Sharm El Sheikh asks you to dress for two settings at once. Inside the resort and on its private beach, swimwear and shorts are completely normal. Step out to the Old Market or a mosque, and covered shoulders and knees are the respectful choice in a Muslim country. Add strong desert sun and warm sea air, and the packing list gets more specific than most beach trips. I plan these trips around loose linen and cotton, a few pieces that cover up quickly, and a well-rounded vacation wardrobe that moves from pool to reef to dinner. Here are 40 outfits, with notes on where each one belongs.
Resort Grounds, Old Market and Mosque Need Different Clothes
Most packing mistakes for Sharm come from treating the whole trip as one beach. I sort every outfit into one of three settings before it goes in the case.
- Resort and private beach: swimwear, shorts, crop tops and sheer cover-ups are all normal. Most hotel restaurants expect cover-ups over swimwear, and some ask for long trousers for men at dinner.
- Old Market, Naama Bay streets and day trips: cover shoulders and aim for knee length or longer. Loose trousers, midi skirts and linen shirts are cool and respectful.
- Mosques and religious sites: long sleeves or a wrap, ankle-length bottoms and a scarf to cover your hair. Shoes come off at the entrance.
The weather shifts more than people expect too. Summer days run very hot, often well above 95°F, while winter afternoons are mild and evenings can feel cool, especially out on the water or in the desert. A light layer earns its place from November to March.
1. White Linen Shirt And Wide-Leg Pants Outfit
A crisp white linen shirt with loose wide-leg trousers is the outfit I'd build a Red Sea suitcase around. Long sleeves shade your arms, and the loose cut lets air move when the temperature passes 90°F. A small front tuck shows the waist without trapping heat. Flat leather sandals you can walk in all day, a straw tote and big sunglasses finish it. Because it covers shoulders and legs, it works for the resort breakfast and the Old Market without a change. White linen can be see-through in hard sun, so wear skin-tone underwear.
2. Floral Maxi Dress And Flat Sandals Outfit
A floral maxi dress is one of the hardest-working pieces for this trip. The ankle-length hem covers your legs for town, and light fabric lifts in the sea breeze. Puff or short sleeves keep the shoulders covered and cool at once. Flat strappy sandals in tan or metallic anchor it. I keep a light scarf in the bag for neckline cover or a sudden mosque visit. It goes from a morning in Naama Bay to a sunset walk along the promenade, and the print carries it, so keep jewelry minimal.
3. Black Satin Jumpsuit And Heeled Sandals Outfit
Evenings call for something more polished, and a black satin jumpsuit gets there in one piece. The wide leg keeps air moving, which matters because Sharm nights stay warm for much of the year. Satin catches low light well but shows sweat, so I'd choose a matte-back satin or crepe for an outdoor terrace. Low block-heel strappy sandals handle stone paths. A couple of fine gold necklaces, medium hoops and a slim neutral clutch warm up the black. Right for a fine-dining reservation or drinks with live music.
4. Cotton Kaftan Cover-Up Over Swimsuit Outfit
The walk from sun lounger to beach bar deserves a proper layer, and a cotton kaftan cover-up is the answer. Choose white or a soft pastel with a little embroidery or eyelet. Your bikini or one-piece handles the water; the kaftan gives coverage and shade on land. Rubber flip-flops or waterproof slides, a big beach tote and a wide-brim hat finish it. Cotton dries slowly, so I keep it on a hook in shade while swimming rather than wet on a lounger. Ready for a fresh juice at the pool bar or a casual seaside lunch.
5. Beige Linen Shorts And Button-Up Shirt Outfit
Beige linen shorts with a relaxed white button-up look like a travel shoot and feel cool in practice. Pale colors reflect heat rather than soaking it up. Roll the sleeves once or twice and leave the neck open. Tan slides and a slim leather crossbody keep it functional for the resort gardens or local shops, with tortoiseshell sunglasses against the glare. Keep this one inside resort areas; in town, linen trousers in the same color give the same look with knees covered.
6. Matching Striped Co-Ord Set With Slides Outfit
A matching striped set does the thinking for you on a hot morning. Choose cotton or a linen blend with a subtle stripe, a relaxed button-front top and wide or straight trousers. Comfortable flat slides, a canvas tote and minimal gold-toned jewelry finish it. This covers almost any daytime plan, from the resort breakfast to an afternoon boat trip along the coast. On a boat I'd swap slides for sandals with a back strap; wet decks and slides don't get along.
