The current state of the fashion calendar is, to put it lightly, a bit uncertain, with many designers pledging their commitment to see-now-buy-now, and others sticking with the tradition of showing clothes a full season ahead of when you can actually find them in stores. The conversation is put on hold, for the most part (Michael Kors is a rare exception) when many brands head out on holiday, a.k.a. show their resort or cruise offerings.
These collections are by far the chicest interpretation of what people wear when they go on vacation. As far as how we consume them, the formats range from lookbook-only reveals to far-flung, buzzy destination trips, featuring your favorite editors and influencers (and a whole lot of Instagram fodder). In some cases, as with Dior in England and Chanel in Cuba, houses stage whole branded productions that, for better or for worse, are as much about the backdrop as they are about the clothes. In contrast, Louis Vuitton's decision to show in Brazil — while hitting both the topical and trendy marks — was a strategic move for the business.
Despite all the recent conversation surrounding who should show what when, resort seems to be staying put, partly because of the market opportunity it creates during a lull between the bigger spring and fall seasons. These in-between collections might account for as much as 35% of a label's annual sales, as of 2013, the Independent reported. That same year, Barneys New York EVP and general merchandising manager of womenswear Jennifer Sunwoo said that resort and pre-seasons made up "anywhere from 60 to 90% of the total order for the season," according to Fashionista.
Designer burnout is, of course, a very real concern — but brands keep churning out unique interpretations of what "resort" or "cruise" looks like for their target customer. So, we may as well ask: Where, oh where, would one wear these OOO outfits? This year's offerings run the gamut of things you'd actually wear on vacation, and outfits that make us ponder where these high-end customers choose to spend their time off. So, we took it upon ourselves to dream up all the lavish locales we'd wear our favorite resort '17 looks, involving the beach and beyond. Check out the best of the batch, ahead.
Fitting everything into a carry-on is always a challenge. Our little secret for making it work? Simply wearing everything that we can't fit in our suitcase. That's right — the more layers we can pile on for the journey, the more outfit options we have when you get to our destination. This look embodies that approach, thanks to some serious layering action.
Dior
Photo: Courtesy of Dior.
Weather can be pretty unpredictable, so it's important to have some practical outerwear on hand just in case you end up in a rainstorm or a restaurant that's blasting the air conditioning. A cape-cardigan hybrid over a midi-dress should do the trick with some festive slip-on sneakers.
Christopher Kane
Photo: Courtesy of Christopher Kane.
For a look that's '80s Jazzercise in all the best ways, we'll be pairing our bikini tops with a high-waisted pair of brightly colored Bermuda shorts, and then matching those to a coordinating turban — just because. It's a look that says, "I wasn't alive during the '80s, but the decade really resonates with me."
Christina Economou
Photo: Courtesy of Christina Economou.
The last thing we need is to run into a coworker en route to the timeshare. So, we'd totally be willing to go incognito in this more-is-more look from Gucci. Yep — we're taking note of what creative director Alessandro Michele rolled out for the occasion, and packing an oil-slick jacket, wide-brim hat, and shoulder-grazing earrings for our next vacay. "Who, me? I'm sorry, have we met?"
Gucci
Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images.
Even though we were wearing hoodies long before they were considered ultra-cool, we're taking full advantage of the "fashion hoodie" trend by living in them on vacations and weekends at home, alike. Especially paired with cropped trousers, its a look we can't get enough of.
Cinq à Sept
Photo: Courtesy of Cinq à Sept.
We always pack our stripes for a weekend getaway, and on our next trip, we'll be mixing and matching to create a shorts look that's way more interesting than your typical matching set. Throw in some sunnies, subtract the socks, and we've found our Insta-ready vacation uniform.
Rochas
Photo: Courtesy of Rochas.
We get that summer is synonymous with posting up at the tennis courts, but don't think we're showing up to a tournament in just any old pleated skirt. We'd totally pair this pieced-together polo dress with a pair of white tennis shoes and a fan in hand next time we're stylish spectators.
Louis Vuitton
Photo: Pietro D'aprano/Getty Images.
A cut-out dress is the only option for when we get invited to a Hamptons after-party where many a supermodel will likely be in attendance. We like to channel our inner Hadid every now and then, can you blame us?
Cushnie et Ochs
Photo: Courtesy of Cushnie et Ochs.
Keeping our vacation wardrobes as close to pajamas as possible is a must, and this breathable, dressed-up take on the pajama shirt pairs well with some slouchy separates and chunky sandals. Meet the off-duty version of our all-black-everything ensemble.
No. 21
Photo: Courtesy of No. 21.
Sometimes you've got to take your beach look from day to night, and this sexy sheer ensemble is ready to do just that. It's proof that your bikini-coverup combo can work from the cabana to the club.
Karla Spetic
Photo: Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images.
We're getting in touch with our inner craft-store DIY'er with a tie-dye number that requires no actual soaking, staining your hands, or waiting for it to dry overnight — in this painterly print, we're ready for a long-awaited yoga-and-inspiration retreat somewhere in South America.
Acne Studios
Photo: Courtesy of Acne Studios.
Beach yoga? You bet that's where you can find us next time we're away from our computers. Now all we need is this bodysuit-hoodie combo and a pair of pool slides to officially make "athleisure" our middle name.
Cynthia Rowley
Photo: Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images.
Let's be real for a moment: the best vacations and getaways tend to involve buffets (or multi-course prix-fix menus, at the very least). To get dressed up for a night of stuffing our faces, loose silhouettes and drawstring waists are key — really, anything that allows for eating dessert without having to unbutton our bottoms.
Jil Sander
Photo: Courtesy of Jil Sander.
Don't even talk to us about traveling without a trench coat. In warmer weather, this sleeveless variation is the ideal topper with culottes and a tank underneath (or, well, nothing).
Tome
Photo: Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images.
A sophisticated sleeveless dress lends itself to a wine-and-dine tour of Napa Valley, no? And if we're being honest, we'll want something our underarms can breathe in, even after a few glasses of Pinot.
Novis
Photo: Courtesy of Novis/Georgia Nerheim.
Don't you hate when you're on vacation and someone forces you to actually get dressed instead of just loafing around in your bathing suit and coverup? Us, too — and that's where this look comes in. It's billowy and pajama-like, yet simultaneously super-polished.
C/Meo Collective
Photo: Stefan Gosatti/Getty Images.
When heading to a outdoor event that likely won't have a disco ball, it's important to bring the party and, well, be the disco ball. We'd tone down the statement sparkle with a contrasting flouncy top and some sophisticated (yet totally dance-able) heels.
Tory Burch
Photo: Courtesy of Tory Burch.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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