I get it, vacations are expensive. You’ve already spent so much on flights, your stay, and maybe even a few excursions… and now you have to figure out how to serve looks too? It can feel like a financial nightmare. But don’t stress, I’ve got you. I’ve mastered how to be a baddie on a budget, especially when it comes to vacation outfits. As someone who travels often and hates repeating fits, I’ve picked up all the best tips and tricks to keep your looks cute without overspending.
1. Cluster Lashes
As someone who used to spend money every four weeks on lash extensions, switching to cluster lashes is honestly one of the best decisions I’ve made. Especially for vacation, when you’re in and out of the water and mascara just isn’t reliable, having lashes already on makes such a difference. I don’t know about you, but I feel so bare without anything on my lashes. There’s something about waking up and already feeling put together that I love.
What makes it even better is the price. A full lash kit with an applicator, lashes, glue, and remover usually costs between $15 to $30, which is way more affordable compared to extensions that can easily be over $100. Plus, the kits last a long time. One $20 kit can last me about one and a half to two months, so it’s definitely worth it. I also love how easy they are to maintain. If one falls off, you can just replace it yourself, which is something you can’t really do with lash extensions.
I’ve linked the Instagram page to my favorite lashes that I have been using, which can easily be purchased on Amazon!
2. Press-On Nails
If I hadn’t been loyal to acrylics for the past seven years (which, I know, sounds a little crazy), I would 100% be a press-on nails girl. Getting my nails done is one of the few maintenance things I let myself splurge on, but it definitely adds up. A refill alone can run me anywhere from $60 to $100, especially since I usually go for more detailed designs.
That’s why I completely get the hype around press-ons lately. They’re quick, affordable, and reusable, which already makes them a win. But what’s even better is how far they’ve come. Some brands are creating designs that honestly look like something a nail tech would charge over $100 for.
I recently came across Lily’s Nail Art, which makes the most amazing press-ons. They are a little pricier than your typical press-on set, but the designs are so detailed and elevated that they genuinely look salon-quality. Another brand, The Only Nails, also has a ton of really cute options at a more affordable price point, usually around $30. I’ve even seen some of their sets at TJ Maxx for under $20, which makes them such a steal.
3. Thrift
If you’ve read my article about thrifting, then you already know how much I love it. And if you haven’t… consider this your sign (and yes, a little shameless promo). Thrifting for vacation is one of my favorite ways to shop because it lets you create unique outfits without spending a lot.
I love finding early 2000s pieces and styling them in a way that feels personal and different. You’re way less likely to show up wearing the same thing as everyone else, which makes your outfits stand out more. It’s also super budget-friendly, which is perfect when you’re already spending money on your trip.
You might not always find the exact piece you’re looking for, but if you go in with a vibe or inspiration, you can usually find something similar and make it your own.
Last summer I was obsessed with capris (and honestly, I still am), but one of my favorite thrift finds ended up being these gaucho pants with a sequin waistband. They give such an early 2000s vibe, and when I paired them with a bikini, the look was so cute. It’s pieces like that that make thrifting for vacation so worth it.
4. Depop
As I mentioned earlier, I hate repeating outfits. I’m the type of person to buy a vacation outfit, wear it once, and then list it on Depop so I can at least make some money back. And honestly, so many people are in the same mindset. You’ll find tons of pieces that have only been worn once, which means you can get really cute, almost new outfits for way cheaper than retail.
What I love about Depop compared to thrifting is how easy it is to find exactly what you’re looking for. Instead of searching through racks hoping something fits your vision, you can type in specific styles, colors, or even exact items you’ve seen online. It makes it so much easier to bring your outfit ideas to life without spending a ton.
Since the app is so popular with Gen Z, there are always trendy pieces from brands like Outcast, Tiger Mist, White Fox Boutique, and Princess Polly. A lot of the time, these items are either sold out online or still full price on the original site, so finding them on Depop for less feels like such a win.
I found this Jaded London dress on Depop that originally retailed for $295, and I was able to get it for a little over $100. Definitely not the cheapest dress ever, but getting it for almost $200 less made it so worth it. It’s deals like that that make shopping secondhand so worth it.
5. accessorize Heavy
One of the easiest ways to make a basic outfit look more elevated and put together is through accessories. Whether it’s jewelry, bags, or hair accessories, those small details can make it seem like you put a lot more time and money into your look than you actually did.
My favorite way to accessorize is with jewelry. Whether it’s chunky bangles, a long statement necklace, or a dainty stack, jewelry always pulls an outfit together and makes it feel more styled. On vacation, I especially love wearing belly chains. They look so cute with bikinis and instantly elevate even the simplest beach look.
The best part is you don’t have to spend a lot to find good pieces. Some of my favorite bags and necklaces have been thrifted or found at places like TJ Maxx.
One outfit I wore on vacation was actually really simple, just a bikini and a pair of jorts I thrifted (they were originally pants, but I cut them). But what made the outfit stand out were the accessories. I added a thrifted necklace, chunky bangles, two belly chains, and a headscarf I got from Shein, and it completely elevated the look.
The best part is that all the new pieces I added only cost me around $15 in total. It just goes to show that you don’t need to spend a lot to look put together, it’s all about how you style it.
At the end of the day, looking like a vacation baddie doesn’t have to come with a crazy price tag. It’s all about being smart with your money and intentional with your style. Whether you’re using cluster lashes instead of extensions, trying press-ons, thrifting unique pieces, shopping on Depop, or elevating simple outfits with accessories, there are so many ways to look put together without overspending.
For me, it’s about finding that balance between feeling confident, staying on trend, and not going broke in the process. You don’t need an entirely new wardrobe or expensive maintenance to look good on vacation. With a little creativity and the right tips, you can create outfits that feel just as good as they look.