7. Off-Shoulder Midi Dress And Wedge Sandals Outfit
An off-shoulder midi sits between playful and modest. The neckline shows a hint of skin and the mid-calf hem keeps the rest calm, so it's right for resort dining. Look for firm elastic at the neck so it stays put when you lift your arms. Cork or espadrille wedges add height without sinking into sandy paths. A small woven crossbody and a fine gold anklet add a light touch. Good for an early dinner on the terrace or a warm evening walk inside the resort.
8. Crochet Top And Palazzo Pants Beach Outfit
A cropped crochet top over a plain bandeau or bikini top gives coverage with some texture, and wide palazzo pants keep the line long and cool. Cream or soft terracotta suit the landscape. Flat sandals with a small gold detail and wooden beads or stacked bracelets tie the earthy feel together. Crochet snags on wicker loungers and stretches when wet, so I keep it for dry evenings. Ideal for a sunset photoshoot on the beach or an open-air dinner.
9. All-White Linen Resort Set Outfit
White sets look fresh against tanned skin and turquoise water, and they reflect the strong sun. A camp-collar shirt or simple linen tee with high-waisted linen shorts at mid-thigh is the version I'd pack. A straw fedora, a leather-trim woven belt, flat tan sandals and a rattan bag finish it. White linen shows sunscreen marks at the collar, so let lotion soak in before you dress. Crisp from the breakfast buffet through an afternoon around the resort.
10. Embellished Top And Black Trousers Evening Outfit
For a dressier night without heavy formalwear, a light embellished top with flowy black trousers works well. Beads, sequins or metallic thread catch candlelight at outdoor tables. Wide-leg or palazzo trousers in soft crepe or chiffon move as you walk and keep the look relaxed. Metallic heeled sandals and a small clutch finish it; keep jewelry minimal so the top leads. Check the inside of an embellished top before buying, because rough backing scratches in warm weather. A warm-night outfit that still feels dressed up.
11. Denim Shorts And Flowy Printed Blouse Outfit
Denim shorts are fine for daytime inside the resort areas. I'd pair them with a loose printed blouse, perhaps with a small ruffle at the sleeve, so the soft fabric balances the denim. Flat leather sandals or white sneakers both work, depending on the plan. A canvas crossbody carries the essentials between pool, beach and shops. Denim is heavy in this heat, so pick a light, soft-washed pair with a relaxed leg. For the Old Market, swap them for a midi skirt.
12. Halter Neck Maxi Dress For Resort Evening Outfit
A halter-neck maxi is a quietly strong choice for resort evenings. The halter draws the eye up to the shoulders, and the long skirt gives graceful coverage. Navy, emerald or terracotta glow at sunset. Flat or low metallic sandals add polish without hurting, and gold drops with a slim bracelet are enough. Halters leave the shoulders bare, so carry a light wrap if dinner is outside the resort. Good for a seafood dinner or a cocktail lounge over the water.
13. Lightweight Knit Top And Tailored Shorts Outfit
Fine-knit tops are underrated for hot trips. A fine-gauge tank or short-sleeve knit in cream or oatmeal looks more refined than a tee and breathes well if it's cotton or linen yarn. Pair it with tailored shorts in khaki, sand or olive. Leather slides and a structured tote complete it. Avoid acrylic knits here; they trap heat and feel sticky within an hour. Smart enough for a resort lunch or meeting a tour guide, still cool in the daytime heat.
14. Tiered Cotton Sundress And Straw Hat Outfit
A tiered cotton sundress is pure holiday. Each tier catches the breeze and keeps the dress away from your body. White or pastel reflects the sun, and a natural straw hat gives real shade to face and shoulders. Flat espadrilles or leather slides, a woven tote and round sunglasses are all it needs. Choose a sundress with wide straps so you can wear a normal bra and avoid strap burn lines. Perfect for a morning beach walk or a relaxed breakfast.
15. Linen Blazer And Shorts Co-Ord Set Outfit
A linen blazer and shorts set is the sharper take on resort dressing. Wear the relaxed blazer open over a cotton camisole or tank so it adds structure without heat, with the matching shorts. Flat mules or low sandals keep it comfortable, and a slim belt and a leather watch add polish. Unlined linen is the key; a lined blazer is far too warm here. The pieces also split into other outfits, so the blazer goes over a dress one night and the shorts over a swimsuit the next day.
