A Guide to a Chic Vacation Wardrobe, As Seen on Kelsey Merritt

Kelsey Merritt has long mastered the art of an elegant wardrobe. Throughout her summer travels, the Filipino-American model has consistently proven that pared-back dressing can still feel elevated.

The formula behind a Kelsey Merritt-esque warm-weather wardrobe is surprisingly straightforward: invest in quality essentials, then punctuate them with a few playful accents.

Need a visual reference? Take a closer look at Kelsey’s summer outfit rotation below.

For a day by the shore, Kelsey reaches for a flowing sheer maxi dress layered over a black bikini for an effortlessly coordinated look. A wide-brimmed black bucket hat, strappy sandals, and a roomy raffia tote complete the ensemble, adding texture and contrast to the monochromatic palette.

Switch up the usual sarong cover-up with a playful mini skirt, much like this ruched, low-slung Christopher Esber piece. It's an easy way to elevate your pre-swim outfit without overcomplicating it.

Another resort-ready piece in her repertoire is a sheer brown pleated chiffon maxi dress complete with long, dramatic sleeves that move beautifully with the breeze. Equal parts relaxed and refined, it's the kind of silhouette that transitions seamlessly from daytime lounging to an evening out.

When it comes to clothing, Kelsey gravitates toward uncomplicated pieces that complement her frame. That doesn't mean, however, that she shies away from incorporating playful accessories into the mix.

In this look, she carries an oversized raffia shoulder bag with a distinctly rounded silhouette. Its sculptural shape adds character to an otherwise understated ensemble while maintaining the look's relaxed feel.

At first glance, the outfit appears fairly straightforward, but Kelsey delivers a masterclass in lightweight summer layering.

At its base is a simple black bikini, allowing the dress's translucent fabric to create a contemporary beach-to-dinner look. The hero piece is a floor-length black silk chiffon gown with long sleeves and delicate white polka dots. A wide, textured white waist sash cinches the silhouette, breaking up the continuous print and creating an hourglass effect.

As for accessories, she opts for oval-framed sunglasses and minimal jewelry, allowing the interplay between the sheer black fabric and the crisp white sash to remain the focal point.