This Is How Fashion People Dress for Summer Lake Trips

Make a sartorial splash.

Kelsey Stewart's avatar
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Published In Features
Collage of influencers at the lake.
(Image credit: @vicmontanari; @lefevrediary)
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Picture this: You're lounging by the lake, listening to the gentle ripple of water beneath the dock as you're engrossed in a good summer read. Sure, there may not be ocean waves, but a lake trip can be just as relaxing as a beach vacation. And let's not forget the fashion opportunities. Whether you're heading to Lake Como or Lake Tahoe this summer, it's the perfect setting for a stylish getaway.

Step one of planning your lake-trip wardrobe? Put together a loose itinerary. Knowing what's on the agenda will make packing much easier, and there's nothing worse than realizing you brought all the wrong pieces. If afternoons by the water are in store, cute swimsuits and sun-ready accessories are nonnegotiable. Think bright bikinis, straw hats, and flip-flops. As for evenings out on the town, breezy midi dresses and kitten heels are a sound choice. For more lake-trip outfit inspiration, scroll ahead.

Oversize Tee + Crochet Skirt

Lucy Williams in a red skirt.

(Image credit: @lucywilliams02)

Crochet isn't relegated to the beach. The airy fabric is equally suited for a toasty day at the lake. A crochet miniskirt, for instance, can moonlight as a cover-up, or you can pair it with an oversize tee for a casual afternoon by the water.

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White Cover-Up + Straw Tote

Cass Dimicco in a white cover-up.

(Image credit: @cassdimicco)

A breezy white cover-up belongs on every summer lake trip. If a boat day is in your future, style it with a straw bag and oval-shaped sunglasses. Better yet, the piece can double as a minidress once you're on land.

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Red Set + Matching Bikini

Amy Julliette Lefévre in a red look.

(Image credit: @lefevrediary)

Is your goal to impress your fellow lakegoers? If yes, a head-to-toe red outfit is one way to do it. A fiery matching set layered over a string bikini is sure to turn heads, especially when paired with chic woven accessories.

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White Button-Down + Flowy Cream Pants

Lilly Sisto in a beachy look

(Image credit: @lillysisto)

One of the best parts of a lake trip is exploring the surrounding town, where you're bound to discover charming mom-and-pop restaurants and antique shops. For an afternoon of wandering, keep things comfortable in a slouchy button-down and mesh pants. Flat shoes are a good idea too.

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Statement Bikini + Coordinating Sarong

CHEYENNE MAYA CARTY in a bikini.

(Image credit: @chey_maya)

Should you be visiting somewhere a bit more luxurious—like, say, Lake Como—don't be afraid to bring your fashion A game. A fruit-print bikini and matching sarong will feel right at home on the shores of northern Italy.

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Polka-Dot One-Piece + Printed Shorts

Victoria Montanari in a lake outfit.

(Image credit: @vicmontanari)

If you're sightseeing by boat, you may get the urge to jump into the water at some point. With that in mind, consider wearing a one-piece swimsuit in place of a bodysuit. Then, slip into patterned shorts and slides.

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Kelsey Stewart
Kelsey Stewart
Contributing Fashion Editor

Kelsey is a Los Angeles–based fashion, lifestyle, and beauty writer with more than six years of experience. She began her career in 2019 as an intern at The Zoe Report, where she later held roles including Editorial Assistant, Fashion & Beauty Writer, and Associate Fashion Editor. Kelsey also spent time at Shopbop as a copywriter, shaping homepage, email, and social media content for the retailer. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Fashion Business Management from The Fashion Institute of Technology. Her work has also appeared in Vogue, Glamour, Byrdie, InStyle, Refinery29, WWD, Footwear News, and Coveteur.