What I Wore on My Beach Vacation: Chic Outfits for Women Over 50
Well, friends, if you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to wrestle a suitcase full of dresses, a beach bag bigger than your first car, and a husband who wants to leave yesterday, this post is for you! Joe and I packed up and headed to the beach for some much-needed sunshine, seafood, and a chance to wear something other than sweatpants. And let me tell you, I was determined to look cute while not melting into a puddle of sunscreen and humidity.
So grab your iced tea, settle in, and let me show you the outfits that kept me feeling chic, covered, and (mostly) wrinkle-free, because we all know one wrinkle-resistant item in the suitcase does not a wrinkle-free vacation make!
Dinner Out on the Town: Classic Layers and Easy Polished Vibes
For one of our dinners in town, Joe and I decided to put on something a little more polished, because as much as I love a breezy sundress, sometimes it feels good to dress up just a smidge. Joe looked downright dapper in his Wrinkle-Free Performance Gironde Shirt (a mouthful, but it sure looked sharp!) paired with his favorite TravisMathew Black Wanderlust Shorts and a pair of Cole Haan Pinch Tassel Loafers. He looked so good, I almost made him spin for me in the hotel hallway, almost.
- Wrinkle-free shirt stays crisp straight out of the suitcase
- Performance fabric breathes easily on warm nights
- Shorts he can dress up or down without looking sloppy
- Loafers that add instant polish for dinners or date nights
I wore my Linen Cotton Shell, which was breezy and breathable but still structured enough to feel elevated, layered with my Linen Blend Travel Ruana that draped perfectly and added a little movement when the ocean breeze picked up. Paired with my ‘Ab’Solution High Waist Jeans, which tuck everything in nicely without feeling like I’m in a corset, and finished off with Bamboo Thong Sandals, this outfit was my sweet spot between comfort and looking like I had my act together.
This was the perfect outfit combo for a sunset dinner by the water, where Joe kept trying to get me to share my dessert, and I kept politely refusing.
- Linen cotton shell keeps things cool while looking chic
- Linen blend ruana adds stylish layering, flow, and a touch of drama
- High-waisted jeans offer stretch and a smooth silhouette
- Bamboo sandals are lightweight, easy to walk in, and beach-appropriate
- Perfect balance of classic pieces with casual comfort
Joe’s Dinner Look: The Man, The Myth, The Wrinkle-Free Legend
Our first night there, Joe put on this Basketweave cotton Polo sweater from J.Crew Factory and strutted out like he was auditioning for a resort magazine cover. I swear, I almost asked him for his autograph. He paired it with his trusty TravisMathew shorts, he owns more pairs of these than I have patience when I’m hungry.
He looked so polished that I half-expected the waiter to ask if he’d like to sample the wine before bringing it to our table.
- Lightweight, breathable cotton is perfect for warm evenings by the water
- Subtle texture that says “I tried” without looking desperate
- Goes from dinner to sunset stroll without missing a beat
- True-to-size fit that keeps him comfortable and me impressed
Great for: Dinner dates, travel photos, or anytime you want to look put together without trying too hard.
The Dress That Made Me Feel Like a Million Bucks
Ladies, you know that feeling when you put on a dress and you know that it is a keeper? This is how I felt about the 3/4 Puff Sleeve Green Printed Maxi Dress. We went straight from a day of exploring to dinner without a wardrobe change, and I felt like I was floating into every room (or maybe that was the sangria).
The tiered skirt swishes so prettily with each step, and the sleeves give a little coverage for arms that haven’t seen a dumbbell in a hot minute. The subtle print keeps it interesting but not overwhelming.
- Flowy, feminine shape that lets you eat dessert without fear
- Breezy fabric so you don’t sweat more than necessary
- Sleeves that politely cover your arms without making you overheat
- Print that’s lively without screaming “look at me!”, unless you want it to
The little Straw Clutch is a warm-weather staple. The straw texture adds a summery vibe, and it’s the perfect size to tuck under your arm or carry by hand. It’s lightweight but big enough for your phone, lipstick, and keys.
