Our 8 favorite women’s resort wear brands give major main character energy

We’re all about the vacation fashion styles this year, especially as warm temps ensue and we’re readying our flattering bikinis, wear-all-day rompers and adorable white dresses.

It’s all the season for linen, the hallmark of an effortless and easy-breezy ensemble. Whether you’re cruising to the Caribbean or jet-setting to the West Coast, rest assured you’ll be ready to go — in style, obviously — with our careful research of summertime dressing.

Consider this the ultimate vacation edit. The Post Wanted team hand-picked our favorite selections for women, from shorts to skirts. Plus, you’ll want to take note of all the stunning sandals we’re glossing over, including comfortable heels.

Who makes the best resort wear?

Top options include Amazon and Petal & Pup, but we have other boutique-style options for you to peruse. Even better, we didn’t just stop at the clothing. You’ll want to add some of our favorite jewelry, bags and sunglasses to your cart before you checkout.

To best prepare yourself for your long-awaited vacation, check out our guides to the best luggage brands and long-flight essentials to make your voyage a bit more enjoyable. Oh, and you won’t want to forego a belt bag — the cherry on top.

Best Overall: Petal & Pup

Petal & Pup

If I had to mosey onto a deserted island (but, instead of surviving, I had to dress cute for an oceanfront dinner party) and had to wear one brand, it would be Petal & Pup. The fashion label takes about 80% of my closet’s real estate and not only is each piece cute but everything fits true to size.

I’ll be packing several of the brand’s pieces on an upcoming trip to Barbados, where my best friend and I will be wearing tropical-themed dresses and outfits outside of The Sandpiper, the resort we booked. I adore the Freda Mini Dress ($89), the ideal number for a summery dinner. The best part? The fabric quality is always incredible and I can typically find full-body outfits for less than $90 or so.

What’s more, the Persis Pant Set ($99) is the most darling, ideal two-piece outfit to sport at the resort for your next girls trip or romantic adventure with your significant other. There’s also nothing more flattering than the Zinnia Midi Dress ($109) that’ll have passersby thinking a Saks designer made it just for you.

Petal & Pup is home to some of my favorite jumpsuits as well. I always receive compliments on the Daila Tie-Waist Jumpsuit ($99).

Wearing a Petal & Pup style on vacation. Victoria Giardina

Price: $$$ | Plus size options: Yes | When your order is estimated to arrive: 7-10 business days

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Best Affordable: SHEIN

SHEIN

SHEIN may have its skeptics, but its inventory is incredibly vast and surprisingly pretty decent quality for the price. You can probably grab an entire new summer wardrobe for less than $100.

The SHEIN BAE 2-Piece Outfit ($19) screams, vacation! like no other. The brand has some of the most unique prints as well, also evident with the Tropical Print Maxi Dress ($18) and the Butterfly Sleeve Belted Romper ($13).

If you’re shopping on a budget, you’ll also want to pick up some swimwear from SHEIN. I *always* rave about its swimsuits, as the Ribbed Bikini Set ($12) and the 3-Piece Summer Bikini Set ($21) are two of my most-worn sets.

Oh, and SHEIN has some of the most adorable heels I own. Shop the Floral Rhinestone Chunky Heel Sandals ($21) — the best shoes ever — and the Rhinestone Clear Heeled Sandal ($29), the latter most ideal for your “Cinderella on vacation” moment.

Price: $ | Plus size options: Yes | When your order is estimated to arrive: 6-8 business days

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Best Luxury: Anthropologie

Anthropologie

Listen, I’ve been a long-time fan of Anthropologie and you should be, too. Not only is it a dreamy destination for gifts but its roster of dresses, beachwear and more will have you desiring island time like no tomorrow.

One of my favorite pieces from Anthropologie is the Malai Breeze Stripe Brisa Shorts ($110). I’ll say it — this is one of my favorite brands ever from the retailer. Additionally, its pants are some of the best in the retail biz, with Pilcro’s Adi Flared Pants ($148) one of my favorites to wear to work and on vacation alike. Not to mention, they feel light-as-air, like walking on a cloud.

