Punta Cana Outfits: 20 Vacation Looks That Go From Beach to Dinner

Punta Cana has a way of making you want to actually try with your outfits. Maybe it’s the turquoise water behind every photo, or maybe it’s that the resort bubble means you’re seen — poolside, at dinner, on the catamaran — all day long. Whatever it is, I’ve watched too many people show up with three pairs of denim shorts and a sad swimsuit cover-up and spend the whole trip wishing they’d packed better.

The real challenge isn’t packing enough — it’s packing smart. Punta Cana runs hot and humid, the kind of heat that makes synthetic fabrics feel like a punishment. You want pieces that breathe, move, and can pull double duty: beach in the afternoon, restaurant by seven. A wrap skirt that goes over your bikini and looks intentional at lunch. A maxi dress that’s breezy enough for midday but polished enough for a resort dinner.

I pulled together twenty looks that actually work for this specific destination — not just generic tropical vibes, but outfits calibrated for the particular mix of things you do in Punta Cana. Beach clubs where you’re expected to look good even in a swimsuit. Colonial-style resort restaurants with vague dress codes. Long, golden-hour walks on the malecón where you want the photos to be worth saving. These are those outfits.

A few things I learned the hard way: pack more tops than bottoms, bring at least one piece with architectural detail for the photos (a ruffle, a fringe, a dramatic sleeve), and never underestimate a great straw bag as the accessory that ties the whole tropical thing together. Everything below is organized by look, with honest notes on fit, fabric, and when to actually wear each one.

Butter Yellow Pleated Halter Mini Dress for Beachside Cocktails

This sunny yellow pleated mini dress is one of those rare vacation pieces that looks better in real life than it does on the hanger — the halter neckline and flowing pleats create genuine movement, especially with any ocean breeze behind it. Pair it with delicate gold jewelry and a chain strap bag for beachside cocktails or an afternoon of wandering through town, and you’ve got a complete look that required almost no thought.

The silhouette works especially well if you’re petite or have a defined waist — the halter draws the eye up and the pleats skim the hips without clinging. If you’re curvier, look for a version with a slightly longer hem so the pleats have room to fall properly rather than pulling.

Pleated fabric is genuinely one of the best things you can pack because it bounces back from being stuffed in a suitcase. Roll it loosely, tuck it in a packing cube, and it’ll shake out almost entirely wrinkle-free. Throw a denim jacket over it for the flight, go bare-shouldered the moment you land — it’s that easy.

Abstract Print Cutout Top with Cream Skirt for an Entrance-Making Lunch

This lime and pink abstract print top with a ring-closure cutout is the kind of piece you wear when you want people to notice you walked in. Paired with a cream skirt, brown wedges, and a woven clutch, it reads sophisticated rather than trying-too-hard — the neutral bottom does a lot of the heavy lifting here.

The cutout sits at the midriff, so it’s most flattering on hourglass and straight body types; if you carry weight in your midsection and aren’t comfortable with the cutout, this top style isn’t going to feel good to wear all day. But if you love it, the ring-closure detail means you can adjust the opening slightly to your comfort level.

Keep the accessories genuinely minimal here — a gold coin necklace and maybe a couple of stacked bangles, nothing more. The print and the cutout are both talking at once, and adding a statement earring or a bold bag tips it from editorial into chaotic. Let the top be the thing.

Emerald Crop Tee, Striped Skirt, and Gold Chain Belt for Effortless Polish

This is what expensive casual actually looks like — an emerald green Supreme cropped tee with a blue and green striped skirt, elevated by a statement gold chain belt that makes the whole combination feel intentional. It’s the kind of outfit that reads as effortless because the color story is so cohesive: the green threads through both pieces and the belt adds warmth without disrupting the palette.

This look suits most body types, but the belt placement is key. Worn at the natural waist it creates an hourglass effect; if you have a shorter torso, try the belt slightly lower on the hip to avoid a pinched look. The cropped tee length works best if the skirt sits at true waist height — otherwise there’s an awkward gap.

The beaded bracelets and rings in the original look add a bohemian touch that feels right for Punta Cana’s vibe, and they’re also the kind of accessories you can pick up at the resort market without overspending. When you’re mixing a logo piece with a print, the rule that saves you is a consistent color palette — let the tones be the through line.