Why it works: Balanced proportions, forgiving shape, and soft structure. You feel pulled together, but still comfortable enough to move and enjoy your day.
Bright and Blooming: Floral Cap Sleeve Midi Dress
The morning I wore this Floral Cap Sleeve Midi Dress, Joe and I decided to wander through beach shops. This dress was perfect. The bold flowers made me feel alive, the cap sleeves gave just the right coverage, and the skirt swished dramatically every time I spun around to show him something he didn’t ask to see.
I sized up to a large so it felt relaxed and easy, no sausage casing vibes here, thank you very much.
- Happy floral print that brightens even cloudy beach days
- Cap sleeves that keep you cool without sacrificing coverage
- Tiered skirt is perfect for impromptu dance moves
- Easily goes from shopping sprees to seaside dinners
These Two Strap Wedge Sandals are a wonderful option when you want a little height without sacrificing comfort. The double straps keep your foot secure, and the cushioned insole makes them wearable for hours. The neutral color goes with everything, and the wedge heel adds length to your legs in the most flattering way.
Why it works: The tiered silhouette skims the body gently without clinging, and the length hits at a flattering spot below the knee. Perfect for those who want to feel stylish but still covered.
Joe’s Casual Looks: Cool Enough for Him, Easy Enough for Me
Joe rotated his Wrinkle-Free Printed Damaschino Polo from UNTUCKit with his Travis Matthews Black WANDERLUST SHORTS, and I swear I’ve never seen him get dressed so fast. We’d wake up, he’d throw these on, and before I could finish my coffee, he’d be asking if I was ready to go. These pieces were perfect for our late-night dinners (where we pretended calories didn’t count on vacation).
- Wrinkle-free polos that look crisp straight from the suitcase
- Shorts that somehow go with everything
- Light, breathable fabrics, perfect for warm coastal evenings
- Simple styles that let him feel relaxed and me feel proud
Great for: Casual dinners, vacation outings, or even casual Fridays at work.
Casual Lunch Date With The Hubby
Joe and I enjoyed a casual lunch at Barefoot Landing. It was wonderful to sit on the patio while watching the boats drive by.
The Stripes That Had Me Feeling Snatched: Short Sleeve Midi Striped Dress
I wore my Short Sleeve Midi Striped Dress, and despite the horizontal stripes, it somehow worked magic by balancing things out instead of making me feel wider. There’s something about a well-cut striped dress that makes you feel pulled together, even when I’m trying to keep up with Joe, who’s already halfway to the next shop.
This dress was cool, comfy, but I would have liked it a little better had it been a tad bit shorter. Add my Straw Clutch for holding the essentials (hotel key and lip gloss) and Crocs Toe Loop Sandal Flats for painless exploring.
- Horizontal stripes that add playful nautical charm
- Soft, breathable fabric for all-day comfort
- Hits below the knee, offering modesty with easy movement
- Versatile enough for coffee runs, shopping, or dinner
Linen-Blend Sleeveless Mini Dress: My Secret Weapon for Surprise Breezes
I wore this Linen-blend sleeveless mini dress with my Summer Patchwork Crinkle Topper on a day the forecast said “sunny” but the ocean breeze said, “hold my drink.” This combo kept me cool when the sun came out and cozy when the wind picked up. I added Drop Earrings and my Pebble Drop Necklace, because an outfit isn’t finished until you add jewelry.
- Linen-blend keeps you cool while looking polished
- Sleeveless cut, perfect for layering or wearing solo
- Crinkle topper adds color, coverage, and a bit of sass
- Accessories instantly dress it up for lunch or shopping
Swimsuits That Gave Me the Courage to Take Off the Cover-Up
I know, swimsuits are tricky at any age, but these made me feel confident enough to strut, okay, cautiously walk, to my lounge chair. The Bloom Ruffle One Piece Swimsuit had tummy control without feeling like medieval armor, and the ruffle neckline felt flirty without going overboard. The Como woven straw tote finished the look and made me feel pulled together, even if I was only carrying snacks, sunscreen, and Joe’s sunglasses.
