What To Wear In Costa Rica This Summer The Ultimate Costa Rica Outfit Guide
Costa Rica is a one-of-a-kind destination. From lush rainforests to beautiful black sand beaches, this is a destination for travelers and vacationers. You know what I mean, right?! We did a little bit of both this trip spending half of our eight-day itinerary relaxing poolside and the other half adventuring amidst the jungle.
Regardless of when you’re visiting, it’s important to note that Costa Rica is a subtropical climate which means temperatures are hot, humid, and rainy all year round. For reference, I visited in August (the rainiest month of the year) and stayed in the literal rainforest so we had showers and fog for a few hours every. single. day. That didn’t stop us from having the time of our lives… just meant dressing a little more casually than I expected and rotating lots of swimsuits!
Grab a rain jacket, pack light, and get ready for an epic trip. As promised today I’m recapping all fourteen outfits I wore during my trip along with links to shop so you can recreate my vacation outfits. Pura Vida!
In The Jungle
Costa Rica is a tropical paradise. I brought tons of bathing suits as we had lots of pool/beach days on the agenda. This one from Dippin Daisys matched the jungle scenery of our hotel perfectly. I wore this $10 maxi skirt as a coverup almost every day. The cutest light layer!
bikini top | bikini bottom | skirt | shoes | purse | clip | sunglasses
photo location ✈ Hotel Punta Islita
Meet Me At The Market
Costa Rica is a super casual, laid-back destination so you can swap your sundress for an easy two-piece set. I love wearing these when going from one event to the next— looking like a cute tourist at the market but easily can keep a bathing suit underneath for an afternoon beach day!
Costa Rica has a subtropical climate which means lots of humidity and even more rain. Because of this, I packed all kinds of hair accessories to keep my mane tame!
set | scarf | purse | clip | sunglasses | shoes
photo location ✈ Uvita Street Market
Hiking Attire
Be sure to pack a workout set (or three) for your time in Costa Rica! We spent a lot of time in the jungle doing outdoorsy things. This two-piece set is one of my favorites. I love wearing all the bright things to keep from blending in!
Pro tip: Pack a pair of sneakers that can get dirty. It gets really muddy in the rainforest!
sports bra | shorts | sneakers | fanny pack
photo location ✈ Uvita Waterfall
Somewhere On A Beach
Kulani Kinis has some of my all-time favorite bathing suits. Their kinis are double-lined and made in Australia so the quality is top-notch. I love the dainty floral print of this one. Of course, I’ve got all the fun accessories to spice things up. Love grabbing these $3 sunglasses for a pop of color!
bikini top | bikini bottom | scarf | skirt | sunglasses
photo location ✈ Playa Punta Islita
In The Tropics
Cute, tropical two-piece sets are perfect for dinner at your resort. Use code 20KENZIE for 20% off your Princess Polly purchase! I brought heels on this trip but ditched them most days for my flip-flops. Comfier and much more appropriate for the rocky, hilly terrain. These are Archies (aka the best rubber flip flops—they even have arch support!).
photo location ✈Ranco Pacifico
Surfs Up
You’ve got to try and take a surfing class while you’re in Costa Rica! I’d been saving this neoprene one piece specifically for the occasion. The zipper works so you can look oh-so sexy on shore, and have all the support when riding the waves in the ocean. Use code MCK15 for 15% off your Dippin Daisys purchase!
bathing suit | clip | necklace
photo location ✈ Uvita National Park Beach
Let’s Ride
If you’re planning on going zip lining and/or ATVing I suggest wearing a workout romper or shorts that have built-in underwear. They are bound to ride up during the excursion and we don’t need any undies on display.
This is the Free People Runsie. I have it in a couple of colors and it’s the cutest for outdoor activities like this one! I also had a couple of biker shorts sets with me that I wore for yoga classes and such!
romper | sneakers | fanny pack
photo location ✈ Hotel Punta Islita
Little White Set
If I had to pack again for this trip, I’d bring more casual sets like this one and fewer dresses. I ended up reaching for this one more than once because it was the perfect outfit for multiple different occasions. I’ve brought this to several destinations and it never fails me. Super cute and easy to throw on with a few beachy accessories.
This purse deserves an honorable mention since I used it so much. Big enough to fit a camera and a bikini (just in case!). It zips and was handmade in Peru. This local family sells online now too— YAY! Always scores me tons of compliments.
top | shorts | shoes | hat | purse
photo location ✈ Hotel Punta Islita
Costa Rican Style
Now was the perfect time to pull out all of my green bikinis. This one matched the rainforest scenery effortlessly. I never go anywhere without a straw hat (or two!). Sunshine Tienda has the best ones in the game.
bikini top | bikini bottom | hat
photo location ✈ Hotel Punta Islita
Pink Lady
One of the few evenings it wasn’t raining we got dolled up in dresses and heels for dinner and drinks. Can’t go wrong with a knit maxi. Love the tassels on this one. I never go anywhere without these raffia wedges— have had them for years and still reach for them on the daily!
photo location ✈ Vista Celestial
Poolside
Another Kulani Kini— this one is a favorite of mine! The underwire is both flattering and supportive.
bikini top | bikini bottoms | clip
photo location ✈Vista Celestial
The Vacay Dress
I’m a firm believer that you can’t go on vacation without packing at least one white dress. You never know when you’ll be refreshing those family photos or celebrating something special. My favorite vacation dresses come from Fortunate One! You can use my code MCKENZIE for 10% off your purchase.
photo location ✈ Hotel Punta Islita
Something Blue
Now do you believe me when I said pack all the bikinis? Wore this adorable blue Triangl bikini for another afternoon at the pool. Their suits run super tiny; I suggest sizing up in both the top and bottoms!
bikini top | bikini bottoms | hat | purse
photo location ✈ Ranco Pacifico
Feeling Fruity
Nothing is easier than a two-piece set! I’d been saving this one for my trip to Costa Rica— the fruity, tropical print seemed incredibly on-brand for the occasion. The perfect outfit for walking around town, exploring all of the street markets + grabbing a smoothie. Raffia accessories complement this outfit so effortlessly.
top | skirt | sandals | purse | hat
photo location ✈ Jaco Beach
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Regardless of how you spend your time in Thailand, you’re sure to have a blast. This was truly one of my favorite trips I’ve ever been on. From the culture to the food to the beautiful blue waters I loved every second of it. An unforgettable first trip to Asia + I know I’ll be back for more soon!
Until then browse more vacation looks by destination here.