When I’m heading on vacation this year, I’ll be frolicking from day to night in the Farm Rio Folk Floral Linen Jumpsuit ($298) which evokes a “Hamptons chic” vibe that’s ideal for any vacation destination, guaranteed.

Price: $$$$ | Plus size options: Yes | When your order is estimated to arrive: 4-8 business days

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Best for Dresses: Lulus

Lulus

Since middle school, Lulus has been the online shop I’ve been resorting to. The brand touts an affordable luxury vibe and is the ultimate hotspot for beach vacations. A hotspot before heading to your hot spot, I should say.

The Sunny Serenity Periwinkle Crochet Cutout Halter Midi Dress ($55) is a style that’s certainly coming with me in my luggage. Everything from the color to the bodycon-style fit is eye-catching. The brand is also keen on floral pieces, so naturally, I had to order the Svea Tiered Tie-Strap Midi Dress ($89), too.

Lulus runs fairly true to size but be wary with mini dresses and skirts as well as anything that seems extremely cropped at the top. I’m a US 2 and find an XS is my perfect size, though I usually order a S for anything that seems like it runs a bit higher than usual.

The brand has a versatile array of swimwear with fun-printed and solid-toned bikinis, one-pieces and cover-ups. Its shoes and purses are equally as nice and you’ll surely want to hit up Lulus before your next beach vacation.

Wearing a Lulus style on vacation. Victoria Giardina

Price: $$ | Plus size options: Yes | When your order is estimated to arrive: 7-8 business days

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Best for Swimwear: CUPSHE

Cupshe

I’ve been ordering from Cupshe for years as it’s the most value-driven online shop to purchase any type of swimwear. Most times, I snag a top and a bottom for $30 collectively. Not $30 for each piece.

Not only is the brand affordable but the sets are some of the most flattering. The Colorblock V-Neck Tri Top & Extra Cheeky Hipster Bikini Set ($31) is one of my personal favorites for its balance of striking royal blue with a pop of neon. Its triangle top is the epitome of summer wear, too.

The Tie-Dye Wash Textured Scoop Neck Top & High Waist Bikini Set ($37) is another stay-in-the-sun combo that’ll give you plenty of compliments. This type of material is also extremely comfortable for all-day wear.

You shouldn’t skip Cupshe’s cover-ups, either. The Oversized Boat Neck Cut-Out Cover-Up ($33) is similar to a style I ordered from the brand years ago, and it’s still going strong.

Wearing a CUPSHE style on vacation Victoria Giardina

Price: $ | Plus size options: Yes | When your order is estimated to arrive: 5-7 business days

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Best for Shoes: Amazon

Amazon

It’s no surprise we turn to Amazon for literally everything, fashion included. I’ve made plenty of Amazon orders in addition to others on the Post Wanted team who have reviewed some dresses, so it’s safe to say we trust the brand for some of the most appropriate vacation wear.

Specifically, Amazon’s shoes are extremely comfortable to wear. One of my favorite pairs is the Dream Pairs Wonder Cloud Aphrodite Ruched Square Toe Kitten Heel Sandals ($36). They’re so comfortable, I commute to NYC with them in addition to sporting them on vacations.

You’ll also want to shop the BTFBM High-Waist Wide Pants ($36) if you’re in the mood for a funkier, more vibrant pattern. Or, if you simply love the look of wide-leg pants like I do.

Price: $-$$$ | When your order is estimated to arrive: 2 business days if you have an Amazon Prime membership

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Best for Matching Sets: Pink Lily

Pink Lily

If you’re searching and searching for a brand that’s girly, cute and right off of Pinterest, Pink Lily is the brand I’m begging you to visit. It’s one of the best retailers for pretty much all things vacation, but it’s matching sets are particularly cozy, chic and cost-effective.

As is the case with the Swaying Palms Palm Tree Tank & Shorts Set ($27). It’s a set I often live in these days when I’m lounging at home and a surefire pack-with-me item on my next trip.

What’s more, its oversized tees are the ultimate beach cover-ups. The Feeling Spritzy Graphic Tee ($30) is incredibly soft, made perfectly by tying it into a knot and layering it over your favorite swimwear piece. I also can’t stop raving about the Floral Tide One-Piece Swimsuit ($48) and the Island Grove Stitched Trim Two-Piece Set ($68).

