Elegance by the Sea: The Subtle Art of Dressing on Vacation

When we think of vacation outfits, the first thing that often comes to mind is the colors and cuts we shy away from in the city—brighter tones, bolder shapes, and subtle touches of skin. It’s as if the beach gives us permission to be a bit more daring. But with that freedom sometimes comes a bit too much effort. And somehow, when it’s too deliberate, elegance starts to lose its charm.

True elegance, I believe, finds its purest form by the sea. Clean, natural, effortless. When we try too hard, when the looks feel overly styled or the makeup too heavy for the setting, the beauty begins to feel forced. And that takes away from the quiet grace we’re after.

Comfort should always be the first rule of vacation dressing. That doesn’t mean we forget about aesthetics entirely, but it means choosing what feels good on the body. After all, what really makes someone glow in the evening isn’t the brand of their dress—it’s the bronzed skin kissed by the sun, hair still soft and a little damp after a shower, and that unmistakable smile that only vacation can bring.

Wearing a dress to dinner that doesn’t make you sweat, itch, or hold your breath is more than enough. Synthetic fabrics, heavy makeup that melts under the sun, or outfits that suffocate the skin—no matter how expensive—can cheapen the look in a second.

And the same goes for beachwear. Choosing overly flashy pieces or exaggerated cuts, showing too much skin just for the camera… maybe we end up missing the moment while chasing a photo for Instagram. Maybe we want to be that person on the beach—turning heads and collecting admiration—but in the process, we lose the elegance that comes from within.

Think about royalty. Do we ever see them with extreme cuts, glitzy accessories, or overloaded styling? Rarely. More often it’s a simple dress, a thoughtful earring, maybe a single brooch. That kind of simplicity reflects true grace—and captivates millions. So why do we drift so far from ourselves just to be seen?

The image that comes to my mind when I think of seaside elegance is clear: A woman walking with the wind gently playing in her hair, a face warmed by the sun, wearing a soft dress or a matching skirt and top that fits just right, paired with leather sandals. Maybe just a touch of gloss on her lips. Or a man stepping out in a loose shirt and shorts, minimal but stylish, with perhaps a bracelet made of natural stones. Nothing more, nothing less.

And honestly, what draws my attention the least in those images is a blemished skin or messy hair from the wind. Because isn’t that what vacation is for? To lighten up, slow down, and return to ourselves?