Oversized Burnt Orange Mesh Knit Dress for Low-Effort, High-Style Mornings

This burnt orange mesh knit dress is the vacation piece you reach for when you want to look like you tried without actually trying. It’s the kind of thing you throw on for a slow morning coffee run or a beach walk, and it somehow still photographs beautifully because the color is so vibrant against sand and sea.

Because it’s oversized, this dress reads differently depending on how you style it. Wear it loose over a bikini for pure casual ease, or add a thin belt at the waist to create shape and make it feel like a deliberate outfit. The length hits differently on different heights — on a petite frame it reads more maxi-adjacent, which is actually a lovely look.

Mesh knit breathes surprisingly well in tropical humidity, which makes it smarter than it might seem for a hot destination. Pair with slides or white sneakers during the day; swap to strappy flat sandals in the evening and the whole look shifts without you changing a single other thing.

Abstract Art Strapless Maxi with Straw Bucket Hat for Unforgettable Resort Photos

This white strapless maxi dress covered in colorful abstract painterly print is exactly the kind of statement piece that makes your vacation photos look like they were professionally art-directed. The straw bucket hat and pearl necklace add resort polish without tipping into costume territory — those two accessories do a lot of grounding work.

Strapless dresses live or die by bodice fit. If the band is too loose, you’ll spend the whole day tugging it up and it’ll show in every photo. Spend five minutes finding the right size and, if needed, have the side seams taken in slightly — it’s a cheap alteration that makes a dramatic difference. The floor-length hem balances the bare shoulders beautifully, making the silhouette feel elegant rather than revealing.

The full maxi length is also practical at a family-friendly resort where you might want something a little more covered than a micro dress at dinner. Pack a strapless bra or bandeau with this one, and choose a fabric with a bit of structure in the bodice rather than something completely flimsy — you want support built in.

Olive Striped Linen Kimono Over Black Bikini for Boardwalk-Ready Beach Style

A floor-length olive green striped linen kimono draped over a simple black bandeau bikini is one of the most effortlessly chic beach looks you can put together. The structured pink and brown bag adds a pop of color, and the oversized sunglasses complete the picture — this is the outfit that makes other people on the beach wonder where you got everything.

Long kimono coverups are genuinely the secret weapon of anyone who’s figured out resort dressing. They provide real sun protection on your shoulders and chest (where most people forget sunscreen), they drape in a way that flatters almost every body type, and they transition from the beach walk to a beachside lunch without needing a change. The key is choosing one in a fabric that doesn’t cling when damp — linen is perfect for this.

The black bandeau bikini underneath is a smart choice because it disappears under the kimono visually, letting the olive and stripe pattern be the focal point. Wear the kimono open for that dramatic, flowing silhouette; cinch it loosely with a thin rope belt if you want more definition. Either way, it photographs beautifully against Punta Cana’s blue water backdrop.

Leopard Bikini Top Under Yellow Striped Linen Co-Ord for Maximalist Vacation Dressing

This look is bold vacation dressing done with genuine intention — a leopard print bikini top layered under a butter yellow striped linen shirt and matching maxi skirt, finished with a purple bandana, white bucket hat, and colorful beaded bag. It sounds like a lot on paper, but it works because every element is pulled from the same warm, tropical color family.

The reason this maximalist combination holds together is the consistent warm palette: yellows, oranges, greens, and the warm tones of the leopard print are all drawn from the same sunny, tropical world. If you want to try this approach without committing fully, start with the co-ord as a base and add just the bandana — that alone reads intentional and fun.

The linen co-ord is the practical hero here: linen breathes, packs relatively flat, and the matching set eliminates the decision of what to wear. If the full maximalist moment feels like too much for you personally, wear the yellow shirt and skirt with a simple white bikini underneath and pull back on the accessories — you still get the visual impact of the stripe without the pattern mixing.

White Ribbed Tank with Rust Linen Wrap Skirt for Minimalist Beach Chic

Clean, simple, and genuinely stunning. A fitted white ribbed tank paired with a rust-colored linen wrap maxi skirt is one of those outfits that photographs beautifully precisely because it doesn’t try too hard. The woven bag and leopard slide sandals add just enough personality without overwhelming the palette.

Wrap skirts are travel gold for a specific reason: they’re adjustable at the waist (no sizing anxiety), they pack completely flat, and the linen version will pick up your tan color as the week goes on and look even better by day five than it did on day one. The rust and white combination works on every skin tone, but especially pops against a warm tan.

