Want to feel pretty on your tropical beach vacation this Summer? Of course, you do…even when you are over 60 like I am! I’m showing what to wear in Florida on vacation, which works in lots of tropical destinations like the Bahamas or Hawaii, too.
We live on the northeast coast of Florida with white sand beaches. We’ve also lived in southern (crystal clear waters of Fort Lauderdale) and central Florida where our son lives now.
We’ve got you covered today with your essential packing needs for travel in the United States. Kim from Northern California Style has gathered a group of bloggers from around the country. This is going to be fun! Their links are at the end of the post.
How To Feel Pretty On Your Tropical Vacation
In Florida in the summer months, it’s going to be HOT and humid (it’s already started). So:
- Embrace color — this is the time to pull out your most colorful wardrobe items (think Palm Beach).
- White is a good idea, too.
- Pack looser clothing that breathes like linen and cotton.
- Let your feet get some air with sandals and flip-flops, too. If going to the theme parks or playing tennis or pickleball, definitely pack sneakers.
- Gone are my bikini days but don’t forget a couple of swimsuits, cover-ups, a hat, and sunscreen.
What To Wear To Lunch/Shopping

This eyelet dress comes in white and black too. You could wear white cropped cotton leggings if you don’t want to show your legs and it becomes a tunic top. (I use Jergens Natural Glow fair to medium on my legs).

The dress is lined and cute in person.

This is a J. Jill linen dress from last year. There are new colors here.
What To Wear To The Pool or Beach

What To Wear To Dinner
I wore this linen blend dress with dark navy embroidery to dinner in Orlando on Mother’s Day. It was humid but I was cool in this dress.


I am wearing the above caftan in turquoise in the group photo at the end of the post. Very comfortable.
Feel Pretty On Your Tropical Beach Vacation In A Maxi Dress
My friend, Jules and my sister and I all like this cool cotton, Somerset dress with pockets. There are other colors, too, many come in regular, petite, and tall.

You may also like Straight Off-White Jeans Five Ways For Spring And Summer.
What To Pack For Different Parts Of The U.S.

Let’s go on some virtual vacations with my friends… and see what to pack.
Love Tommy Bahama, and most of their things are perfect for life here in southeast Texas! It makes me so happy to see you wearing them – please keep it up! You look great!
Thanks so much. It’s a nice look for here too. So different from SF.
I tried that white dress on in Anthropologie. It is a gorgeous dress, but I was too long-waisted for it. I love all the pretty dresses you are wearing. You look great in that blue!! Great tips!
Mary Ann,
You look gorgeous in dresses! It really is the perfect thing to wear in the summer where it’s tropical. You sure have adjusted to your coastal life. I can’t wait to visit you and walk those white sandy beaches.
xx
Mary Ann, Love all your choices here. You look especially pretty in the eyelet dress and I am loving the Jack Roger’s sandals! The little white dresses – the navy and the other embroidered one are also so good. I like the tips too! Your beachside life sounds so fun! Thank you for doing this and all the work. Love it! x Kim
Oh, MA! You know I love color. Florida here I come! You look adorable in everything … and I really love your blue and white linen blend dress. I need it, right? That Anthro Sommerset dress is a hit … so flattering and perfect for so many occasions. Get your guest room ready, I’m packing my bag(s)!!! Calm down, I’m kidding. So fun doing this with you! xo
These different location fashion show post are terrific and very helpful. I also live in FL and 100% agree that cotton and linen are best for heat and humidity. That being said all cotton and linen are not alike. I like for mine to drape and flow as I move. If too thick they sit on my straight body type like a tent. My favorite brand is Eileen Fisher but I also have several Lilly and Tommy Bahama pieces. Big thank you to all the girls for sharing.
Thanks, Bess. A few of these dresses are from Tommy Bahamas which I just started wearing. My husband has been wearing that brand for years.
Good morning from the other coast,
I love the many choices you’ve offered for different occasions. What an inspiring selection.
What size are you wearing in the JJill linen dress? You and I are so similar that I believe if it fits you it will fit me.
Happy day from Mercer Island,
Diney
Hi Diney,
It’s a small petite dress. Thanks for commenting!
So many great ideas! I really love that long royal blue kaftan! Fabulous!
Thanks for all the inspiration!
OXOX
Dawn
I know. I thought about getting that one instead of the turquoise but I have another blue and white caftan.
Mary Ann,
You are so right about the hot, humid days and nights in Florida. But with your curated looks anyone can look beautiful and stylish and still stay cool.
You look beautiful in all of your picks! Especially the blue and white Mother’s Day outfit!
Have a wonderful day!
It’s already getting hot! I have a dress on today.
Mary Ann,
These look great and cool for summer. I have been shopping for some simple summer dresses that can be worn during the casual summer events I usually attend. Thanks for the sources and fashion show. 😊❤️
Karen B.
Thanks, Karen. Cool dresses work really well for me in the summer. I’m wearing one now!