Let’s say you’re heading off to a beach town, whether it’s Hilton Head, South Carolina; Cannon Beach, Oregon; or any other favorite coastal spot. Do you pack a pretty dress and sandals, along with a few special accessories? Or is your suitcase filled with only t-shirts, shorts and swimsuits? Personally, I’m on team “dress up on vacation!” Let me tell you why. And I’ll also share how to dress up on vacation and still feel comfortable, coastal casual and cool.
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Yes, I’m definitely a proponent of relaxing and taking it easy on vacation. I also love to enjoy the outdoors and even get a little dirty doing things like hiking, kayaking and fishing. And since I’ve made a profession of getting “dressed for my day,” I do take a day or two for no makeup and minimal effort at my appearance when I’m OOTO.
But I still believe it’s smart to plan to dress up on vacation. I like to put a little effort into my outfits and makeup on most vacation days, even if I am spending time outdoors. And I often carry along one or two summery dresses that I can wear for a nice dinner or brunch out. While I share a few of my reasons why I think it’s almost crucial to dress up on vacation, I’m sharing some beautiful dresses from two of my favorite brands that would be perfect for your summer travels, especially if you are beachbound.
All of the dresses I’m sharing today fit true to size. I’m wearing a medium in the Jude Connally dresses and a large in the Cabana Life dresses, per the size charts. You can use code KAY15 at BOTH retailers for 15% off these and other selections sitewide for a LIMITED TIME. The Jude Connally code ends Monday, May 26th. ALL dresses shown were gift to me from the brands to share with you.
#1 – Dress up on vacation to feel your best.
While slumming it or even just putting in minimal effort may feel relaxing and indulgent for a day or two (or three!), eventually I begin to feel about as good as I look. Getting dressed for our day is a form of self-respect that we owe ourselves even while taking some time off from other duties.
Made with luxe, lightweight UPF 50+ fabric, the flattering Rosemary Beach Embroidered Tunic Dress offers sun protection in style. The nylon/Spandex blend fabric is silky smooth and lightweight, keeping you cool and fresh on even the warmest day. It’s also machine washable, so no fuss, no muss if you drip some ice cream on it from the bottom of your cone!
#2 – Dress up on vacation for photographs.
We don’t want to be that woman who dreads looking at our vacation photographs. Instead we can be women who love sharing the snapshots from our trips because we looked and felt amazing. We might even find a photograph among the mix that we want to use for our Christmas cards or put in a pretty frame to remind us of those blissful days.
This Peony Dress in Cotton Voile will actually pack beautifully because it features textured tiers that look pretty even when slightly wrinkled. The lovely fabric is hand printed and hand woven from artisans in India, so it feels like a celebration on a hanger. And wait until you put it on! The elasticized, smocked bodice feels youthful without looking childish. And this frock just begs to be worn to an alfresco brunch.
#3 – Dress up on vacation to go special places.
At least pack a pretty dress or two. You never know what opportunity you may have to attend a play or concert, dine at a classy restaurant or attend a worship service. Don’t miss out on those unique opportunities just because you didn’t bring anything suitable to wear.
I won’t go into the long and unusual story, but once when our family of four was on a vacation in Colorado, we met the most interesting woman and her guests from Russia, one of whom was a little girl the age of our daughter. Abigail ended up having a play date with the child and then we all joined the family in their formal dining room for a delicious dinner. I would have felt ill-prepared for such an invitation except I had packed a pretty summer dress and sandals that were perfect for the occasion.
#4 – Dress up on vacation because you’ll still feel cool and comfortable.
Dressing up doesn’t have to mean feeling fussy and uncomfortable. In fact, at our age we’re past that. Right? But it’s just as easy and cool and comfortable to wear a pretty dress like this Rosemary Beach sleeveless tiered maxi dress from Cabana Life as it is to wear a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. In fact, this dress may even be easier, breezier.
#5 – Dress up on vacation for the joy of it.
A vacation is a celebration of sorts, is it not? I generally dress up to celebrate. Putting on something pretty and festive adds to the party vibe. It makes every day feel a little more exciting and joyful.