The high-waisted silhouette of the wrap creates a long-leg illusion that’s universally flattering, and because the waist is adjustable, it works across a range of body types. If you’re wearing this for a beach-to-lunch transition, just swap the slides for a simple strappy flat sandal and you’re covered for the afternoon.

Cream Halter and Butter Yellow Wide-Leg Pants for Warm-Neutral Monochromatic Dressing

Monochromatic dressing in warm neutrals is one of those combinations that never looks wrong on vacation. This cream textured halter top paired with butter yellow wide-leg pants creates a sophisticated, elongated silhouette that works for both daytime activities and a dinner reservation — the woven bag ties the whole resort aesthetic together without any effort.

When you’re wearing head-to-toe light colors, the texture difference between pieces is what gives the outfit visual life. The ribbed halter contrasted against smooth, flowing pants keeps the look from reading as flat or washed-out. This is especially worth knowing when shopping: don’t just grab the first yellow pants you see — hold them next to your top and check that the fabrics have a different hand.

Wide-leg pants in a lightweight fabric are one of the smarter Punta Cana packing choices because they look as polished as a skirt at dinner but feel almost as comfortable as pajamas in the heat. The key is getting the inseam length right — for most heights, a full-length wide-leg works best; anything cropped can look a bit stumpy with the volume of the leg.

Turquoise Swirl Print Halter and Crisp White Linen Pants, Plus an All-White Linen Shirt Set

This turquoise and lime swirl print halter top with a neck-tie detail is pure vacation joy — the retro-inspired print feels playful and feminine, while crisp white linen pants keep things polished and grounded. It’s the perfect balance between fun and sophisticated, and simple gold jewelry with neutral sandals is genuinely all you need to let that print do its job. The second look in this section is an all-white linen ensemble that radiates European vacation energy: a cropped tie-front linen shirt with long sleeves that roll up neatly, paired with matching ruffled shorts and finished with brown sandals and a woven tote.

The swirl print halter has enough personality that it really doesn’t need much else — resist the urge to add a statement earring or a bold bag. For the all-white linen set, the natural wrinkles of linen are actually part of the charm, not a flaw to be managed. Embrace them.

The tie-front detail on the linen shirt lets you adjust the fit as the day goes on — looser in the midday heat, tied a little more crisply for lunch. This set works beautifully for exploring resort towns, beachside restaurants, or casual dinners, and because it’s a set, you only need to make one decision when you’re half-asleep in the morning.

Orange, Red, and Pink Striped Strapless Maxi for Resort Dinners and Beach Club Lunches

Few things say vacation quite as loudly as a bold striped maxi dress, and this orange, red, and pink striped number with a ring detail at the bust is exactly the kind of piece you save for resort dinners and beach club lunches. The straw bag with “Monday” branding adds a playful, self-aware touch that keeps the look from taking itself too seriously.

Strapless maxi dresses are among the most versatile things you can pack for a tropical trip. Throw a denim jacket over this one for the flight without it looking strange, swap to a wide-brimmed hat and sandals for poolside glamour, or wear it as-is with simple jewelry for dinner — it handles all three without complaining.

The ring detail at the bust is both decorative and functional, helping to keep the bodice in place. When buying a strapless dress, always check that the boning or elastic in the bodice is substantial enough to actually hold the dress up during movement — a flimsy band will have you adjusting constantly, and that gets old fast.

Cream One-Shoulder Top with Lime Green Sequined Midi Skirt for Daytime Evening Glamour

This outfit is what happens when vacation dressing meets a touch of evening glamour at a perfectly calibrated midpoint. The cream one-shoulder top with a lime green sequined midi skirt is an unexpected combination that reads beautiful rather than jarring — the pink crossbody bag and delicate jewelry keep it grounded and approachable rather than formal.

Sequins during the day sounds like a fashion mistake until you see it done right in a vacation context. The key is exactly what this look demonstrates: pair the sequins with something casual and unfinished on top — a simple, soft top with no embellishment — and keep the shoes flat and relaxed. That contrast between glamorous and easy is what makes it work.

The lime green sequin skirt also photographs spectacularly against Punta Cana’s blue and white backdrops. For this kind of look, choose a sequin skirt with a lining so you’re not uncomfortable in the heat — unlined sequin fabric directly on skin in tropical humidity is genuinely unpleasant and not worth it.

