There is something inherently chic about the arrival of spring fashion. While I love a heavy winter coat, there is a certain magic in switching out wool for weightless linen and swapping boots for breezy boat shoes. This year, the fashion world is leaning heavily into a “Coastal Casual” aesthetic that I am absolutely living for. You don’t need a boarding pass or a private yacht to channel these Seaside Vacation Vibes; you just need the right mix of textures and timeless stripes.
The key to mastering this look in 2026 is focusing on “elevated ease.” Think oversized Breton stripes draped over your shoulders and high-waisted linen trousers that move with the wind. To help you get inspired for your own wardrobe refresh, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite coastal-inspired looks from fellow style icons and gathered some must-have pieces to add to your cart.
Style Inspiration
For the best aesthetic layouts, color palettes, and layering ideas, check out these gorgeous guides:
Geometric Print Dress on Thay Taruc in Barra de São Miguel, Brazil
Beach Vacation Outfit by Urban Blonde
Resort Wear by Karina Style Diaries
Beach Vacation Outfits by Pumps and Pushups
Styling Farm Rio V-Neck Romper by Jean Wang of Extra Petite
Packing for My Beach Vacation by A Southern Drawl
Palm Beach Vacation Style by Lace and Lashes
Shop the Vibe
Ready to bring these Seaside Vacation Vibes into your own closet? These specific pieces are currently at the top of my wishlist:
Perspective Ornate Romper by Cupshe
Neat Freak Striped Cover-Up Shorts by Cupshe (less than $20!)
Elanor Maxi Dress by Petal & Pup
Mini Dress in Butter Yellow by Playa Lucila
Ameera White Textured Tiered Backless Maxi Dress by Lulus
Magnolia Strapless Romper by Altar’d State
The Somerset Maxi Dress in White Floral by Anthropologie
When I’m styling these Seaside Vacation Vibes for a day in the city, I always make sure to add a little sparkle. A gold anchor pendant or a stack of pearl-encrusted bracelets can instantly take a simple nautical outfit from “day at the docks” to “dinner at the club.”
Of course, we have to talk about the shoes! This season, the classic boat shoe has received a major glow-up with platform soles and metallic finishes. If you want a softer look, woven raffia mules are the perfect way to bring those Seaside Vacation Vibes to your everyday errands. They provide that effortless, sun-drenched feel even if the closest you get to the water is a fountain in the park.
Happy styling!
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TAMMY says
Kelly-Great summer looks. My picks would be the little blue romper, the short yellow dress, the wrap skirt and matching cute top and the last maxi dress only because it shows off the cute sandals. As for shoes I would pair these look with a flat sandal or wedge sandal by day and high heels by night. Today’s work outfit is a cute short floral dress with red high heel sandals. Boyfriend is off today. As soon as he saw this outfit on me it was bedroom Olympics time before work. I had to take care of him first. Great reason to be an hour late for work. Work boyfriend who is my manager loved the outfit too much too. So he had to get worked over also in the back room. All of the other ladies knew and will be talking about this at lunch. We have a lot of note to compare. Next week its back to winter looks. Yikes.