Tackle the golf course, lunch or the country club in the versatile Rosemary Beach 1/4 Zip Sport Dress. The soft blue pattern is complemented by coordinating blue mesh underarms for added breathability. With an adjustable zipper collar and long sleeves, this dress offers full coverage with UPF 50+ performance fabric. Designed for comfort, it features lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric. Plus, it has handy pockets for when you’re on the go!
Cabana Life
Of course dressing up on vacation doesn’t have to mean wearing a dress. I’ll be sharing more vacation wardrobe ideas in the coming weeks. If you enjoyed today’s blog post you might also want to check out:
- My essential travel-size toiletries for carry-on packing only.
- My ideas about being a graceful woman.
- These additional dresses from Jude Connally.
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Blessed for My Day
There are those who like to think of themselves as wise, but they are really only foolish. And then there are those who are truly wise, worth listening to and emulating. How do you know the difference?
A truly wise person receives their wisdom from God. How do you receive God’s wisdom? The Bible says that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom, so wisdom is made available to a person once they approach God in awe, reverence and humility. Only a teachable and humble person can truly receive wisdom from God. Thus, when a person has gained wisdom they will continue to walk in that kind of gentleness and humility. They are not puffed up and arrogant. So if someone first appears or even claims to be wise, do a character check. Their ways will speak louder than their words.
But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. ~ James 3:17-18
Hi Kay, these are lovely dresses! Do you have any similar ones for us plus size girls? (3X) I tend to get lazy about dressing for day when on vacation so you post is inspiring me to take a better approach to vacation dressing! Thank you.
You might check out Spartina449. Their dresses run up to XXL and the size chart says that is equivalent to a 20. Of course Talbots has pretty dresses and they do have plus sizes in most of those.
Try Anthropologie. Many dresses in plus sizes. Try the Sommerset. I have two!09
All of these dresses are so pretty. I especially love the white eyelet one.
It is truly a stunning dress. And very comfortable, too. Thanks for reading. 😊
Hi Kay, I do so agree with you. I love to dress up on vacation (or holiday as we call it in the UK) as I feel it’s all part of the celebration of being away and making the time more special. You look fabulous in all the dresses but I think the Peony dress is my favourite. I really enjoyed the Blessed for My Day today. Thank you.
Lovely, Kay. I, too, love the eyelet one. I’m not going on vacation this summer but do enjoy spiffing it up a bit when we have dinner out.
Pretty collection to inspire. I’m not as comfortable in long, flowing or flounce at my height. But, I could see the Rosemary Beach on the golf course and I love everything about the raspberry Libby dress. Alk the dresses look good on you.
Love all the pretty dresses you’ve shown us today. The white eyelet is my favorite – just stunning on you. Have a blessed day, Kay!
Beautiful dresses. You look lovely in all of them.
You know I never really gave thought to dressing up while on vacation, but I can see your reasoning. I guess I just never have seen myself as fancy enough for any special occasions while away from home. Of course other than work, I seldom have reason to dress up. Anyhow, I love the smocking on the peony dress and I love that eyelet dress. Those are my favorites of what you highlighted today. And great advice in your BFMD.
Kay, I agree that dressing up for vacation photos is a good thing. I always feel my best when I put some effort into my appearance, and I think it shows in photos. It makes the memory of the trip more pleasant. A bonus is if I can shop for something special to wear for my trip!
Yes, I agree that something a little dressy is needed on a vacation. On my recent vacation to Ireland, I really needed something a little dressy. Because of the cold weather, I packed travel pants (Athleta), jeans, and turtlenecks. I really needed a pair of black wide leg pants and shoes that weren’t sneakers or slip on Skechers. I would have felt better when eating in the evening dining room.
I dress up on vacation because I’m not cooking, cleaning, gardening, washing, ironing, etc.! I don’t have to wear practical, everyday things for a change.
The dresses are lovely. You’re lovely. Charm school sounds, well…charming. But I live out west. My vacations consist of camping, biking, swimming, paddle boarding and fishing. At age 76 I have slowed down a bit. I no longer sleep on the ground, ski downhill or mountain bike. I always like seeing your denim, tees and button-up shirts.
I’m with you, Linda. I don’t take makeup or dresses when I leave home. I take the dog and the road less traveled. Maybe it’s a west coast thing!
I really enjoy planning my outfits for vacation. I have learned to take a wide mix of outfits including a dress because vacation is the best time to follow a whim!