- Tummy control that smooths without strangling
- Necklines that flatter without plunging
- Soft, quick-drying fabric for endless comfort
- Cover-ups that feel as cute as the swimsuits themselves
Sleek and Supportive: The Jena One Piece Swimsuit
You know those days when you want a swimsuit that makes you feel like you could hop on a yacht, even if you’re just heading to the hotel pool? That’s exactly how I felt in this Jena One Piece Swimsuit. This suit hugs in all the right places, gives a little extra support where we appreciate it most, and has a timeless look that makes you feel like you’ve got it all together.
The wide straps stayed put, the fabric held everything nice and secure, and the simple yet sophisticated cut made it perfect for reading a book by the pool without worrying about adjusting things every five minutes.
- Wide straps that stay put no matter what the breeze is doing
- Classic cut that flatters without feeling skimpy
- Supportive fit that’s comfy enough for all-day lounging
- Timeless style that never looks dated
Pop of Pink: The Tankini That Made Me Feel Fun and Fabulous
I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just want a swimsuit that says, “I am here to have a good time!” This hot pink Tankini Tummy Control Swimsuit did exactly that. The bright, happy color lifted my spirits the second I put it on, and the tummy control made me feel secure without worrying about what was jiggling underneath.
The longer tankini top gave great coverage, especially on days when I didn’t want a one-piece but also wasn’t feeling brave enough for a bikini (which, let’s be honest, is most days). Paired with my Crocs Toe Loop Sandals, I felt playful and polished all at once.
- Easy to mix and match with cover-ups or shorts
- Vibrant hot pink color that screams “vacation mode”
- Tummy control for a smooth, confident silhouette
- Tankini length offers great coverage without sacrificing style
The Swimsuit-and-Ruana Combo That Made Me Feel Fancy
One of my favorite moments on this trip was when I slipped into my Crossover One Piece Swimsuit and threw on my Placed Paisley Duster, and suddenly felt a little extra fancy. The crossover neckline gave a flattering fit without showing too much, and the ruana floated behind me like I had my own personal wind machine (I didn’t, but a girl can dream).
Joe even said I looked fabulous, which is high praise coming from a man who thinks khaki shorts are “fancy.”
This pairing was perfect for feeling covered when walking to the pool or ordering drinks at the beach bar, but light and breezy enough to keep me cool when the sun was doing its best to turn me into a lobster.
- Crossover neckline that supports and flatters the bust
- Tummy control that’s comfortable for long beach days
- Ruana adds drama and coverage without bulk
- Easy to slip on and off between the room and the water
Confidence is the Best Vacation Souvenir
After a week of salty breezes, sandy toes, and sunsets that looked hand-painted, I realized yet again that style doesn’t have to be complicated. It just needs to make you feel good in your skin, whether that’s in a floaty dress, a breezy swimsuit, or a classic pair of shorts. Packing the right pieces let me focus on what mattered most: memories with Joe, moments of peace watching the waves, and laughing until my sides hurt.
So tell me, what outfits make you feel unstoppable on vacation? Share your go-to pieces in the comments below, I’d love to swap stories!
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Verse Of The Day
Matthew 5:10 (NIV)
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
I’m newer to your posts & have been enjoying them but this one made me a follower. I love sly humor! You are very witty!
Found it 😊
Tania, you look amazing in the bathing suits.
You and Joe are the absolute cutest people ever!!!
🤣
😊Nice photos of you and your husband. I love the first top. I love tops with a scenic print.
Cute picks 😊
Great post! Do I spy the parking lot of Joe’s Bar and Grill in one of those dinner photo shoots? Glad you had a fun trip.
Yep! We are there twice. 😋
Found it!
Great pictures of Joe and you. May have to get a pair of the shorts he is wearing for my husband.
Love the pink mini dress and topper. Very beachy.
Tania, you are absolutely ageless and still rocking the swimsuits. Happy Vacation Time!
🙂 Vacas are the best! Love the hot pink bathing suit!
