I Asked Fashion People in Miami What Outfits to Pack for My Next Trip, and Their Advice Was Elite

Woman wearing a Miami outfit idea.

(Image credit: @_sierramayhew)

A trip to Miami is all about the outfits in your suitcase. When planning for a trip to a city like this, you know that the right outfit for a night out can make or break your experience. With the city's vibrant nightlife, stunning beaches, and diverse culture, I've been drawn to spend time in Miami a lot more in the past few years. I take my planning for these trips seriously because it's a city that demands a wardrobe that is both stylish and practical. If you're going to be dancing all night or sweating at the beach, you want to feel comfortable moving about but still on-trend.

To ensure that you have the insight needed to be impeccably dressed for every Miami occasion you encounter, I turned to some of the city's most fashionable insiders for their expert advice. Their recommendations highlight what the locals wear during a weekend in Miami, making you blend in seamlessly regardless of the oversize suitcase lying in your hotel room. Below, find all of the advice you need for your next trip to Miami.

Gergana Ivanova, Fashion Designer and Creator

Gergana Ivanova sitting on a patio.

(Image credit: @gerganavivanova)

"You want to be casual and comfortable yet still put-together. I recommend packing your favorite linen pants and a couple of beachy maxi dresses. For tops, bring your go-to white and black tanks, a fun crop top, and an oversize button-up blouse. Accessorize with a neutral belt, kitten heels, ballet flats, comfortable sandals (Jenni Kayne has some great options), oversize sunglasses, statement gold jewelry, and an everyday bag like The Row's 90's bag. Oh, and don't forget to bring a big beach hat. These pieces will ensure you have plenty of stylish and versatile outfit options to mix and match for any occasion."

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Isabela Rangel Grutman, Creative Director, Model, and Philanthropist

Isabela Rangel Grutman taking a selfie outside.

(Image credit: @isabelagrutman)

"For a visit to Miami, I'd suggest a cool yet chic outfit. I love to wear baggier pants like my Rangel Lia Pants paired with a fitted top that has either cutouts or an eye-catching pattern—perfect for a stylish and comfortable vibe in the vibrant city. You can easily transition this look from day to night by adding a pair of heels."

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Cristina Mantilla, Éliou Co-Founder

Cristina Mantilla on the beach.

(Image credit: @cristymantilla)

"I attribute my extreme love for jewelry to growing up in Miami, where we have a warm climate all year round. Since layering isn't really an option here and clothing is pretty minimal, the best form of self-expression comes by way of accessories. Right now, I'm loving Éliou's Vaquiero hat, which can serve as both a bucket hat and a cowboy hat. It's hand-crocheted, making it breezy, and has a wide brim, offering optimal shade for your face and neck.

"On the warmest days, I always gravitate toward long-sleeve button-downs for sun protection and/or anything crochet. Éliou's Verao and Festa skirts are both open knit, making them great for air circulation. I stay cool while still feeling really good about my outfit choice—a win-win.

"Swimsuits are an obvious essential when coming to Miami, and the only brand I wear these days is Montce. They are a Miami-based brand, which makes me feel even better about shopping local.

"Beach days start early and end late in Miami. For me, they're always followed by beach hair and afternoon drinks somewhere nearby, so I always pack Vacation's perfume in my beach bag. I spritz a bit post–ocean dips because it smells like summer and is really the only appropriate thing to wear when sporting salty hair and a bathing suit."

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Duda Teixeira, Éliou Co-Founder

Duda Teixeira on the beach.

(Image credit: @duda._______)

"Less is more… bearable. My usual rule is to avoid anything lined. Lately, I've been living in our Éliou Rafa Pants and Gabriel Top. We've created a few versions of these styles in different fabrics, and I've been interchanging them all summer long. Recently, I added some cowrie shells to a pair of denim shorts—a fun DIY project for those interested. These shorts have been in continuous rotation in my summer wardrobe, usually paired with loafers or moccasins. When it's too hot, Havaianas it is. As a fellow Brazilian, I must say you can never have too many. I'm close to having every color.

"My go-to accessory this summer has been a straw bag I picked up a couple of summers ago in Cadaqués. I've adorned it with a collection of Éliou necklaces, bag charms, and fun key chains I find throughout my travels. Inside, I always carry my Crown Affair oil. The humidity here is intense, so frizz control is a must for my hair."

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Dianna Cohen, Crown Affair Founder

Dianna Cohen wearing white cargo pants and black pointed-toe heels.

(Image credit: @diannacohen)

"The key to Miami dressing is finding lighter looks that can take you from day to night and have elegant, layerable elements. I love a caftan that can serve as a daytime dress, beach cover-up, or evening look with the right accessories. Something like this from Taller Marmo will always make you look and feel put-together but is so easy to wear in many different ways."

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Alicia Pettit, Digital Creator

Alicia Pettit taking a selfie in front of a tropical plant.

(Image credit: @aliciapettitt)

"Your hot Miami outfit is an open-back halter dress to show off your new glow from one afternoon lounging under the sun. To accessorize, I like the Oskan Hobo Soft Bag by Isabel Marant paired with Tom Ford Bronson Sunglasses."

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Associate Editor

Sierra Mayhew was always destined to work in fashion, but she didn't know it at first. Growing up with no choice but to wear a rotation of school uniforms and activewear, her love for fashion really blossomed when she moved away for college and was able to finally define her very own personal style. Shortly thereafter, she interned at Elle magazine and instantly knew that editorial was for her. After graduating from the University of Notre Dame, she worked for ShopBazaar, contributing regularly to Bazaar.com, and finally made her way to Who What Wear, where she is an associate editor. When she’s not working, you can catch her always trying to catch a flight, trying the latest fitness craze in New York City, or exploring luxury vintage boutiques.