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No matter where you’re going, vacation plans usually require condensing your wardrobe essentials and everything else into a carry-on or weekender bag. Trust us — we know. Since there’s so little space and much to pack, we’ve consulted our team, seeing as we’re always traveling for work, play, and various Fashion Weeks and have somewhat perfected the art of the vacation wardrobe (and not losing our luggage).
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite fashionable swim and resort brands, walkable shoes, and bags. To make it even easier, we’ve broken it down into super-specific categories: vacation archetypes. Are you the friend who arrives at the airport hours ahead of takeoff, the friend who’s not going that far, or the actual mom? Read on to see our picks.
So which vacation friend are you?
➼ You’re the planner
➼ You’re the party friend
➼ You’re the mom friend
➼ You’re the actual mom
➼ You’re the photographer
➼ You’re the local
You’re the planner
You’ve been coordinating this trip for months, you were at the airport hours ahead of time, and you have TSA PreCheck. Your itinerary is solid, and your outfits are sensible. Go for shoes you can also wear to the airport, outfits you can also wear to the beach, and dresses you can wear with sneakers, flats, or heels.
Abercrombie Drama Bow-Back Taffeta Gown
A high-drama dress perfect for dinners, photo ops, and plenty of special events after your vacation. With a light sheen, lots of color options, and even more size options, you should grab this dress before it goes viral.
$150 at Abercrombie and Fitch
Sézane Gloria Sandals
Low-heeled sandals from French-girl brand Sézane are perfect for avoiding blisters.
$215 at Sézane
Hunza G Nancy Bikini Set
The one-size-fits-most option is stretchy and doesn’t have that shiny swimwear look, so you can wear it as a top, too.
$230 at Shopbop
H&M Wide Brim Hat
Yes, you brought sunscreen and sunglasses, but this wide-brimmed hat adds another layer of sun protection.
$20 at H&M
ASICS GT-2160 NS Earthenware Pack Sneaker
“ASICS are so incredibly comfortable. They’ve survived my ambitious step goals in Paris, Mexico, and Spain without blisters or getting all stinky (if you know, you know),” senior shopping editor Bianca Nieves says. “I highly recommend. I’m usually a Gel-Kayano wearer, but these GT-2160s are on my to-buy list.”
$140 at Urban Outfitters
You’re the party friend
When the vacation plans hit the group chat, you already had a handful of hot spots to check out. You’ll want a minidress you can dress up or down, and you won’t need any “practical” accessories — your “mom” friend’s got those covered.
Fanci Club Black Ruffle Midi Dress
Sheer and plunging, this “It”-girl favorite is perfect for nights out and layering it over your go-to pieces in the daytime.
$295 at SSENSE
Nia Thomas Yemaya Dress
This brand has been on our radar for a while, and it’s a favorite of fashion and beauty writer Asia Milia Ware. The hand-crocheted dress is sexy, stretchy, and easy to wear. Feel free to layer it over swimwear or make it your next going-out dress.
$695 at Nia Thomas
Staud Palm Cutout Bucket Bag
Somewhat practical and very on theme, this palm-shaped bucket bag can fit your phone, wallet, and lip gloss.
$295 at Net-A-Porter
Charles & Keith Flor Rose-Heel Strappy Sandals
These sandals look much pricier than they actually are. With a rose detail on the heel and straps that tie up the ankles, you can skip the extra accessories.
$79 at Charles & Keith
You’re the mom friend
Not to be confused with the “planner” friend. Your going-out bag is big enough to carry everyone’s phones and Band-Aids, hand sanitizer, and mints — did you need anything else? Save some space in your carry-on with sets you can mix and match and all-purpose bags.
Rouje Paris Daria Dress
Worry less about planning your outfits or packing and more about soaking up the sun in this easy-to-wear dress.
$220 at Rouje
Reformation Keegan Top
The set alone is pretty pricey, but you can grab one of these pieces on its own, like the top, and mix and match with denim or linen.
$168 at Reformation
Fréja New York Caroline Bag Black
A Cut-staffer favorite, Fréja’s durable vegan-leather bags are more spacious than they look. The ’90s-inspired silhouette doesn’t look like a vacation bag, which is why it’s the perfect buy: You’ll use it long after your trip.
Havaianas Slim Square Flip-flop
“I’ve been anti-flip-flops for most of my life. These changed my mind. There’s something about the square toe that elevates your whole look,” Nieves explains. “I took this pair with me last year to Portugal, and they survived Lisbon’s hilly streets. Now they are a must every time I travel back home to Puerto Rico.”
$34 at Nordstrom
You’re the actual mom
The kids are in tow, maybe your in-laws are coming, and the venue is family-friendly — whatever the case, your vacation is rated G. You want something covered up but still chic. Sure, you’re not bringing out the thong bikini, but you still want to show some skin and keep cool.
Simon Miller Loch Striped Poplin Button-Up
Stay all covered up but still keep cool with this poplin button-up. The stretchy top has an adjustable open back so you don’t show too much skin unless you want to.
$245 at Simon Miller
Sandro Sunray-Pleated Maxi Dress
Maxi dresses don’t have to be boring, and this pleated one from Sandro is anything but. The flowy pleated dress has a low back so you get lots of air.
$370 at Sandro
Mango Mesh Ballerinas
You’ve probably had your eyes on a pair of mesh flats for a while, and these are a good option that won’t break the bank. Your next vacation is a good time to finally grab them; unlike heels, they’re perfect for squeezing into your carry-on.
$80 at Mango
You’re the photographer
You know everyone’s angles, and for that, we’re grateful. However, be sure to pack something photoworthy, too. You belong in front of the camera at least once.
Poppy Lissiman Caidyn Shades
Protect your eyes, and add something special to your outfits. “Sunglasses are a must for me. I always gravitate toward Poppy Lissiman’s frames because they are the right combination of trendy,” Nieves explains. “Normally, my vacation wardrobe is pretty simple (three bottoms, three tops, and three shoes that I can perfectly mix and match), so I like to incorporate some oomph with my sunglasses.”
$95 at Shopbop
$95 at Poppy Lissiman
Baobab Kika One-piece
A favorite from Cut staffer Morgan Evans, Baobab offers shiny and shimmery photo-ready swimwear and separates, so you can also remember to take a few vacation pics of yourself in a standout piece like this glittery purple option.
FP x House of Aama Starry Eyes Midi Skirt
House of Aama is one of Ware’s favorite brands for vacationwear, and the collab with Free People is worth buying. This flowy, printed midi skirt is perfect for mixing and matching with basics and bikini tops. Grab the matching top, or dress up some plain white tank tops you already own.
$168 at Free People
You’re the local
Your vacation plans might be a short car ride away, but that doesn’t mean you can’t pack a new outfit or two.
Ella Mae Butterfly Blouse
Because you need something nice to wear with those cutoff shorts, this adjustable cotton blouse is great for dressing up sandals or sneakers.
$165 at Lisa Says Gah
Riot Swim Lux One-piece
There’s no shortage of rooftop pools in NYC, so you don’t have to save all your nice swimwear for trips abroad. Riot Swim, a favorite of Ware’s, makes cheeky swimsuits with cool silhouettes that double as bodysuits.
$160 at Revolve Clothing
Paloma Wool Globo Strapless Bubble-Hem Midi Dress
If bubble hems have been on your list, here’s an easy way to get into the trend. Made of airy cotton, you can pair this dress with sandals all summer and add a cardigan as it gets cooler.
$433 at Nordstrom
Chinea Rodriguez , 2024-06-11 00:10:53
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