Simply put, the brand is well-priced and well-deserving of your online shopping spree.

Price: $$ | Plus size options: No | When your order is estimated to arrive: 3-5 business days

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Best for Accessories: Lilly Pulitzer

Lilly Pulitzer

I adore the Sunshine Statement Earrings ($58) to pair with bodysuits and other outfits for that signature “pop,” along with the Bouquet Toss Necklace ($68) if you’re a lover of a floral pop.

If you’re on the market for some other essentials on your vacation checklist, don’t fret. The Camille Cane Belt Bag ($138) is simply perfect for when you’re out and about. To summarize, thank you Lilly Pulitzer.

Price: $$$-$$$$ | Plus size options: No | When your order is estimated to arrive: 3-5 business days

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How we tested

My favorite place, the dress and vacation clothes closet, filled with top brands like Petal & Pup, Lulus, Show Me Your Mumu and more. Victoria Giardina

Though I’ve been playing dress-up on family vacations since I was three years old, I seriously began thinking about my vacation wardrobe about three years ago when I began my career in the commerce editorial industry, researching and reviewing top brands. As a general rule of thumb, here’s the criteria I kept in mind while testing out each brand:

• Quality: First and foremost, fabric and how it feels is important. Sure, you get what you pay for, but I don’t want to be wearing anything uncomfortable. This is especially important for sweltering summertime vacations.
• Price: This is totally up to preference but, for the most part, I love my $20 dresses just as much as my $200 ones. In my review, you’ll best understand the key brands that are truly worth the price — and for what type of wear.
• Variety: Though also dependent on preference, it’s nice to visit an online shop and have a large sampling of dresses, skirts, tops, accessories and the like. Of course, if you’re shopping for say, bikinis, the online destination may only be for swimwear, but I made note of which brands offer more of that one-stop-shop feel.
• Shipping: Plenty of brands offer express shipping in addition to standard ground, but you want to ensure the pieces are coming on time. This was taken into account as well.
• Sellout risk: It’s *so* aggravating when you bookmark a certain vacation dress and then, before you know it, your size is out of stock the next day (*insert angry face emoji here*). While not a complete dealbreaker, it’s a factor I considered when ranking the best women’s vacation brands.

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An FAQ on Vacation Dressing, according to a Stylist

What types of vacation clothing is trending this year?

“When it comes to choosing dresses for vacation, select styles that are both comfortable and versatile, making them easy to wear for all your planned activities,” Jordan Stolch, personal stylist for 14 years in the fashion industry and founder of MiKADO Personal Styling, shared with Post Wanted.

Ahead, find her top trends to look out for:

• Versatile chic cover-ups are big this year — styles that take you from swim to shore, providing coverage, without compromising on practicality. These options stand on their own as a perfect afternoon lunch dresses, and look equally as chic poolside and beyond.  
• Elevated sporty athleisure dominated the S/S25 runways, and has made its way into vacation style this year by combining pieces like elevated sweatshirts and sleek joggers with high-performance swimwear and coordinated crop top + shorts sets.
• Luxe resort glam is at the forefront, showcasing opulent fabrics, iridescent materials, and crystal-trimmed dresses and swimwear, infusing a touch of luxury into what has been more of a minimalistic-focus over the last few years.
• Bold, tropical prints are a favorite this year, including traditional palms as well as modern, abstract geometric designs, bringing personality and vibrancy to vacation dresses, skirts, blouses, and kaftans.  
• Sheer tops and dresses are having a major moment. From tulle to chiffon, and barely-there mesh, these pieces are perfect for warm weather travel, paired with simple sandals and statement sunglasses.
• Prepare to see crochet at every vacation destination this summer, due to the bohemian resurgence in style we’re in the midst of. From wide leg pants, to midi skirts, evening dresses, and even matching sets—the knit look is dominating resort wear.
• Slip dresses have made a significant comeback, offering both elegance and adaptability for everything on your vacation to-do list. Style them up or down for a mix of casual and dressy settings, by swapping slip on sandals for sexy heels, and simple accessories for bolder pieces.  
• Vacation bags of 2025 are colorful, textured and oversized, made of unexpected materials and playful proportions. This season is all about combining elegance with bold, eye-catching statements—easily achieved through the use of accessories and handbags.

