Summer vacation! It’s what we dream about in winter (especially in Wisconsin). Let’s make that fabulous trip even better with great-looking outfits that are easy to put together. Here is a little wardrobe inspiration for you.


1. Shorts and a Tank Top


A comfy pair of shorts and a women’s cotton tank top are a must-have for your list of summer vacation outfits. This one is so flexible you can wear it en route, as loungewear at the hotel, when you’re going sightseeing or shopping, or even as a swimsuit cover-up. This outfit also fits the all-important mix and match factor for vacation clothes. You can layer a blouse or sweater over the tank top and wear it with a different pair of pants or wear the shorts two or even three times (depending on how long you wear them each day and your activities) with other tops before they need laundering.


2. Jeans and T-shirt


A comfy pair of jeans and a women’s T-shirt can’t be beaten for easy vacation wear. The jeans will give you a bit more insulation for traveling to your destination or staying comfortable in air conditioning, while the T-shirt is an iconic casual choice. Choose a white T-shirt for greater versatility if you like. You can pair it with almost anything else that you choose to bring on your trip and you can also wear a cardigan or jacket over it to dress it up a bit or keep you warm if those summer nights get a bit chilly where you’re headed. Better yet, pack a white T-shirt and then a couple of colored T-shirts. You can probably wear your jeans twice if not three times before they need laundering, and it’s always nice to have an extra clean T-shirt to pull out of your luggage on a summer vacation.


3. Chinos and Polo Shirt


Chinos are a great wardrobe staple for summer and are perfect to pack for your trip. Add a polo shirt for an instant pulled-together casual outfit. Women’s chino pants in khaki or stone are great for summer because they are neutral colors that will go with almost everything you own while looking and feeling light. To stretch your summer vacation wardrobe, you can wear your chinos with everything from a white blouse to a T-shirt, to a tank top and cardigan. They’ll keep you looking good and feeling comfy all day and into the night.


4. Jeans and White Blouse


Every woman should have a great pair of jeans and a women’s white blouse in her wardrobe. You will get more use out of this combination than almost anything else you wear, you can style them year-round, and you can dress them up or down. If you would like a vacation outfit to take you from daywear to eveningwear, this is it. For daytime, go for cute sneakers or a great pair of walking sandals. For evening, take it up a notch by changing to dressier sandals or heels and adding jewelry and a bit more makeup. It’s amazing how a few favorite sparkles and some lipstick and mascara will dress up this combination.


5. White Capris and Blouse


Nothing says “summer vacation” like a pair of white capri pants and a blouse in a fun solid color or print. Add white sneakers or a pair of sandals and you have a comfy outfit that looks both casual and polished at the same time. If you usually don’t wear white pants, consider the following: If the fabric is properly opaque, you shouldn’t have any problem being fully “covered” when wearing white pants. And although spills and stains happen, most white fabrics can be carefully “spot bleached” now that there are so many great laundry products out there. Just read the manufacturer's care instructions carefully before attacking any stains with chemicals beyond a mild soap. Black capri pants are always a sophisticated choice, too. If you opt for these instead, keep your footwear black for a more finished look.


6. Shirt Dress


Shirt dresses look like they could have been designed for summer vacations. They are an instant outfit (just add sandals), comfy, breezy, and can be dressed up or down. For a night out, add a little jewelry and your dressiest sandals. For sightseeing or shopping, pair one with a cute pair of white sneakers. A shirt dress can even make a great swimsuit cover-up. For a classic summer look, go for a white shirt dress and pair it with neutral sandals and jewelry. Pastel, bright, and striped shirt dresses are also fun. And when you’re back from vacation, you will have a wardrobe staple that you can wear in warm weather for years to come.