😀
I love wearing dresses when I’m on a beachy or warm weather vacation because I feel put together yet cool and comfy. You shared some great options!
Hello Tania, thank you very much for the $50 Amazon gift card! What a lovely start to my week. You and your hubby look so happy in your vacation photos. Happy July 4th to you & your family. Cheers.
🙂 Found it! Fabulous pictures of you and Joe!! What a lovely couple!!
🙂. I couldn’t help but laugh when I saw Joe’s “farmers tan” on his feet!!
For Joe, it’s a golfer’s tan. 🏌️♂️
🙂 I love the 3/4 puff sleeve midi dress!
I think that first green dress (graphic print) look so much better on you than in the Amazon photo. It is very flattering to you and looks like a much more high-end dress.😊
The blue striped dress was one of my favorites. You and Joe looked fabulous. Glad you enjoyed your vacation. 🙂
🙂 Great looking dresses
😊 Perfect summer dresses. Looking great!
Beautiful vacation outfits! Found it! 😊
What a well-dressed, good-looking couple! Enjoy your vacation!
😊. All your outfits look so perfect for the beach. I love Barefoot Landing… shopping, eating and just people watching. I really like tee shirt dresses for casual dining at the beach and maxi dresses for a little dressier restaurant.
Thank you. This was a great post. I especially liked the “Why it Works” sections. I love wearing dresses on beach trips. I’m vacationing in Kauai right now and dresses are my go to on many days.
I’m glad you liked that section.
😊 hope you had a good time on your vacation. My favorite dress is the multi floral cap sleeve dress.
😊 Great photos. Looks like you had a good time! I like the stripe dress and agree it could be a tad shorter. Sounds like you are having fun with your family!
😀 gorgeous vacation outfits
Love Joe’s tan line on his ankles. 😊
🤣🤣🤣
😁that bloom ruffle swimsuit is beautiful
☺️ You look so good in swimsuits!💜
Lots of good choices!
🙂
Y’all are just adorable together! Love seeing you two having fun.
Found it 🙂
Love the pink floral swimsuit and the green one. So pretty on you.
🙂. Fun picks!!
I love the green dress, so pretty on you. You are so brave to get photographs of you in a bathing suit BUT you look amazing! I could not pull that off! 😉
Thank you for posting your wonderful vacation!
🙂
Blessings,
🙂 I loved your post and almost forgot to look for the smiley face
What a good-looking, well-dressed couple! Enjoy your vacation!
😊love the green and white dress. looks like you had a great vacation !
🙂 good suggestions
🙂 Love all the dresses!!!
😊I love the stripped dress and the floral cap sleeve.
😊 looks like a beautiful family trip. And some real cute outfits. I always plan a color scheme for my trips otherwise I end up with way too much! lol. Then I’ll choose a couple shorts/ pants with 2-3 tops apiece and a casual dress and a nice dress, unless I know I’ll need more. That usually lets me do more mix & match on my trips.
😊 Love the green dress! Thanks for the links to Joe’s outfit as well. My hubby loves the Untuckit shirt!
Your color combos with your swimsuits are timeless. Beats the ponytail in a ball cap days (when my kiddos were little). I have definitely evolved with account with your inspiration. Can’t thank you enough Tania. Oh, & btw, you & Joe look fabulous!
That makes me so happy. 😀
😊
I like the mini dress and the crinkle topper!
Like the selection of swimsuits.
Found it 😊
😊
🙂 love, love, love the bright pink linen dress with the topper
I see you vacationed in Myrtle Beach. I love it there.
🙂 Whatever your fitness program is its working. You look terrific in a bathing suit.
🙂 loved the dresses.
Beautiful Outfits!
🙂 Loved the green and white dress! I enjoy reading your blogs/ articles about family fun. Have a blessed week!
Loved seeing yalls vacay vibes. Great clothes both of u. Waves are soothing, glad u got away to recharge.
Mine will be running away from hurricanes with my dog, Roscoe, a border collie. So that means motel 6 allows dogs lol.
I love so many different styles of bathing suits.
