Ah, Aruba. Just saying the name conjures up visions of sun-drenched beaches, flamingo-dotted shores, and steel drum rhythms floating on salty trade winds. But before you strut off your cruise ship and onto the âOne Happy Island,â letâs talk wardrobe. As a travel writer whoâs logged more nautical miles than a migrating whale (and packed enough poorly chosen outfits to know better), Iâm here to save you from polyester regrets and sandal snafus.
These outfit ideas aren’t just about looking cute for your Instagram storiesâthey’re practical, breathable, stylish, and ready for whatever Aruba throws your way. And yes, Arubaâs weather is a trickster. It’s sunny 99% of the time, but that 1%? Oh, it’ll find you… mid-hike, halfway up Arikok National Park.
1. The Power of the Breezy Maxi Dress
This is your go-to for everything from shopping in Oranjestad to sipping locally distilled rum at the Balashi Brewery. Light, flowy, and dramatic in the right gust of wind, a maxi dress says, âI vacation like itâs my job.â Bonus: It doubles as a swimsuit cover-up.
- Pick one in a bright tropical print to match Aruba’s scenery.
- Breathable fabrics like rayon or cotton are your BFFsâpolyester is the enemy.
- Pair with low wedge sandals for cobblestone-friendly elegance.
2. Island-Hopping Romper
For active daysâsnorkeling, visiting De Palm Island, or unexpected iguana sightingsâa romper is peak practicality. It wonât fly up in the wind (we see you, trade winds), and it allows hands-free frolicking.
- Choose quick-dry materials if youâll be near water.
- Add colorful beaded earrings for instant flair.
3. Linen Shirt + Shorts Combo
Channel your inner Hemingwayâadventurous, composed, occasionally sandy. A button-up linen shirt screams âI packed sensibly and I look cool doing it.â
- Neutral-toned linen pieces photograph beautifully against the turquoise water.
- Roll up sleeves for that âIâm casually conquering this vacationâ vibe.
4. The No-Thoughts-Just-Vibes Swimsuit
Whatever your body type, confidence is your best accessory. That said, choose a suit that stays secure when that catamaran hits a wave or you get a little too enthusiastic with floaty flamingos.
- Opt for UPF-rated fabrics for sun protection.
- Throw a sarong in your beach bagâitâs lighter than a towel and infinitely more stylish.
5. Evening Chic: Ocean Breeze Dinner Look
Sure, cruise ship dress codes have relaxed, but Aruba is the perfect excuse to wear that flirty sun-dress-meets-cocktail-attire outfit. Dining under the stars at Barefoot Restaurant? Youâll want something special.
- A flowy midi with gold accents looks incredible against golden hour.
- Metallic flat sandals keep you chic and blister-free.
6. Fit & Fab: Activewear that Breathes
Save the heavy black leggings for your hometown gym. Aruba hikes and cycling tours deserve lightweight, colorful activewear. Bonus? It transitions nicely into post-tour smoothies.
- Opt for moisture-wicking materials with built-in UV protection.
- Stylish athletic skirts are underrated and way breezier for the tropics.
7. Comfy-Chic Cruise Casual
Some days are made for lounging on the ship with a fruity drink and a suspiciously competitive trivia tournament. Stay cruise-ready and comfortable with this timeless combo:
- Loose knit tank + soft drawstring pants.
- Slide-on sandals you can kick off at a momentâs notice.
8. Sun-Smart Explorer Gear
Exploring the California Dunes or hunting for Arubaâs mysterious natural bridges is no place for spaghetti straps and flip-flops. Bring one utility-chic outfit into your lineup.
- Think bucket hat, UV shirt, and sturdy sandals with grip.
- Add polarized sunglasses and bug spray (yes, mosquitoes love paradise too).
9. Under-the-Radar Sunset Outfit
When in Aruba, chase sunsets like itâs your full-time job. Watching it from Eagle Beach while sipping a rum punch? That moment deserves an outfit.
- Soft pastel blouse tied at the waist + white cropped jeans = instant glow-up.
- Pop on a bold statement necklace and youâre goldenâliterally.
10. Cruise Ship Pool Daywear
On sea days en route to Aruba (because suspense is half the fun), the lido deck beckons. But you donât want to be that person who forgot how slippery wet decks can be.
- Choose a 2-piece swimsuit with secure straps.
- Sheer kimono cover-ups are breezy and add drama to ice cream runs.
Bonus Tips from a Salty-Sea-Dog
- Bring One ‘Wild Card’ Accessory: A floppy straw hat, layered bangles, or that oversized shell necklace you bought in St. Thomas and never wore. Aruba is forgiving like thatâit loves fashion risk-takers.
- Pack for Wet Sand: Wet sand is clingy. A small handheld brush in your beach bag is life-changing, especially before you head back to your cabin.
- Plan a Laundry Day: Some cruise ships have laundromats. If youâre packing light (which you should), plan to do a quick wash mid-sailing. Bonus: It frees up luggage space for local finds like handmade aloe products.
What to Watch Out for: Outfit Challenges
Not everythingâs a walk in the sun-drenched park. Hereâs the inside scoop:
- Aruba Wind: Itâs constant, fierce, and the only thing between you and walking straight into a sunburn. Pack clothing that wonât go full-Marylin at the wrong moment.
- Overpacking Is Real: Arubaâs vibe is laid-back. That third cocktail dress? Crushing your cabin drawer space.
Final Thoughts: Dress for Aruba, Live for the Moment
Hereâs the thing about Aruba: it invites you to be a little bolder, a little freer, and a whole lot more sunkissed. The right outfit doesnât just look goodâit frees you up to dance barefoot at a beach bar, hike into cactus-studded cliffs, or sip coconut water with cruise friends youâll talk about for years. So pack wisely, dress joyfully, and maybe tuck an emergency pair of flip-flops in your toteâjust in case the adventure stretches longer than expected. Happy cruising, my stylish globetrotter.