Pink Embroidered Kimono Over White Bikini and Crochet Shorts for Resort Coverup Layering

A bright pink kimono with colorful embroidery layered over a white bikini and crochet shorts is resort dressing at its most visually layered and Instagram-ready. The straw basket bag and oversized sunglasses complete the picture — this is the kind of look that works at every stop between the beach, the pool bar, and a casual lunch.

Kimonos are the ultimate vacation coverup for a simple reason: they fold flat into nothing in a suitcase, they dress up any swimwear immediately, and a beautiful one like this — with embroidery and real color — can be worn over denim shorts for an evening out too, giving you two completely different outfits from one piece.

When choosing a kimono, look for one with some weight to the fabric — ultra-sheer kimonos can feel insubstantial and don’t drape as elegantly. A slightly heavier woven or embroidered version like this one hangs better, photographs more richly, and feels more intentional as an outfit layer rather than an afterthought.

White Tiered Maxi Dress with Straw Hat for Effortless, Occasion-Spanning Ease

Sometimes the simplest outfits are the most effective, and this white tiered maxi dress with a drop waist and ruffled hem proves the point completely. It’s breezy, it photographs beautifully in natural light, and paired with a straw hat, woven bag, and brown sandals, it reads as casual elegance — the kind of outfit that looks considered without having required any real consideration.

White maxi dresses are a vacation staple for legitimate reasons: they’re universally flattering because the eye travels vertically down the full length of the dress, they work against every backdrop Punta Cana offers, and they can be accessorized in a dozen different directions depending on the occasion. Pack a good-quality slip underneath — a thin, beige slip is enough to prevent any transparency issues in direct sunlight.

The tiered construction on this dress means it has natural movement even in still air, which makes it especially good for photos. It also means the fabric has visual interest without needing any additional embellishment, so you can keep accessories genuinely minimal. Brown sandals over white strappy ones anchor the look and stop it from floating into overly bridal territory.

Cream Wrap Blouse with White Crochet Fringe Sarong for Grecian Goddess Beach Layers

This look channels serious Grecian goddess energy without trying too hard for it. A cream wrap blouse with billowy sleeves paired with a white crochet fringe sarong creates romantic, flowing layers that move beautifully in any ocean breeze — the bow-detailed sandals and statement cuff bracelet function almost like jewelry in themselves, adding detail at the extremities.

The reason this monochromatic white-on-cream combination works is texture contrast: smooth wrapped fabric against crocheted fringe against beaded accessories creates enough visual depth that the eye finds plenty to land on. Without that texture variation, an all-neutral look can flatten out and disappear — the crochet fringe is doing essential work here.

Fringe sarongs are one of the most practical beach-to-lunch pieces you can own because the fringe adds movement and visual interest that elevates the look beyond basic coverup territory. The billowy sleeves on the wrap blouse also provide arm coverage that’s genuinely useful during Punta Cana’s midday sun, so you get style and practical SPF protection in one.

White Textured Cami and Midi Skirt Set with Brown Belt for Town-Exploring Ease

For those days when you’re exploring town or grabbing a long, relaxed lunch, this white textured cami top and midi skirt combination is exactly right. The brown belt defines the waist and adds a warm accent color, while the woven tote and simple flip-flops keep the whole thing grounded and comfortable rather than precious. The top also works beautifully as a separate — pair it with white jeans for a completely different look without packing a second outfit.

Matching sets solve a specific vacation problem: the morning decision of what actually goes together. This one works as a cohesive outfit out of the box, but because both pieces are simple and neutral, they can genuinely be broken up and worn with other things in your suitcase — maximizing what you’ve packed without anyone noticing you’re wearing the same top twice.

The midi length here is practical for a day of walking around town because it’s not dragging on the ground but still provides enough coverage for entering churches or more conservative spots around the Dominican Republic. White in this length and silhouette also photographs cleanly against colorful architecture — it’s the kind of look that makes a busy background work for you rather than against you.

White Crochet Mini Dress with Colorful Scalloped Trim for Artisan Bohemian Vacation Dressing

This hand-crocheted mini dress with mustard yellow, chocolate brown, and turquoise scalloped trim is the kind of vacation piece that looks perfect against colorful architecture and blue skies — as if the outfit and the setting were designed together. Paired with brown sandals, yellow bangles, and a straw bag, it’s entirely cohesive without looking coordinated in an obvious way.

