Style

How to Dress Comfortably on Vacation—without Looking like a Tourist

Written by: Amanda Chung

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Published on: June 25, 2024

Fashion editor: Sandra Slusarczyk

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Photo courtesy of Alice Pilate

When you’re on vacation, especially in a city, dressing in a way that’s sensible (i.e., all-day comfortable and versatile enough to go wherever you do) but still chic can be difficult. There are so many variables to consider—the weather, the range of activities, the cultural expectations of the new place you’re in—and the odds of ruining a perfectly good outfit with practical shoes is high. Here’s what you do: Find yourself a pair of sandals you can do 20,000 steps in. Invest in pieces that can pull their weight and then some. And stick to a pared-back color palette that makes it easy to mix and match, even when you’ve packed ultralight.

THE STREAMLINED SEPARATES

We’re never not taking notes from Gwyneth, who, on her recent trip to Italy, reminded us that a breathable bodysuit or tank top tucked into a pair of wide-leg linen pants is one chic base. Finish things off with a pair of shades, a lightweight knit in case you encounter air conditioning, and a neutral crossbody that complements everything else that you packed.

G. LABEL BY GOOP DEEP-V BODYSUIT, goop, $145; G. LABEL BY GOOP SEASIDE PANT, goop, $595

  1. DeMellier
    Bag
    goop, $525SHOP NOW
    RE/DONE
    Bodysuit
    goop, $175SHOP NOW
  2. G. Label by goop
    Demoiselle Cardigan
    goop, $525SHOP NOW
    G. Label by goop
    Seaside Pant
    goop, $595SHOP NOW
  3. Celine
    Sunglasses
    Mytheresa, $490SHOP NOW
    Daphine
    Necklace
    goop, $260SHOP NOW
    Toteme
    Sandals
    goop, $500SHOP NOW

 


 

THE MATCHING SET

The genius of a matching set—besides the fact that it’s a ready-made outfit requiring little to no styling—is that after its debut, you can break it up and style each piece separately to get more mileage out of it. We’re especially into this billowy By Malene Birger duo (the abstract peacock-feather print is fun but still versatile).

  1. Marlo Laz
    Necklace
    goop, $4,260SHOP NOW
    St. Agni
    Top
    goop, $219SHOP NOW
  2. By Malene Birger
    Blouse
    goop, $350SHOP NOW
    By Malene Birger
    Pants
    goop, $350SHOP NOW
    Emme Parsons
    Sandals
    goop, $425SHOP NOW
  3. Janessa Leone
    Hat
    goop, $237SHOP NOW
    Loewe
    Bag
    Loewe, $2,250SHOP NOW
    Iris&Romeo
    SPF 50
    goop, $50SHOP NOW

 


 

THE ALL-DAY DRESS

When you want to be able to go straight from museums and window-shopping to dinner without having to stop at the hotel first to change, opt for a feminine yet unfussy dress like this cherry-print G. Label number. Wear it open at the neckline during the day to make it feel more casual, then button it up for evening. Keep the accessories polished (gleamy gold jewelry, slim suede clutch) and those clean white sneakers, while casual, will still look elevated enough for most establishments.

CIAO LUCIA DRESS, goop, $450

  1. Foundrae
    Necklace
    goop, $5,360SHOP NOW
    Foundrae
    Ring
    goop, $3,990SHOP NOW
  2. G. Label by goop
    Umbria Dress
    goop, $595SHOP NOW
    Santoni
    Sneakers
    24S, $650SHOP NOW
  3. Métier
    Clutch
    goop, $1,250SHOP NOW
    Saie
    Blush
    goop, $32SHOP NOW

More Vacation Staples

  1. G. Label by goop
    Elliott Assorted-Link Bracelet
    goop, $1,500
    It’s chunky but feels comfortable and lightweight on.
    SHOP NOW
    Alex Mill
    Shirt
    goop, $155
    Moonlights as a cover-up.
    SHOP NOW
    Augustinus Bader
    Moisturizer
    goop, $96
    A TSA-friendly version of the cult-favorite supermoisturizer.
    SHOP NOW
  2. Métier
    Tote
    goop, $4,250
    This thoughtfully designed bag has a curved base that fits against your body for comfortable carrying.
    SHOP NOW
    Posse
    Dress
    goop, $330
    The longer length makes it easy to dress up or down.
    SHOP NOW
  3. G. Label by goop
    Gia Oversize Striped Cashmere Crewneck
    goop, $595
    It’s the ultimate travel sweater—warm enough for the plane and thin enough to roll up and tuck into any bag.
    SHOP NOW
    G. Label by goop
    Easy Linen Short
    goop, $295
    Shimmy them on before hitting the pool or the spa.
    SHOP NOW
    A Emery
    Sandals
    goop, $190
    A strappy, goes-with-everything style that takes up practically no space in a suitcase.
    SHOP NOW