8 Locations, 16 Trends: Essentials for the Perfect 2026 Vacation Wardrobe

      Planning a trip is simple, but packing for it? That’s where the challenges begin. Different destinations vary significantly in terms of dress codes and aesthetics. While booking a flight and accommodation can be done in just a few clicks, assembling a suitcase that combines style, comfort, and aligns with your destination’s unique vibe demands more careful consideration. Take Nantucket and the French Riviera, for instance. Although both are coastal and affluent, they showcase contrasting styles and notions of luxury. Nantucket embodies a nautical and maritime theme influenced by prep-school traditions, favoring crisp button-down shirts, open-weave sweaters, and canvas totes. In contrast, the Riviera's style is influenced by the resort culture of locations like Saint-Tropez, Cannes, and Antibes, leaning towards a more fashion-forward and sophisticated aesthetic, with one-piece swimsuits, broad-brimmed straw hats, and chic flip-flops. With summer travel on the horizon, I aim to simplify the packing process for stylish globe-trotters. I will explore destinations like Nantucket, the Hamptons, Puglia, and Ibiza, highlighting the top two trends for each that every traveler should bring along, along with the best-suited items for each style. Remember, these aren’t rigid outfit templates; they're elements that will help you align with the vibe of your destination while ensuring you feel comfortable and confident during your much-deserved getaway.

      (Image credit: J.Crew; Rumored; Net-a-Porter; Jamie Haller; @laurenelson) Nantucket possesses a serene allure. Just over an hour’s flight from New York, this small island stretches about five miles. Its charm stems from a profound respect for history and a close-knit community. The island's aesthetic embraces shells, stripes, and an effortlessly laid-back coastal atmosphere. For an appropriate wardrobe, two fashion trends stand out: canvas tote bags and sleep dresses. These items encapsulate the spirit of New England summers and are versatile enough for visits to famous landmarks, quiet beaches, and local dining spots. As you wander the cobblestone streets, flats are essential, and don’t forget a light sweater for the evening chill brought by the ocean breeze.

      J.Crew

      Summer Rollneck Sweater

      Rumored

      Willow Mini Dress

      Jamie Haller

      The Ballet Slipper

      J.Crew

      1998 Montauk Small Tote

      THISTLES

      The Atlas Sunglasses

      Madewell

      Sculpted Wide Cuff Bracelet

      (Image credit: Getty Images; Net-a-Porter) If you're seeking an unspoiled European beach retreat, look no further than Sardinia. The southern Italian region boasts a rugged, sprawling landscape and an intimate resort atmosphere, highlighted by pink-washed villages like Porto Cervo, where carefully curated designer shops and bars are nestled into the hills. It has recently become a favored destination among the well-informed, especially those up-to-date on the trendiest hotels. Hotel Cala di Volpe has become the talk of the town, especially in fashion circles, as it will feature Dolce & Gabbana's iconic Maiolica Gialla print this summer. Beyond the hotels, the crystal-clear turquoise waters are a must-see, whether you're island-hopping or lounging by the shore. For either activity, a one-piece swimsuit is essential. Whether you opt for a piece from the Hunza G x Burberry collaboration or a classic style from Eres, style it with a striking beaded necklace, and complete the look with drawstring pants, flip-flops, and a raffia bucket hat.

      BURBERRY x Hunza G

      Faye Swimsuit

      TOTEME

      Raffia-Like Sunhat

      BURBERRY

      Margate Clutch Bag

      ROXANNE ASSOULIN

      The Very Big Bead Necklace

      (Image credit: @nikki.chwatt; J.Crew; Net-a-Porter) You’ve finally planned that group trip, shared house, or romantic getaway to the Hamptons that you’ve been discussing for ages. You’ve likely created an itinerary that includes stops at Round Swamp Farm to see if it lives up to its reputation, biking through Bridgehampton while fantasizing about owning a beautiful home on Ocean Road, checking out the new Chanel store in East Hampton for Matthieu Blazy’s latest pieces, and perhaps trying out the new breakfast spot, Babe’s Diner, in Sag Harbor. The pressing question now is, what should you pack? Having visited the Hamptons every summer for the last decade, I can say that almost anything is acceptable. However, as someone into fashion, I realize that isn't especially helpful, so let’s be specific. For 2026, a reliable outfit for the Hamptons includes a lightweight long-sleeve shirt paired with Bermuda shorts—an outfit that Margot Robbie has been seen wearing at the airport with mesh flats and a long-strap shoulder bag. You could go for a striped version with