16. Ruffled Cami And Wide-Leg Culottes Outfit
A ruffled cami makes a plain outfit feel special, and wide-leg culottes keep it practical. The culottes should be cotton or Tencel and end just above the ankle, which keeps them airy while still giving coverage. Flat strappy sandals and a small crossbody finish it. Ruffles along thin straps can dig into sunburned shoulders, so I'd choose wider straps for a beach trip. Good for a day excursion or lunch at an open-air café.
17. Batik Print Two-Piece Skirt Set Outfit
A batik or tie-dye two-piece gives the wardrobe a handmade, artistic note. Look for a matching crop top and maxi skirt in breathable cotton, with earthy tones and a few bright accents. The long skirt covers the legs while the crop keeps it youthful. Flat sandals and layered beaded necklaces add to the handmade feel. Batik-style dyes can bleed in the first wash, so wash it alone in cold water. Wear it to local shops, a late-afternoon market or dinner under the stars.
18. Silk Scarf Top And High-Waist Trousers Outfit
One large silk square can become a halter top. Fold it into a triangle and tie it at the back for an evening top, then balance the fluid silk with high-waist tailored trousers in black, cream or sand. Heeled sandals and fine gold jewelry keep it refined. It saves suitcase space and looks unexpected at a resort dinner. Check two things in the mirror before you go: that the silk isn't see-through and that the knot is secure enough to dance in. Keep this one for inside the resort.
19. Neutral Linen Jumpsuit With Gold Jewelry Outfit
A sand or soft khaki linen jumpsuit is a single step in the morning. Look for a defined waist with a tie or elastic so it has shape without squeezing. Gold jewelry warms up the neutral linen, perhaps a chunky chain or stacked bangles. Flat sandals or low wedges work by occasion. Choose one with sleeves or carry a wrap for town, and remember a one-piece takes longer at the restroom, which matters on excursions. Good for sightseeing or a sunset on a waterfront terrace.
20. Bikini And Sheer Sarong Beach Cover-Up Outfit
A bikini with a sheer sarong is the simplest beach formula. Choose a bikini in a solid color or bold print, then tie a sheer printed sarong at the hip so one side drapes. The sarong gives the upper legs some sun protection on the walk to and from the water. Rubber flip-flops or waterproof sliders handle sand and wet tiles, with big sunglasses and a wide straw hat. A sheer sarong won't count as coverage away from the beach, so keep it to sand and pool.
21. Coral Maxi Dress And Beaded Sandals Outfit
Bright coral glows under the Egyptian sun. A coral maxi with a modest neckline and short sleeves or fine straps is joyful and cool. Beaded flat sandals add handmade detail that grounds the bold color. Simple gold hoops and a neutral woven clutch are enough. Coral flatters warm and deep skin tones particularly well; if you're very fair, a softer salmon is kinder near the face. Wear it for a sunset dinner or a special night at the resort.
22. Striped Linen Shirt And White Denim Shorts Outfit
A blue-and-white striped linen shirt earns its place in any warm-weather suitcase. Vertical stripes lengthen the torso, and linen keeps it cool. Roll the sleeves just below the elbow and tuck only the front into white denim or cotton-blend shorts. Flat tan sandals and a woven leather belt finish the nautical feel. White shorts show every bench and boat seat, so I'd pick cotton twill over stretch denim; it's cooler and washes cleaner. Good for daytime exploring or lunch at the marina.
23. Embroidered Blouse And Maxi Skirt Outfit
An embroidered blouse brings folk-art charm to a resort outfit. Choose light cotton with colored embroidery at the neck and sleeves, then a solid maxi skirt in cream, black or soft brown to calm the detail. Flat leather sandals with minimal hardware keep the focus on the blouse, with a simple pendant and a few slim bracelets. With elbow-length sleeves, this is one of the best Old Market outfits on the list: covered, cool and easy to move in.
24. One-Piece Swimsuit And Printed Pareo Outfit
A sleek one-piece swimsuit doubles as a bodysuit for a beach-to-café look. Choose one with an interesting back and a solid color that suits your skin tone. Tie a printed pareo at your side as a skirt when you leave the pool. Waterproof sandals and a straw beach bag finish it. Chlorine and salt fade bright swimsuits quickly, so rinse yours in fresh water after every swim. Easy for long, lazy days by the water.
25. Pastel Co-Ord Crop Top And Trousers Outfit
Pastels such as lavender, mint, or pale peach look fresh against sea and sky. A matching crop top and wide-leg trouser set in one pastel is playful and still covers most of you. The crop leaves only a narrow band of midriff, which is fine in the resort but worth covering with an open shirt in town. Flat white sneakers and a simple crossbody keep it practical. Good for travel days, sightseeing or breakfast before the pool.