The colorful trim gives you a clear roadmap for accessories: pull one of those accent colors and repeat it somewhere on your body. The yellow bangles echo the mustard in the trim perfectly, and that single repetition is what makes the look feel finished. You could just as easily pull the turquoise with a simple beaded bracelet or the chocolate brown with a leather bag.

Wear a matching bikini underneath because crochet is inherently semi-sheer, especially in direct sunlight or when the fabric gets stretched. A nude or white bikini works if you don’t have a perfect color match. The bohemian nature of crochet means you want natural accessories — straw, wood, shell — over anything plastic or overtly shiny, which would work against the handmade quality of the dress.

Black Bikini with Long Black Crochet Coverup Skirt for Sleek Beach-to-Lunch Minimalism

This is vacation minimalism done with real confidence — a simple black bikini paired with a long black crochet coverup skirt and an oversized straw hat that provides genuine sun protection while doubling as the biggest style statement in the look. All-black at the beach is a choice, and it’s a good one.

All-black photographs incredibly well against Punta Cana’s bright blue water and white sand — the contrast is sharp and clean in a way that pops of color sometimes can’t match. It also won’t show sand or water stains, which is an underrated practical advantage of a dark color palette at the beach. The oversized straw hat in a natural color stops the look from feeling heavy or monolithic.

The sheer crochet of the coverup skirt keeps the look from feeling too hot in tropical heat — there’s air moving through the open weave, which matters a lot in humidity. Choose a crochet pattern with an open enough weave that it truly breathes; a very tight crochet behaves more like a solid fabric and loses that advantage entirely.

Houndstooth Strapless Top with Flowing White Maxi Skirt for Polished Resort Dressing

Ending on a genuinely high note: a black and brown houndstooth strapless top paired with a flowing white maxi skirt is one of the more unexpected and polished combinations you can put together for Punta Cana. The pattern mixing — classic structured houndstooth against breezy, unstructured white resort wear — creates a look that’s both vacation-appropriate and noticeably more refined than the standard sundress.

The strapless top needs to fit precisely for this look to work — you want it to stay put through an entire dinner or evening walk without constant adjusting, especially in ocean wind or on uneven surfaces. Look for a version with interior boning or a substantial elastic band, not just thin fabric. A good fit here is everything; a poor fit makes the whole look feel precarious.

The white maxi skirt provides a clean, flowing counterpoint to the graphic pattern of the top, and keeping the accessories simple — thin gold jewelry, a small clutch, classic sandals — lets the unexpected pattern choice remain the focal point. This is also one of the strongest dinner looks in this entire guide: polished enough for a nicer restaurant, relaxed enough in the white skirt that it doesn’t feel overdressed for a beachside terrace.

How to Actually Pack for a Week in Punta Cana Without Overpacking

The packing math for a week in Punta Cana is simpler than most people make it: five to seven daytime looks, three to four dinner outfits, three to four swimsuits, and two to three coverups. The trick is choosing pieces that genuinely cross over. A wrap skirt worn over a bikini for the beach works just as well with a tank top for lunch. Wide-leg pants that go with a halter top also go with a simple tee. Every piece should be able to pull at least double duty — otherwise it’s just dead weight in your suitcase.

Fabric choice is the most important packing decision you’ll make for a tropical destination. Cotton, linen, rayon, and lightweight silk are your friends — they breathe, they move, and most of them shake out wrinkles reasonably well. Heavy synthetics trap heat and retain odor in humidity, which is genuinely unpleasant by day three. The mesh knit dress and linen separates featured throughout this guide are perfect examples of how to stay polished without suffering. If you’re unsure, hold the fabric up to the light — if it’s dense and opaque, it’ll be hot. If it drapes loosely and lets light through, you’re probably fine.

Shoes are where people consistently overpack. You need three categories: comfortable walking sandals for daytime (leather or woven flats that won’t blister on cobblestones), strappy sandals or low wedges for evening, and flip-flops or water shoes for the actual beach and pool. That’s it — three pairs. Most of the looks in this guide work with simple strappy flat sandals that transition from day to night just by swapping a tote bag for a clutch, so you’re not actually changing shoes at all.

For wrinkle management, roll rather than fold wherever possible, pack heavier items at the bottom of the suitcase, and use packing cubes to compress without crushing. Pleated pieces, jersey fabrics, and anything with natural movement — like the tiered maxi or the linen kimono — are genuinely wrinkle-resistant and should be your go-to packing choices. The items that need the most protection are structured pieces like the houndstooth strapless top; pack those last, on top, wrapped loosely in tissue if you have it.

