Sun Bathing In December Guide
December 2025
Ah, December, the month of not ever knowing what day of the week it is, trying to figure out how to get the most out of the 50 lb suitcase limit, and hopefully a sunny little vacation to look forward to. Packing for a warm-weather vacation in the middle of winter is always a bit all over the place, especially when any extra vacation budget probably went towards your holiday gifting and not an entirely new tropical wardrobe.
So if you are planning a getaway this month, we feel the pain of wanting to step away from the same old outfits you wore all summer long. To help you combat this problem, we came up with 6 outfits that can most likely already be replicated with what you have in your wardrobe (save a fun new piece or two). Here is what we would wear for a little sunbathing in December!
The Ice coffee Walk
For those leisurely morning strolls when you're not quite awake yet. We love an athleisure moment that doesn't look like you just threw on the same plain workout set you wear every day. Think comfort, but with a touch of color and whimsy! Pair some vibrant athletic shorts with a white tank top (bonus points for a fun detail) that says you put in at least 30 seconds of effort. For accessories, reach for simple brown sporty sunglasses (because squinting before caffeine is not an option), a silver necklace with a stone detail to pull out the color of your shorts, a striped woven shoulder bag, and jelly flip flops (seriously, why are they exponentially cuter when they're semi-translucent? We can't explain it either). This is the perfect outfit for grabbing breakfast at that place everyone recommended, wandering through local shops you'll probably forget the names of, or just nursing that first iced coffee of the day while the morning is still quiet, golden, and blissfully free of responsibilities.
The Vitamin D Soak
For maximum poolside or beach lounging. Your favorite patterned swimsuit is the star here; we are loving a plaid bikini lately. Layer on an easy cover-up like a gauzy linen shirt and some white boxer shorts that blur the line between beachwear and "did I just grab these from my boyfriend's drawer?" Complete the look with a colorful beaded necklace, some neutral strappy sandals for the occasional trip to the bar or bathroom, and don't forget the SPF (just put it on your face, come on). This outfit is designed for doing absolutely nothing but soaking up the sun, rotating occasionally like a rotisserie chicken, with the option to grab a cover-up when you inevitably miss time, the sunscreen re-up, and start to look a little pink.
Free People
Comme Si
The Afternoon Adventure
For exploring, sightseeing, or spontaneous activities. There is an art to the perfect vacation adventure outfit. Just enough athleisure that you are grimacing at growing blisters and fabric that chafes your skin all day, but still cool enough that the photos don’t look like your high school sports action shots or, god forbid, a frumpy tourist. Start with a bright color jersey (if you don’t have one, we guarantee one call to a male friend and you will be set) and some cute crochet mini shorts. Put on your most stable swimsuit. Honestly, do they even make a bikini that won't fall off when you jump in the water? Add some puffy flip flops for actual foot support and a little anklet, because you're on an adventure, not running a marathon. This outfit can handle anything from hiking to a waterfall, exploring a new town, or renting bikes along the coast, all while looking effortlessly put-together.
The Golden Hour Serotonin Boost
For catching that perfect sunset glow photo. Slip into a flowy peplum top with some warm colors or patterns (think sunset colors) and some oversized long shorts (if this isn’t for you, we guess some wide mini shorts or pants will do the trick). Bring in a simple cord necklace and a belt charm now that you don’t have to worry about any jewelry tan lines ruining your carefully cultivated glow. For shoes, we suggest some platform thong sandals for a little height without the struggle of walking along uneven beach paths in stilettos. Finish it off with a woven purse, and you will have quite the ensemble to complement the hues in the late afternoon sky. This is your outfit for sunset cocktails, romantic walks along the water, or simply standing somewhere beautiful as the day transitions to evening and you take approximately 47 photos to get the right one.
St. Agni
Superdown
Steve Madden
The moonlit Dinner
For evenings that deserve something a little elevated. Step it up with a pearl button or sequin shirt dress that will make you look like a mermaid out of water with the way the light catches all those tiny details. Pair this with silky cargo pants for a little peace of mind as you maneuver around, because looking good shouldn't mean sacrificing the ability to sit comfortably or move like a normal human. Complete the look with strappy metallic sandals and a structured shoulder bag to contrast the flowiness of the rest of your outfit. Even with all the sparkly details, there's always room for some exciting jewelry. We love a layered shell necklace and a silver claw clip to keep the hair from sticking to your skin, because nothing is worse than fighting with humidity-loving hair and an open back situation. This outfit strikes the perfect balance between polished and relaxed, ideal for a dinner by the ocean or at a charming local spot, with enough versatility to transition into whatever messier post-dinner plans the night might bring.
Jeffery Campbell
Lioness
Jeffery Campbell
The Late Night Dancing
Go for a mesh print t-shirt that's just the right amount of sexy without feeling constricting or making you self-conscious about sweating through your outfit while you dance the night away. Because let's be honest, nobody wants to spend the evening worrying about pit stains under strobe lights. In case a printed mesh top wasn't fun enough on its own, add a mini sequin skirt to the look. Throw on a fun shell ring and a simple silver stone bracelet to keep the jewelry situation interesting but not complicated. As for shoes, a wedge is the perfect choice, easy to dance in but stable enough that you won't start falling all over the place after the first tequila sunrise. We can't forget about a bag. We love this glass PVC bag that's lightweight enough that it won't hinder even the wildest dance moves or cause severe damage if it accidentally flies into the stranger dancing next to you. This outfit is all about feeling confident enough to let loose and dance under the stars all night long, or at least until your feet start hurting and someone suggests getting late-night food.