26. Crochet Maxi Dress And Flat Leather Sandals Outfit
A full-length crochet maxi feels at home at a beach resort. The open stitch lets air through, and the length gives coverage and a long line. Wear it over a simple slip dress, or a camisole and half-slip. Tan or cognac flat sandals keep it grounded, with layered necklaces and stacked rings. A heavy crochet maxi stretches if you hang it, so fold it in a drawer. Ideal for a beachside dinner, a sunset photoshoot or any warm evening when you want to look dressed without losing comfort.
27. Earth Tone Wide-Leg Pants And Ribbed Tank Outfit
Earth tones such as terracotta, olive and sand look natural where the desert meets the sea. Wide-leg trousers in a warm shade with a fitted ribbed tank in a matching neutral make a simple, clean outfit. Slides in a matching tone, a leather tote and a couple of gold-toned pieces finish it. Add a light overshirt and this becomes a town outfit too. It fits right in at a quiet poolside lunch or a walk through the resort gardens.
28. Monochrome Beige Linen Dress And Slides Outfit
A beige monochrome dress has a calm, expensive look. Choose a relaxed linen dress in sand or oatmeal with minimal detail, so the texture of the linen shows. Matching beige slides continue the color, and a structured straw bag with dark sunglasses adds contrast so the outfit doesn't look washed out. Pale beige can drain fair skin in midday light, so a little color at the lips or ears helps. Good for a resort breakfast or a spa day.
29. Leopard Print Kaftan And Strappy Sandals Outfit
A leopard print kaftan is a bold choice that still works as resort wear. The loose shape keeps the print from looking severe, and the long sleeves and calf-length hem give real coverage. Wear it as a dress over a slip or as a swimsuit cover-up. Black or tan flat strappy sandals, a gold chain and hoops finish it. Thanks to that coverage, it's one of the few statement pieces here that suits town as well as the lounge. Great for evening drinks or a dinner where you want to stand out.
30. Ruffled Maxi Dress And Statement Earrings Outfit
A maxi with cascading ruffles has movement that suits a seaside evening. The ruffles catch the breeze as you walk. Choose a bright solid or a subtle print. Statement earrings, big discs, beaded drops or gold chandeliers, draw the eye upward. Flat sandals keep it easy, with a slim clutch and a bright lip. Layered ruffles add bulk at the hips, so if that bothers you, look for ruffles only at the hem. Good for a birthday dinner, an anniversary or a night you want to dress up.
31. Cotton T-Shirt Dress And Woven Belt Outfit
A cotton T-shirt dress is the easiest piece to throw on. Pick a midi or just-above-knee length with enough coverage and breathing room. A woven leather belt at the waist gives it shape in seconds. White sneakers or flat sandals keep it walkable, with a soft neutral crossbody and a cap or straw fedora. Heavier cotton jersey hangs better and shows less sweat than thin jersey. Good for travel days, a quick breakfast or an afternoon of casual wandering.
32. White Eyelet Dress And Espadrilles Outfit
A white eyelet dress feels like a holiday the moment you put it on. The cut-work shows small glimpses of skin while the dress stays modest. Choose a midi with short puff sleeves or fine straps, then espadrilles, flat or with a slight wedge, for texture. A rattan bag and pearl studs keep it fresh. Eyelet needs a slip or lining if the holes sit over the bust or hips. Lovely for a daytime event, a bridal shower or lunch on an outdoor terrace.
33. Wrap Midi Dress And Block Heel Sandals Outfit
A wrap dress adjusts to your body, which is why it suits so many shapes. The V-neck and tie waist give shape, and the midi skirt is modest enough for resort dinners. Choose a jewel tone or a small print in breathable jersey or light crepe. Block-heel sandals give stability on stone paths and some height. Simple gold studs and a fine bracelet keep it refined. Test the wrap in wind, as some open at the thigh; a safety pin or small snap inside fixes it. It carries an afternoon of sights into dinner without a change.
34. Neutral Knit Lounge Set For Travel Outfit
Getting to Sharm usually means a flight, and a knit lounge set makes it comfortable. Choose oatmeal, taupe or light grey, a relaxed top with wide-leg pants or joggers, so it reads as an outfit rather than pajamas. White sneakers handle airport walks, an oversized tote holds in-flight essentials, and a light cardigan covers the cold cabin. Pack your swimsuit in the tote so you can head to the pool before your room is ready. It takes you from the gate to check-in looking fresh.
