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Headed for Winter Sun? 7 Outfit Formulas to Recreate in 2026

By Swedan Margen

Headed for Winter Sun? 7 Outfit Formulas to Recreate in 2026

This year, I decided to spend part of my winter in snowy Munich, and sadly, I thoroughly regretted it. As much as I love a good snow day, I was practically green with envy after spotting what seemed like most of my social-media feed in gloriously warm sun-soaked destinations. From St Barths to Barbados to Cape Town, the chicest people had swapped the Balearics for the Tropics, filling my grid with reams of enviable winter-sun outfit inspiration.

Fashion person Olivia Grace Herring wears a winter sun outfit. She wears a purple top and baby blue skirt in a recent image from her Instagram.

There’s nothing like seeing an array of floaty cotton dresses, vibrant colourways and kaleidoscopic patterns when you're in the depths of winter to make you dream of sun-soaked days in your favourite summer outfits. From on-trend Pucci capris perfect for balmy date nights on the coast to voluminous lace bloomers inspired by Chemena Kamali’s Chloé, I’ve seen countless styles on every scroll that have inspired me.

If you’re lucky enough to be seeing some sun this winter and are unsure where to start, don't fret. Having toiled on IG for hours (you're welcome), I’ve found and saved seven timeless winter-sun outfits that will fit any destination you might be jetting off to this January. Scroll to discover them.

7 Outfits to Re-Create in Winter Sun

1. Maxi Dress + Raffia Clutch

Fashion person Cass Dimicco wears a winter sun outfit. She wears a white maxi dress raffia clutch and thonged heels in a recent image taken from her Instagram.

Style Notes: Whilst you can’t go wrong with straightforward staples, on some days and for some occasions, dressing a little fancier is in order. Personally, I find the easiest way to look more put-together is a one-and-done sweeping maxi, which looks great with any summer-friendly accessories, like a raffia clutch and statement jewellery. Not only will you look like a walking masterpiece, but this outfit formula (as it's comprised of only three pieces) will allow you to make the most of the precious space in your suitcase.

Shop the Look:

Martina Cotton-Poplin Maxi Dress - Xs

Sir the Label

Martina Cotton

You'll pull out this maxi dress year after year.

Raffia-Effect Ruched Clutch Bag in Natural

Reiss

Raffia-Effect Ruched Clutch Bag

The removable chain shoulder strap is a nice touch.

Gold-Plated Bangle in Timless Design

THOMAS SABO

Gold-Plated Bangle

If you're looking for an elegant bangle that's built to last, look no further than this chic Thomas Sabo iteration.

Sparkle Bracelet Gold-Plated

Pilgrim

Sparkle Bracelet Gold-Plated

Pilgrim makes some of my favourite jewellery to date.

Eroz Drop Earrings - 24 Carat Gold-Gilded Edition

Polène

Eroz Drop Earrings

Polène's is best known for its bags, but the jewellery is some of the most luxurious around.

2. Lace Blouse + Lace Trousers

Fashion person Alessandra Garcia wears a winter sun outfit. She wears a lace top and lace trouser outfit.

Style Notes: Getting dressed for casual drinks can be pretty easy, but if you’re after a look which will transition from day to night with ease, why not try boho-coded bloomers with a broderie anglaise top? Intrinsically lightweight, with the right footwear, this luxurious lace-drenched look will take you from strolling the streets to aperitivo with ease.

Shop the Look:

Faryn - Vintage Cream

With a '70s-glam bohemia feel, this lace top is bang on trend this season.

Forever Young Bloomer Pants

Free People

Forever Young Bloomer Pants

These bloomers have been all over my feed since last summer.

Speedcat Satin Ballet Sneakers Women

PUMA

Speedcat Satin Ballet Sneakers

Haven't you heard? Everyone is swapping their trainers for stylish sneakerinas this year!

Outta Love Oval-Frame Polycarbonate Sunglasses

LE SPECS

Outta Love Oval-Frame Sunglasses

Year after year, Le Specs reigns supreme as a fashion person's favourite sunnies brand.

The Small Hudson | Black Small Grain | Demellier

DeMellier

The Small Hudson

As much as I love Alessandra Garcia's eclectic bag (pictured above), I'll be switching it out for a practical DeMellier Hudson instead.

3. Halter-Neck Top + Capri Leggings

Fashion person and model Elsa Hosk wears a winter sun outfit. She wears Pucci capri leggings a black halter neck top, black strappy heels and teal blue birkin.

Style Notes: Pucci outfits have become Gen Z’s latest luxury fixation ever since last year’s viral "Euro summer" trend. As such, the brand's kaleidoscopic patterns have become highly sought-after statement pieces for fashion enthusiasts. Styling this print with capri leggings (another huge trend from last year that’s carried over to 2026), Elsa Hosk channels the ‘90s by pairing hers with a halterneck and peep-toe heels. Divine.

Shop the Look:

Solara Top

You'll get so much wear from this simple black halterneck.

Pucci Vivara-Print Cotton Trousers | 44

Pucci

Vivara-Print Cotton Trousers

These would look so chic offset with a black blazer and ballet flats.

Arlesienne Sandals

A classic capsule-wardrobe shoe.

YSSO, Hercules gold-plated cord necklace

YSSO

Hercules Gold-Plated Cord Necklace

Cord necklaces will be back in a big way this summer.

Women's Le City Bag Small in Bleu Cyan

Balenciaga

Le City Bag Small

Whilst my budget hasn't stretched to Elsa Hosk's Birkin just yet, I'll be infusing some dopamine into my look with this on-trend Balenciaga Le City instead.

4. Swimwear + Cover-Up

Fashion person Tobi Ojora wear a winter sun outfit. She wears a white bikini and tropical print sarong. This image was taken from her Instagram recently.

Style Notes:Swimwear on a sunny vacay is about as essential as your plane ticket and accommodation (and SPF); however, I often find a sarong is the harder-working staple. Whether tied as a halter top, slung around the waist as a skirt or looped as a headscarf, it's a piece you'll pull out again and again on a tropical vacay. Whilst a matching three-piece will always look chic, if you keep your bikini neutral, vibrant hues and bold patterns will feel innately more fun.

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