You've booked that winter escape and in no time you'll be lounging poolside. Palms will sway in a warm tropical breeze under an expansive blue sky. You're looking forward to excursions, shopping the local markets and gourmet à la carte dining. You've changed currency, purchased trip insurance, and stocked up on reading materials and sunscreen. The last thing you have to tackle is your holiday wardrobe.
Foremost, you want to be comfortable and dressed appropriately for the weather, but that doesn't mean plastic clogs and yoga pants. Your vacation pictures are no doubt going to be plastered across your fridge or screensaver. Don't get caught dressed in head-to-toe black; channel the vibrant colours and patterns of exotic, warm weather destinations.
Dressing for your trip doesn't have to break the bank either. It only takes a modest investment in a few choice pieces. If you want to count yourself among the fashionistas (and why not, you're on holiday!), here are some select wardrobe additions to elevate your look.
The Perfect Hat
Plum
- Look for a hat with a wide brim and an interesting texture
- For sun destinations skip wool and felt hats
- Tie a slim scarf or embellishment around the band for some added personality
- Panama hats are quintessential Caribbean and look great on most
Personality Shades
- Hot this season: vintage frames with a retro Caribbean flair
- Shop frames with mixed materials: plastics and wire rims or wood accents (see above)
- Horned or wing tip frames add tons of personality
- Don't be afraid of a bold colour
- Bottom line, always play to your strengths; pick a shape that works best the shape of your face.
- Ask yourself, "Is this frame too small or too big for my face?"
Embellished Carry-All
You'll be needing something to tote your towel and sunscreen in, as well as a small bag to carry a camera and cash when dining out.
- Stick to light coloured bags like tan or pastels; channel the colours of the Caribbean and remember the white-after-Labour Day doesn't apply here
- Embellishments like laser cut patterns and tassels add a laid back, bohemian flair
- Crossbodies let you go hands-free and totes are perfect for a quick grab-and-go pack.
- Leave your structured bag at home; it's better suited for the boardroom than the beach.
Holiday Staple: Beach Cover Up
PLUM Clothing
A cover up is a holiday wardrobe staple and offers modesty when making your way from the hotel room to beach lounger.
- When shopping for a cover up keep with the colour scheme of your swimsuits. Treat it as if you're still pulling together an outfit.
- Crochet and sheer printed textiles are on-point
- Seek out fun accents like tassels, poms, cut outs and metal embellishments
Caftan Cool
Caftans/kaftans are long tunics that are a nod to original resortwear. Loose fitting, they're easy to wear, always comfortable and put plainly, ooze style.
- Pick a dramatic or dramatic neckline
- Shop a bold print or a solid with which you can accessorize with chunkier, costume-style jewelry
- Have it hemmed if needed
Sweeping Maxi Dresses
Second only to a kaftan are maxi dresses.
- Make sure your maxi dress isn't too long, you don't want to be tripping over the hem. If needed, have it hemmed before you depart.
- Most maxi dresses define at the waist. Pick a maxi dress that hits you at your most flattering point. For example, does a forgiving empire waistline fit you better than a drop waist?
- Keep to fabrics that offer comfortable and nice movement
Midi Dress
PLUM Clothing
The last few years saw the emergence of a new dress category: the midi dress. Shop for one in the exact same way as a maxi, but keep in mind that you'll be able to flaunt your shoes and pedicure.
Statement Jewelry
Dress up basics like a fresh white tee paired and linen pants with statement jewelry.
- Don't be afraid to shop colour, crytal and beads
- Bib necklaces are popular at the moment and are big on personality
- Enamel jewelry is timeless and you'll easily be able to integrate it into your wardrobe at home
- Tassels, Aztec or American Southwest prints scream, holiday!
The Essential Scarf
Scarves are a versatile way to dress up an outfit. They offer protection from the sun, shield hair against gusting winds and can dress up basics. They're also handy when visiting churches or other places of worship where some modesty is demanded.
- Pick a lightweight fabric
- Tie it on a bag, use as a head wrap or drape it around your hips as a sarong
- Between sun, sand and saltwater, keep to a material you can hand wash
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