35. Striped Kimono And Bikini Cover-Up Outfit
A light striped kimono is a quick cover-up that makes any bikini look finished. The open front shows the swimsuit while the long fabric covers shoulders and arms from the sun. Choose cotton or a cotton blend with a subtle stripe or block print. Flip-flops, a wide-brim hat, big sunglasses and a canvas beach tote complete it. A kimono that falls to mid-thigh or below gives the most useful coverage. Wear it to the beach bar or a light lunch without any extra pieces.
36. Button-Front Shirt Dress And Slide Sandals Outfit
A button-front shirt dress works in almost every setting. The collar and placket give a tailored feel, and short sleeves in cotton or linen keep it cool. A solid neutral or a fine stripe mixes with the most pieces. Matching flat slides keep it streamlined, and a slim belt and a crossbody add shape and security. Check the button gaps across the bust in a mirror; a small safety pin between buttons stops them gaping. Good for sightseeing, lunch or a relaxed meeting at the resort.
37. High-Waist Linen Trousers And Bodysuit Outfit
High-waist linen trousers in a neutral shade are the hero of the packing list. The high rise lengthens the leg, and the linen breathes. A sleeveless bodysuit underneath stays smooth and never untucks. Flat mules or leather sandals, a structured handbag and slim sunglasses give it a city edge. Bodysuits are hot under strong sun and awkward at restrooms, so I'd choose one in cotton with a snap closure. Right for lunch at an upscale resort restaurant or a meeting with a tour operator.
38. Printed Co-Ord Crop Top And Maxi Skirt Outfit
A printed co-ord with a crop top and matching maxi skirt feels celebratory. The shared print, a tropical floral or a soft geometric, makes the outfit with no guesswork. The long skirt gives coverage and the crop keeps it summery. Flat sandals and a small clutch let the print lead. When the pieces also work apart, you get several outfits from one set; the skirt with a plain tee becomes a town look. Great for a special dinner, a beach party or a resort event.
39. Embroidered Tunic And Flat Mules Outfit
An embroidered tunic in light cotton or linen nods to the region's long textile tradition and fits a modern holiday wardrobe. Look for colored hand-stitching at the neck and cuffs. Wear it over slim leggings or bare legs with flat leather mules that slip on and off easily, which helps at a mosque door. A neutral leather crossbody keeps it practical. For a mosque visit, add leggings or loose trousers and a scarf for your hair. Ideal for the Old Market or any outing where you want to dress with respect.
40. Sheer Cover-Up Dress Over Bikini Pool Outfit
A sheer cover-up dress over a bikini looks polished enough for lunch at the resort café. Choose a floor-length sheer dress in white or a soft pastel with a little lace or pom-pom trim. The fabric shows the swimsuit while giving enough coverage for shared resort areas. Flat thong sandals, a big sun hat and a woven beach bag finish it. Sheer cover-ups stay inside the resort; for a trip into town, change into something opaque. Slip it on after swimming and head straight to lunch or a walk around the grounds.
What to Wear on a Reef Trip or a Desert Safari
Two of the most popular excursions here have their own clothing needs, and neither is a place for a pretty cover-up.
Snorkeling and boat days
- A long-sleeve rash guard or swim shirt protects your back, the part that burns first when you're face down in the water.
- Water shoes guard against sharp coral and sea urchins when you enter from a shore reef.
- Choose a mineral sunscreen and put it on well before getting in, so less washes off onto the coral.
- Pack a dry change and a light layer for the boat ride home, when wet skin and wind feel cold.
Quad bike and jeep safaris
- Closed shoes and long, loose trousers. Sand blows hard and engines get hot.
- A cotton scarf to wrap over your nose and mouth against dust.
- Sunglasses that wrap around, since dust gets behind flat lenses.
- A warm layer for sunset trips. The desert cools quickly once the sun drops.
Dark, washable fabrics are best for both trips. Pale linen comes back from a desert ride tinted with orange dust.
Cover Up in Town, Relax at the Pool
Sharm El Sheikh rewards a little planning. Relaxed resort style and respectful local custom can live in the same suitcase once you know which pieces belong where. Choose linen and cotton, loose shapes, and a couple of pieces that cover shoulders and knees in seconds. Then use accessories to change each look. Crisp white sets, bold kaftans or evening jumpsuits all work, as long as each outfit keeps you cool. Pack that way and you can stop thinking about clothes and enjoy the Red Sea.
Related posts:
