Your Beach-Vacation Capsule Wardrobe, Solved

Perhaps the most important piece in your getaway capsule is an all-purpose dress. You should be able to dress it down with a pair of flats or up with heels and fun jewelry. It should be breezy enough for daytime strolls and eye-catching enough for nights out. This stunning tiered midi dress ($730) ticks all the boxes — and then some. We adore the full skirt, square neckline, and sultry low back. Its neutral color palette lets you pair it with whatever else you have packed — which is precisely the goal of this beachy capsule.

You'll want a pair of shorts to pop over a bathing suit or to head to lunch in. In lieu of tattered denim shorts, go for this vibrant linen pair ($60), which are just a bit more sophisticated and polished. They'll look great as you head to the beach, and you can easily dress them up with a cute pair of sandals and a blouse. In this capsule wardrobe, every piece should be versatile enough to wear multiple times and in multiple ways.

Naturally, you'll need a bathing suit for your beach vacation. Whether you prefer a one-piece or two-piece, the shape and style is up to you. With its low back and key-hole cutout, this Peixoto swimsuit ($124-$128) will meet you somewhere in the middle. (Just don't forget your SPF!)

Linen is your best friend for shielding yourself from the hot sun or staying warm during chillier evenings. It's comfortable and breathable, and it looks good even when it's a little bit wrinkled. That's why we're packing this oversized linen button-down ($100). Pop it over a bathing suit on your way to the beach, French-tuck it into your linen shorts, or wear it over your daytime dress for some extra coverage.

Jumpsuits are the original vacation workhorse, and this linen-blend number ($325) from Mara Hoffman is no exception. We love its casual elegance and relaxed fit. You can wear it over your bathing suit during the day and amp it up with a cool belt and some statement jewelry at night.

If evenings tend to get cooler where you're headed, you may want to pack a pair of pants. With its relaxed fit and an elastic waist, this wide-legged pant ($110) exudes vacation vibes. In addition to this wild-poppy color, it also comes in a more low-key white or beige.

A good rule of thumb: never go on vacation without a denim jacket. They're comfortable and versatile, they're cozy for a chilly airplane, and they always look effortlessly chic. While denim jackets come in a range of colors, washes, and styles, we love this darker oversized bomber from Kowtow ($149, originally $249). Its circular sleeves and Mandarin collar will deliver on attitude, whether you're wearing it with a billowy dress or relaxed pants.

When it comes to daytime shoes, you need something you can really walk in — after all, no one wants a blister during vacation. With their rubber lug soles, molded leather footbeds, and bold golden buttons, these sandals ($595) provide the perfect amount of comfort and style.

For evenings out, you'll need a fun pair of heels. Most of the clothes in this capsule wardrobe have a neutral color palette, but we think shoes are where you can get playful and patterned. These Loeffler Randall sandals ($395) will dress up and match almost everything in your capsule wardrobe, including your airy dress, romper, and shorts. After adding them as the final touch to your packing list, you'll be set to jet (without any stress at all).