30 It Buys That Will Define the Most Stylish Vacations of 2026
Let's be honest—one of the best parts of going on a vacation is planning the looks you're going to wear before you go. If you ask me, no vacation wardrobe is complete without one standout dress (or several), and each summer, there are always a handful of specific styles that end up achieving cult status. Whether it's the affordable Zara find everyone agreed was worth it or the dream designer bikini we all couldn't scroll on social media without seeing someone wearing, there are always a few vacation buys that break through the rest to become, well, it.
We're still over a week out from the official start of summer, but I'm already well into my vacation shopping and vacation planning, and I'm starting to see the early signs of the items destined for greatness. While I was shopping for what to bring on my next trip, these 30 picks, ranging from airy cotton dresses to fun designer swimwear, stood out to me. Whether you're traveling somewhere locally or packing up your passport for an adventure abroad, bringing along these vacation pieces is an absolute must. If you don't, another fashion person is destined to.
Sleep dresses are the unofficial It-girl swimsuit cover-up of 2026.
It's the summer of curved sunglasses, and this viral pair is officially back in stock for now.
Such a fun shape.
It's not even summer yet, and this iconic swimsuit is already selling out everywhere.
Confirmed: All the cool girls are swapping their silk bias-cut pants for this textural taffeta style.
Upgrade your basics to upgrade your outfits.
I can already picture it on some remote Grecian island.
Summer jewelry has historically been defined by a whimsical aesthetic, but now, it's all about fine jewelry–inspired pieces—diamond toe rings, tennis anklets, and everything in between.
Alaïa's wedge thong sandals are single-handedly sparking an entire shoe trend.
Just so elegant.
Loewe's color palette was basically made for summer vacations.
The cherry red takes these classic linen pants up a notch.
Matteau wins summer with this.
An ultra-elevated take on a beach bag.
Vacation wardrobes are the perfect opportunity to try something out of the box, like a fringed belt that adds so much personality to a simple dress or trousers.
These are selling out fast.
Just add linen pants.
The cool-girl cover-up of the season.
Speaking of personality pieces, sleek bucket hats reimagined in warm-weather raffia are set to be a key styling piece.
Channel Audrey Hepburn on the Amalfi Coast.
They're already a favorite among our New York team of editors.
The 2026 update to last summer's lace-trim shorts has arrived.
How fun is this?
I mean!
Beaded and embellished swimsuits aren't just trending for summer. They're the trend of the summer.
And this Staud set is the blueprint.
No vacation wardrobe is complete without some bold jewelry.
Just so pretty.
If a fashion person does pack denim for their trip, I guarantee they'll be striped styles like this.
Easy but extremely cool.