My favorite was the real pretty green dress I like that
😀found it
I love all the outfits. I love so many different styles of bathing suits.
My favorite was the real pretty green dress I like that
😀found it
🙂 Found it
😊looks like you had a great time and you dressed the part
🙂 So many cute outfits. I really like the pink dress and the striped dress. I agree with you that it would look better a bit shorter. I always stay away from horizontal stripes but it did look good on you.
😊The print ruffle neck swimsuit is so pretty!
Good suggestions. 🙂
🙂 The green dress is a lot like the one I’m wearing today (which I think I got from a previous post of yours). I like that yours has a collar, so I may be buying another one. I feel like I’m cheating today and wearing pj’s because it’s so comfy!
Very pretty outfits. Looks like you had a great time! 🙂
Found it 😀
Love the outfits and cute pictures of you and your hubby!
🙂 Adorable outfits. And Joe looks pretty darned good too.
So many good looks.🙂
☺️ The first three dresses were winners. I am amazed they were from Amazon. I like the first top with white capris. Very vacation mode. It’s very brave of you to model swimwear.
Swimwear is NOT my favorite thing to style, but I want to encourage all women to join in the fun; even in swimsuits.
:)Cute dresses and kudos to you for modeling swimwear. You look very good in the swimwear.
😊. Found it!
The outfits look adorable. They appear comfy but yet dressy and classy.
Love everything about this post🙂
😀. Such pretty outfits! Loved all of the bathing suits.
First of all. you look FABULOUS!!! I love all your outfits,,You won’t be shocked to know I have the same green print dress from Amazon (in a slightly different style, no collar) Enjoy your beautiful family!!! Happy Tuesday❤❤❤
🙂 Great options for swim wear!
The Jenna swimsuit and the crossover swim outfit are beautiful on you. It makes me feel the need for a beach getaway!
🙂
😀Found it! LOVE the linen top with coastal scene!
😉 Y’all look great! My favorite is the green & white dress.
😀 pretty pretty vacation styles. Love the maxi dresses. They are so much cooler than pants or shorts!
😊. You snd Joe are a beautiful couple. Thanks for bathing suit choices.
: ) Looks like you had fun.
Great post!! Love the green dress, and pictures of Joe and what he’s wearing.
🙂 I love all your beach outfits!
😀 love all of your outfits put a couple of them in my shopping cart. I like Joes look trying to het my husband to look a little more put together when we go out. I have been even hiding some of his shirts he wants to wear over and over
That’s so funny. Men, 🙄
Found it 🙂 Cute outfits!
🙂Love the clothes and the great pictures of you and your husband!
🙂 My favorite is the green dress.
😊 I love the linen cotton shell. It’s such a summery look with the white. The green maxi dress is so pretty!
I love Joe’s outfits and you gave me some great ideas for my hubby. I also love the crossover miracle suit! You look amazing in it!
😊 You and Joe looked great in all the outfits! I looked up those Travis Mathew shorts and noticed they come in a 35 waist. My husband wears 36 in jeans but has trouble with them being a little big in the waist while 34 is too small. Those shorts would probably be perfect! I showed them to him and he said, “I just got 2 pairs of shorts last year”. 😆. He doesn’t care about clothes. I have the linked marked so I can refer to it when he decides he needs shorts!
found it!
love that striped midi dress! Amazon has it in lots of different patters5, I saved a polka dot one.
Great post as usual but the highlight for we was Joe’s tan line from his no show socks!
He gets dark so fast! That’s his golfers tan.
😊Such a pretty beach location! The green maxi dress is so pretty. The Jena suit and the pretty floral really stood out nicely. I got the straw handbag a few years ago and I always get nice compliments.
😀great pictures of you both
Found the smiley!:). I want to go try on the Talbots top! So cute!
😀
Loving the green and white 3/4 sleeve dress. It looks fantastic on you.
Love that you showed Joe’s outfits! Would enjoy seeing more couple pics/posts! It helps us ladies convince our guys to take it up a notch and gives us gift ideas!