The Best Resortwear for the Summer 2023 Season

Katie doesn’t leave home for the airport without this Spanx sweater (and the matching pants), which she loves for its breathable fabric and elevated take on a hoodie. If you’re in need of a put-together yet cozy travel outfit, you’ve found it.

Get ready to be a compliment magnet in this absolutely perfect sundress. It walks the line between casual and formal, is made of a breathable  100 percent cotton material, and has a fit-and-flare silhouette that you’ll always be comfortable in. This romantic number will be your favorite purchase of the year.

A secure purse is absolutely essential when traveling, which is why lululemon’s belt bag is all over the airport. It fits firmly cross body so it sits at your ribs, meaning all of your important belongings, like your wallet and passport, will always be in front of you. The name of this color is “Peach Bellini” too, which makes it an ideal summer companion.

Sure, you could pack four pairs of sunglasses to match all your vacation outfits…or you can pack one timeless, versatile pair that will elevate or subtly complement each outfit you pair them with. And when it comes to investing in a luxury product, we highly recommend heading over to Nordstrom Rack for designer on a discount, like this Lanvin number for over 50 percent off.

Travel tip: Pack your essentials in a smaller wallet for trips to save space in your carryon. This wallet is slimmer than what you might require every day — those nail salon and cafe loyalty cards take up a lot of space — but this small yet mighty wristlet will fit everything you need as you trail blaze across a new country. The striped print is also reminiscent of beach umbrellas on the French Riviera, with an attached strap that will make you feel more protected.

If your phone is buzzing from the bottom of your purse, you’ll appreciate the smart watch on your wrist that will provide you with essential updates without what could be considered an archaeological dig. Check your messages and track your steps in style with Tory Burch’s chic upgrade on the standard Apple watch band, which comes in a pretty in pink hue and a chic, braided design.

Maybe you’re like Katie, where an ideal OOO is spent on the courts. Work on your backhand in this stylish workout dress, made with breathable technical fabrics and built-in shorts. It gets bonus points for being chic enough to spend the rest of the afternoon in while enjoying cocktails and conversation at the club.

We all know a dress is a one-and-done outfit choice, but what if it could be more than that? This flattering frock has a built-in bra and shorts so you can wear it while exercising or bopping around town. Compressive fabric will keep you feeling supported all day long, while the shorts under the dress will ensure wardrobe malfunctions are nowhere to be found. And just in time for summer, Girlfriend Collective launched its ever-popular style in a summery yellow hue.

We are sticklers for sun protection, which is why we reapply SPF throughout the day and always recommend a wide-brimmed sun hat. This cotton number will look great while you garden, but it’ll also stow away easily in your bag without wrinkling. It keeps the sun off your scalp, which we often forget to add SPF to (we’ve all experienced that flaky post-sunburn hair part).

Thankfully, you no longer have to suffer while wearing cute, strappy sandals. These Sorel sandals are a Wake-Up Call reader favorite, and we can totally see why. They have a cushy footbed that won’t cause your feet to ache at the end of a long day exploring big cities or island towns. They get Katie’s approval because they provide a couple extra inches of height.

Just because it’s summertime doesn’t mean there won’t be an unexpectedly chilly night. Pack an emergency cardigan, just in case. We raved about Jenni Kayne’s cashmere cocoon sweater ad nauseum, but this summer, we’ve been wrapping ourselves up in the cotton version.

Did you even go on a beach vacation if you didn’t wear a whimsical, colorful coverup? Tropical destinations basically require you to wear bold prints and colors you don’t typically wear back home, and this item checks off all the boxes.

A trip is an ideal excuse to buy a new bathing suit. Regardless of where you’re going, this timeless nautical swimsuit might just become your destination’s main attraction. The ruching on the torso are ultra flattering, and it can even act as a chic top under a pair of flowy pants or a skirt.

For more great swimsuit options for mature women, see our full story here. 

You’ll be looking like a chic European no matter where you’re headed in these elastic linen shorts. They have a longer inseam, which creates a vintage feel, but more importantly, the surprisingly sturdy material prevents your thighs from chafing as you spend the day exploring à pied.

Sandals and slides have a reputation for being more uncomfortable than sneakers. But Hoka changed the game when they released their Ora slides, which are as supportive as their runner-approved Clifton sneakers, but are much more appropriate while sitting poolside. The cushy soles will support long walks, and the waterproof material will hold up against the sand and sea.

If you haven’t caught on yet, we’re all about easy summer basics you can throw on over a swimsuit or wear out to dinner during an evening out. This linen shirtdress will keep you cool and comfortable even on the most humid of days, thanks to the breathable material. Wear it on its own with sandals for a casual day look, or leave it open while you’re on the beach as a way to take a break from the sun’s rays.

There’s nothing quite as versatile as a stretchy maxi skirt. It’s the perfect beach coverup for days you aren’t in the mood for shorts and the best bottom choice for going from beach to restaurant in a flash. The most impressive designs can be styled as a dress, too, which is why we’ve been eyeing this one. Two-in-one clothing is they key easy packing. All you need to do is tug the skirt up and wear the ruched bodice around your chest and voila!

Whether you’re toting sunscreen and snacks or market-fresh flowers and souvenirs, this bag will hold it all and look cute doing it.

Go from a walk on the beach to brunch in this dual-purpose dress. Long sleeves keep you protected from the sun’s rays, but drawstrings on the side allow you to adjust the dress’s length for some versatility. Pull them up to create a tunic to wear with shorts, or leave the drawstrings loose to keep the dress looking more casual. It comes in five colors, too: Coral, green, white, gray, and navy. A big plus? 100 percent of the profits from this dress go to ocean and cancer organizations, so you’ll look good while doing good.