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There’s an art to dressing for a warm-weather vacation. Fall and winter are easy. You can throw on a sweater and a pair of jeans and be out the door. You’re fully covered, so you don’t have to worry about showing any body parts you don’t love, and styling is a breeze, since you’ve been got plenty of layers to work with. After nearly 15 years in Chicago, I had fall and winter on lock. But finding the best resort wear has proven tougher.
There are cutouts to contend with that may or may not be flattering for your figure. Skirts that don’t always work if you happen to be 5 foot 2 (ahem). Prints and colors that may or not be in your palette wheel. The pieces also aren’t as functional. A sheer cover up is great for the beach, but will you *really* be comfortable heading to lunch after if it shows off your cheeks?
Resort wear is a tricky space to navigate, but after three years as a Floridian, where the temps are regularly topping 90, I think I’m finally getting the hang of it. I found 11 pieces that are not only great for the heat, they’re eye-catching enough for all the photos you’ll be dying to take. They’ll also have your covered on all occasion bases, from the intimate dinners you’ll spend at the hotel to those lazy days strolling the shore.
Below, the best resort wear for 2026.
The Best Resort Wear for 2026
1. Lulus Marbella Dress
This dress recently came back in stock after selling out almost instantly and I couldn’t love it more. The bold, vibrant colors make it a real head-turner, and it actually fits me, which is not something I can normally say for maxi dresses due to my height. I also love that the straps are completely adjustable for a custom fit on top.
2. Petal & Pup Inara Set
Can you say Grecian goddess? This two-piece set that Petal & Pup sent over comes in the most perfect shade of ice blue and the rayon and spandex material feels heavenly on the body. Personally, I like to twist the straps up a bit so they look thinner (almost like a halter top). It’s out of stock in most sizes at the moment, but Petal & Pup does do restocks frequently, and you can sign up to be notified the *second* it comes back.
3. Lulus Raluca Dress
This (stunning) dress, which Lulus sent my way, is like getting two in one. You can wear it like I have it here, as a halter-style top, but you can also criss-cross the straps in the front to make a little keyhole neckline, like they have it in the model image. Either way, the bold print will look great out on the water.
4. LSPACE Jessa Dress
Cover-ups are the hardest to get right. For starters, they’ve got to look good over your swimsuit, so the color is important. You’ll want it to offer enough coverage for you to feel confident in it, but not so much that it makes you sweat to death. LSPACE nailed it with this gifted Jessa dress. The cream is super versatile, and it’s convenience-store appropriate without being stifling.
5. All the Ways Alice Short Set and Overshirt
This set is so easy and comfortable. It’s great for walking around your resort, but works just as well for the grocery store, Disney World, you name it. The shorts are the perfect length for the over 40 set (read: not matronly, but not booty shorts) and none of the pieces wrinkle easily, unlike most linen sets, thanks to the added polyester. My only complaint is that it’s not machine washable.
8. VICI Solera Tank and Skirt
You need a bright and sunny set for bright and sunny days! The rayon of this two-piece that VICI sent over is soft, light and breathable—a.k.a. everything you want when room in your suitcase is a premium. It also helps out a *lot* when the heat index is at an all-time high.
7. Lulus Black Button-Up and Shorts
I love how elevated this gifted Lulus two-piece looks over a black or white bikini. It’s also fully polyester, which means wrinkles won’t stand a chance against it (score!). It will be on the warmer side for ultra-tropical climates, however, so I’d save this one for mid-temp days. You’ll also want to hand-wash it, since the waistband bunches up easily—something that will only be exacerbated by a washing machine.
8. Winkbay Set
You can’t beat the price on this Amazon two-piece. While there are a few tell-tales in the quality—the material is an ultra-thin polyester and the top has little to no structure, which means it needs some regular adjustment to get it to sit just right—it’s a great little set for brunch or a shorter-lived activity.
9. Floerns Tropical Set and Aritzia Awayaday Tote
I was shocked by how much this colorful print looks like Farm Rio. The top is a little shorter than I would typically go for and the material is definitely on the thinner side, but honestly, in a heat wave, that’s not a terrible thing. As for the bag, it’s super sturdy without being scratchy—something that can’t be said for all raffia-style bags.
10. Petal & Pup Romper
There’s no easier way to get dressed on holiday than by slipping into a quick romper—and the print of this strapless Petal & Pup option, which the brand sent me to try, is right on theme. It’s also super breezy and lightweight, making it perfect for heavier meals. A pro tip? It does wrinkle, so you’re definitely going to want to use a steamer on it. This exact style is almost sold out, but I’ve taken the liberty of compiling a few similar picks rom the brand here.
13. LSPACE x The Salty Blonde August Top, Sur Pants and LSPACE Isodora Hat
LSPACE teamed up with The Salty Blonde (that’s influencer Halley Elefante for the uninitiated) to create the collection of the summer. I’ve got my eye on this special edition version of the brand’s ultra-cozy looking August Top and Sur Pants set, which comes in an eye-popping Flame hue. It’s currently en route, so I can’t confirm how it feels, but knowing LSPACE, the quality is bound to be there.
Which resort wear look is your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!
Xo, Nicole
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