What colors, materials and styles will trend this summer?

Color:

“We can expect to see bright, vibrant hues this summer, as well as soft, sugary pastel tones,” Stolch said. “Shades like electric blue, neon green, and magenta, plus butter yellow, blue sky and powder pink, will all be prominent.”

Print:

Vibrant pairings, including leopard, ‘90s plaid, bright florals, and abstract geometrics, are making statements in summer 2025 fashion.” Incorporating these patterns through midi skirts, blouses and dresses adds a playful element to any warm-weather ensemble,” Stolch said. “Style with simple supporting pieces, and bold, statement accessories for a perfect summer look.”

Material: 

Lightweight, wispy materials like organza, chiffon, tulle, silk, and lace will dominate this season, not only for their warm-weather breathability, but also their romantic, softer feminine appeal. As accent details, feathers and fringe are also big in the S/S25 collections.

“The textured element can be found on everything from jackets, to dresses, and even handbags,” Stolch explained. “This season is all about detail and personality.”

Styles:

Summer 2025 focuses on embracing personality with a unique, individual aesthetic. “Bolder, more vibrant styling is at the forefront, as the zeitgeist focuses on a growing desire for self-expression and distinctiveness,” she shared. “The quiet-luxury dominating our last two summers slows down this year, as minimalism is replaced with maximalism.”

The bohemian revival continues in spring and summer 2025 with a romantic-feminine twist featuring flowy shapes, relaxed silhouettes, fringe detailing, and effortless styling. This trend embodies a nostalgic, free-spirited nature, perfect for summer. “Keep an eye out for whimsical dresses and blouses, plus a fresh take on the 70s style wide leg pants and belted jackets,” Stolch said.

Nautical summer time prep is big this year, predominated by sporty-chic athleisure, accented with Breton stripes and classic pleating. The maritime mood of summer carries across all wardrobe categories — think tennis skirts, cropped naval-style jackets and belted wide leg twill pants.  

Unique, asymmetric hemlines and strategic cut-outs add intrigue and interest to this season’s styles. Expect to see this featured in all wardrobe categories — criss-cross swimwear, cut-out tops, keyhole skirts, asymmetric bodycon dresses, and more. 

What material is best for a resort?

For a summer resort vacation, the best materials are ones that are lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. “Top choices are cotton, linen, chambray, jersey knit, merino wool, bamboo and silk – all with natural, moisture-wicking properties, which make them ideal choices for wearing in a warm-weather climate,” Stolch said.

It’s best to avoid synthetic materials when choosing resort wear. “They’re less breathable and trap the heat against your body, leading to increased sweating, chafing and discomfort,” she added.

What do you wear to dinner at an all-inclusive resort?

Dinner dress code at an all-inclusive resort is typically smart-casual, erring on the side of more formal.

Opt for a nicer dress, or pants/skirts with a formal blouse. “Be sure to bring a lightweight layer with you, such as a structured blazer or thin cardigan sweater, to accommodate for ranging temperatures between outdoors and restaurant air conditioning,” Stolch advised.

Flats and sandals are acceptable footwear, though flip flops should be avoided. And heels are an excellent option for elevating your evening look. “When in doubt, check the resort’s website prior to travel or call ahead to confirm any rules and regulations,” she suggested.

What is the best clothing to wear when traveling?

Comfort and practicality are key when travelling on an airplane, but that certainly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style. 

“Choose easy tops, like looser fitting tees, tunics, button downs or blouses, which all allow for comfortable of movement on a long day of travel,” Stolch recommended. “Be sure to include lightweight layers, such as a denim jacket, cozy cardigan, zip-up hoodie or knit blazer, which help to keep you warm on chilly flights and in temperature fluctuation.”

Avoid tight, restrictive bottoms that are sure to cause discomfort throughout hours of sitting. Instead opt for leggings, stretchy trousers, joggers or wider leg pants.

Coordinated sets are a perfect option for travel day, too. “A matching lounge suit or tracksuit means less effort to put something together ahead of an early morning,” Stolch noted.

Finish the look off with easy-to-walk-in footwear, such as sneakers, flats or loafers.

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