Pack With Intention and Punta Cana Will Dress Itself

The through line in all twenty of these looks is that none of them require much effort once you’re actually there — the work happens at home, when you choose pieces that are versatile, breathable, and visually interesting enough to stand on their own. A great wrap skirt, a couple of strong halter tops, one or two statement dresses, and the right coverup will take you from beach to dinner to beach club without you having to think too hard. Punta Cana’s backdrop does the rest: the turquoise water makes every color pop, the white sand makes white looks sing, and the golden evening light makes everything look better than it does anywhere else.

Start with what you’ll actually wear rather than what you think a Punta Cana vacation should look like. If you’re not a maximalist at home, the leopard-and-stripes co-ord probably isn’t going to feel like you just because you’re on a beach. Pick the looks that genuinely excite you from this guide, build around them, and leave room in your suitcase for at least one thing you find when you get there — because Punta Cana’s market stalls and resort boutiques will absolutely have something you didn’t know you needed.

FAQ

What should I wear to dinner at Punta Cana resorts?

Most Punta Cana resorts operate on a ‘resort casual’ dress code, which means sundresses, maxi dresses, linen pants with a dressy top, or a nice blouse with shorts are all appropriate. Avoid beachwear, baseball caps, athletic gear, and flip-flops for dinner. The striped strapless maxi, the houndstooth top with white skirt, or the sequined midi skirt look from this guide would all be excellent choices for resort dining.

What kind of shoes should I pack for Punta Cana?

You really only need three types of footwear: comfortable walking sandals for daytime, strappy sandals or low wedges for evening, and flip-flops or water shoes for the beach and pool. Most of the looks in this guide work with simple strappy flat sandals that can transition from day to night — which means you’re not carrying multiple pairs for every outfit.

How many outfits do I need for a week in Punta Cana?

Plan for five to seven daytime looks, three to four dinner outfits, three to four swimsuits, and two to three coverups. The key is choosing pieces that mix and match — neutral bottoms that work with multiple tops, and dresses versatile enough to be dressed up or down. Many pieces in this guide, especially the wrap skirts and wide-leg pants, work in multiple combinations.

Can I wear white to Punta Cana without it getting ruined?

Yes, but be strategic: save pristine white pieces for the resort and restaurants rather than adventurous day trips or beach excursions where sand and food are a real risk. Pack a stain-removing pen just in case, and remember that white linen actually hides fine sand better than you’d expect. White looks photograph spectacularly in Punta Cana’s light, so they’re worth bringing.

What fabrics work best for Punta Cana’s heat and humidity?

Cotton, linen, rayon, and lightweight silk all breathe well in tropical humidity and are your best options. Avoid heavy synthetics that trap heat and don’t wick moisture — they’ll feel genuinely uncomfortable by midday. The mesh knit dress and linen separates featured in this guide are perfect examples of fabrics that keep you cool while still looking polished.

Should I pack jeans for Punta Cana?

Honestly, probably not — the temperature rarely drops below 75°F even at night, and you’ll likely never reach for them at the resort. If your trip involves plane travel with strong air conditioning or you genuinely can’t function without denim, one pair of light-wash jeans is the maximum; wear them on the plane to save suitcase space.

How do I keep my clothes from wrinkling in my suitcase?

Roll rather than fold, pack heavier items at the bottom, and use packing cubes to compress without crushing. Pleated fabrics, jersey, and linen are naturally wrinkle-resistant and are the smartest choices for Punta Cana packing. Structured pieces like strapless tops should go on top of the suitcase, packed last, to avoid being compressed under everything else.

What colors photograph best in Punta Cana?

Bright, saturated colors — yellow, coral, turquoise, and bold prints — create striking contrast against the blue water and white sand. All-white looks are equally strong and give that classic tropical editorial feel. Notice that almost every look in this guide either commits to a bold color or a crisp white, because both extremes work beautifully in Punta Cana’s light; it’s the muddy middle tones that tend to disappear.

Are cover-ups actually necessary for Punta Cana, or can I just wear my swimsuit?

You’ll want at least one or two good cover-ups because most resort restaurants and beach clubs won’t seat you in swimwear alone, even at lunch. A kimono or wrap skirt over your bikini is enough to get you from the pool to a table — and the linen kimono and embroidered pink kimono in this guide are beautiful enough that you’ll genuinely want to wear them rather than just tolerating them as a requirement.