, when it comes to crunch time, style indecision can often take over.
Luckily for you, I’ve scoured the socials for the best resort wear brands so you can focus on having more fun in the sun. Discover standout swimsuits and other resort-wear essentials for your next getaway.
What Is Resort Wear?
If you’ve been trapped in a winter vortex like me, you’re probably fantasizing about your upcoming sunny escape. But when all you’ve been wearing are sweaters and snow boots, it’s easy to forget what warm-weather clothes to pack for vacation.
Which leads us to the important question: What is resort casual wear?
Resort casual wear encompasses breezy, fuss-free, and fashionable garments designed to help you relax in style on the beach, by the pool, or at the hottest lunch spot in town. These include swimsuits, coverups, wraps, sun hats, capris, tanks, and more.
Other types of resort wear include resort evening wear and formal resort attire. While still more casual than traditional formal wear, these categories feature airy dresses, flowing skirts, and beach-ready sandals. Some resorts have dress codes to indicate when to lean into a more elegant look, but many allow you to interpret the style however you desire.
Make your resort experience your own with unique resort wear that embodies your usual style—with a coastal flare. Need some pieces to add to your lookbook? I’ve got plenty.
Our Top 6 Resort Wear Must-Haves
Stressing about what to wear to a resort? Keep it cool and casual with these head-turning resort looks you’ll want to wear year-round.
Andie Swim - Malibu One-Piece Swimsuit
Image Credit:@andie
Image Credit:Anthropologie
Whether you’re sunning by the pool or surfing the waves , a sleek and secure swimsuit will make you feel like beach resort royalty.
This one-piece swimsuit from Andie Swim is a staple of a versatile resort wear wardrobe—just ask Reese Witherspoon . The solid black matches seamlessly with any accessories, and the snap-button front adds a touch of intrigue and room for customization.
And can I talk about its all-day wear? This one-piece easily doubles as a bodysuit. Throw on a pair of linen pants or a wrap skirt and you’ll be ready for an afternoon of shopping or a late lunch at the resort restaurant.Seafolly - Textured Cotton Beach Wrap
Image Credit:Seafolly
Image Credit:Seafolly
There’s no easier way to feel like a sea siren or a newly transformed mermaid than with a beach wrap. And this Seafolly piece will fulfill those fashion fantasies in a cinch.
The textured cotton is durable and fast-drying, and the simple cut allows for infinite styling possibilities. Tie it around your waist or wrap it over your shoulders after a quick dip or a beachside stroll. You’ll achieve a breezy, effortless look no matter how you choose to wear it.
Agua Bendita - Lolita Azure Bikini Top and Alegria Bikini Bottom
Image Credit:Revolve
Image Credit:Revolve
This ocean-blue bikini set is sure to make waves of its own on your 2025 resort vacation. It features a trendy undersea floral design with scalloped edges, fitting for snorkeling with exotic fish and collecting rare seashells.
The halter top and side-tied cheeky bottom create a fun silhouette while prioritizing comfort. For wear on and off the surf, style it with a beach wrap or pullover coverup.
Free People - Shady Character Packable Wide Brim Hat
Image Credit:Free People
Image Credit:Free People
The sun’s rays never fail to soothe the winter worries away—but sometimes, you need a little reprieve from the heat. Shade yourself in style with this oversized sun hat from BrunnaCo.
Intricately crocheted with a light and airy straw material, your beach waves will still be able to breathe while you rest in your self-made shade.
Prada - Cat Eye Women's Sunglasses, PR 14WSF
Image Credit:Macys
There’s no shade here—these sunnies belong in your resort wear rotation.
Whether you’re floating down the Amalfi coast or sunning yourself in San Diego, these oversized, cat eye sunglasses elevate any resort look with their sleek and luxurious character.
Beach Riot - Charlotte Dress Passion Flor
Image Credit:@ashnfashn
Image Credit:Beach Riot
Resort wear allows you to play with textures, silhouettes, and of course, patterns. Your sun-filled fiesta is the ideal time to experiment with vibrant colors and statement designs. Check all your style-trial boxes with this new and unapologetically pink sun dress from Beach Riot.
Everything about this dress screams “I’m on vacation.” From the unique, paisley-esque floral print to the adjustable bow-tied shoulder straps, this loose and flowy maxi dress is sure to impress the other resort guests on the dunes and at the dining table.
And, because I can hear you thinking it, yes—it has pockets.
Round Out Your Resort Wear Lookbook With More Great Finds
Need more resort casual inspo for your standout vacation wardrobe? MySwimLook has compiled all the pieces you need to make a splash. From one-of-a-kind one-pieces to body-positive bikinis , we can point you toward resort wear you’ll never want to take off.
Look good and feel even better on your next resort vacation with the support of MySwimLook. For more resort wear must-haves, check out 7 Sultry Prints To Show Off Your Wild Side and Beachwear Essentials For A Perfect Winter Sun Holiday .