If you’re currently standing in front of your suitcase wondering what to wear on your Caribbean vacation, you’ve come to the right place! Not only do a have a TON of Caribbean vacation outfit ideas for you, but I’ve also put together a packing list that will help you fill your suitcase with everything you need for the amazing trip you’re about to take.
Deciding what to wear on a daily basis is hard, I can’t tell you how many times a week I stand in front of closet not knowing what to wear. But deciding what to pack for a vacation that you’ve been looking forward to is even harder!
So to help you (& myself for my next trip) I’ve put together a packing list, plus some cute Caribbean outfit ideas that I recently wore on a trip to Anguilla.
Caribbean Vacation Outfits
Whether you’re exploring the island, beach hopping or just relaxing with a cocktail at your resort these Caribbean vacation outfit ideas will help you pack for the trip you’ve been so excited to take!
Caribbean Vacation Packing List:
Breaking down all the items you need for the perfect Caribbean vacation, scroll down for an easy to save checklist you can print!
Bathing Suit
Quite possibly the most important item on any beach vacation packing list is a bathing suit. While this may be an unpopular opinion, but I bring as many swimsuits as days I’m going to be on vacation because often times in a humid Caribbean climate it’s hard for them to dry so I’d rather just have a new clean bathing suit for each day. I suggest packing at least 1 one-piece swimsuit especially if you’re doing activities along with a few others of your choice! Currently my absolutely favorite bathing suits are from Vetchy and Target.
Swimsuit Cover-Up
There are so many great options when it comes to cover-ups. I’m always partial to caftans, sarongs and kimonos, but lately I’ve been loving trendier resort wear like crocheted skirts, sheer palazzo pants and gauze maxi dresses. I own all of these tops of cover-ups as I’m sure all the fashion girlies do and depending on where I’m headed depends on what type of cover-up I pack. If I’m headed to an all-inclusive resort in the Dominican Republic where bathing suits are acceptable pretty much anywhere on the resort I’d probably opt for something sheer or a sarong. But if I was headed our on an excursion from a cruise ship I would wear something that could double as a casual look.
Flowy Dresses
Flowy dresses in breathable fabrics are usually what I fill my suitcase with. There’s just something about a flowy maxi dress in a vibrant print that is synonymous with the perfect vacation outfit. Depending on what the dress code is at your destination or resort and what type of dinners you have planned can help you narrow down the level of dressiness you need. For example on most Caribbean cruises you’ll need a cocktail dress or gown for formal nights, but for most other instances you just break out all your favorite vacation outfits. For me that’s usually dresses in fun tropical patterns and bright colors, but that may look different for you. I’ll just any excuse to dress for a location or a destination so I thrive on a Caribbean vacation.
Linen Pants
These linen pants are an absolute must for me on pretty much any warm weather vacation. They are one of the most versatile pieces in my suitcase and can be worn so many different ways. You can throw them on over a bathing suit or with a matching linen shirt and they are perfect to wear on unexpected cool evenings, especially when you’ve gotten too much sun during the day. I’m partial to a great pair of white linen pants, but you’ll never get a ton of use out of any pair of black or neutral pants!
Shorts
While I’m not necessarily a “shorts girl” I will never go on a tropical vacation or a warm weather vacation of any kind without packing a pair of shorts. I prefer a loose, relaxed short in a lightweight fabric that I can throw on over my swimsuit for cute look with minimal effort. I’m a huge fan of these cotton shorts that come in a matching set with a long sleeve button up top. I have this set in both green and white and I can’t promise I won’t get it in another color.
Sandals
An absolute must in your Caribbean vacation suitcase is a pair of sandals! I try not to bring too many pairs of shoes when I’m traveling, but sometimes I can’t help myself. For beach vacations I try and limit myself to flip flops that I don’t mind getting wet and sandy (Archies are the BEST), comfortable sandals that are still cute for exploring (I really love the Cushionaire brand) and a pair of metallic sandals or something fancier, but still flat for nicer dinners! If you know you’re going to a high end restaurant or need shoes for a formal event on a cruise then you should probably also add heeled strappy sandals to your suitcase.
Sneakers
I always end up bringing a pair of sneakers with me because I like to wear them on my travel days on the plane and in the airport. While I don’t necessarily wear them while I’m on vacation you never know when you’ll need them for an activity or a day you’re doing a lot of walking. I always opt for a pair of comfortable white sneakers, but more athletic or waterproof pair of sneakers would be a good addition if you plan on doing any strenuous activities.
Hat
Whether its a straw hat, a baseball cap or a floppy sun hat, a hat is a must on a Caribbean vacation. The sun is way stronger in the Caribbean than other places and believe me you’d rather be safe than sorry when it comes to protecting your face.
Beach Bag
Another essential for an beach vacation is a beach bag! A lot of resorts will leave a resort bag in your room for you to use during your stay, but just in case they don’t I always put a foldable one in my suitcase. And if you want to bring a more structured straw bag, I suggest using it as your carry-on so you don’t have to worry about it getting squished in your checked suitcase.
Rattan or Beaded Bag
While I try to be practical when it comes to packing for a trip, I’m a fashion girl at heart (as I’m sure you are too if you’ve made it this far in this post) and I absolutely need a fun, dinner bag! Right now I’m all about beaded bags (I just bought this & this), but if that’s not your style I suggest a rattan bag. Both rattan and beaded bags are summery and will match all of your outfits.
Tropical Jewelry
Adding tropical jewelry to any of your Caribbean vacation outfits is a simple way to elevate it and take it from just your average summer outfit to a Caribbean tropical vacation look. Over the years I’ve built quite the collection of large flower statement earrings, seashell necklaces, turquoise jewelry, gold bangles and more that I can’t wait to break out during every beach vacation I take. This year in particular I love all of the colorful beaded layered necklaces!
Sunglasses
I think this one is pretty obvious, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve almost forgotten them, so I’m putting sunglasses on this packing list for both me and you!
Necessities
And you can’t forget underwear, bras, pajamas and socks. Plus I always like to throw in a few extra tank tops just in case.
Toiletries
As for toiletries, the most important thing you need to remember is definitely sunscreen! If you can find reef safe sunscreen that would be ideal because of the many coral reefs that are in the Caribbean. Another must for me is aloe, just in case you get a little too much sun. Then of course your standards – face wash, moisturizer, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush, makeup & contacts/glasses (if you wear them).
PIN my Caribbean Vacation Outfits for LATER:
Now that you’ve got the Caribbean vacation outfits… do you need help planning your Caribbean vacation? Check out my Anguilla Hotel Guide & my Best Things to in Anguilla post!
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