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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.
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Ready to break a move on the hotel dance floor? Incorporate your #OOTD into the choreography: The dangling pom-poms on this knit bra top will come to life with every twirl, while the tiered maxi skirt billows up and adds a ton of drama to your 1, 2 step.
Rosie Assoulin
Photo: Courtesy of Rosie Assoulin.Clik here to view.
Resort happens to coincide with festival season, which, as we know, can mean a lot of different things: snoozy flower crowns at Coachella, rain-proof gear at Gov Ball, and chokers just about everywhere. For a chill concert series far away from the city bustle, we prefer to stick to an unpretentious, laid-back aesthetic, which Ulla Johnson's resort '17 collection captures pretty accurately with '70s-inspired long-sleeved, printed boho blouses and high-waisted, dip-dyed flares. Go on, make your way upstate.
Ulla Johnson
Photo: Courtesy of Ulla Johnson/Peter Stanglmayr.Clik here to view.
What's the best way to ensure you don't get separated from your travel buddy? Pair up your outfits! Instead of sporting matching ensembles (as many of us did, adorably, during childhood — sibling outfits, much?), try clever coordination. Christian Siriano has bestie dressing down to a T, with paired-up looks that complement each other without necessarily mirroring.
Christian Siriano
Photo: Courtesy of Christian Siriano.Clik here to view.
Athleisure is pretty much the name of the game when it comes to off-duty dressing — but what about the OOO wardrobe? Behold, DKNY’s city-dwelling resortgoer: For the low-key metropolitan vacation, the label reimagines coordinated getups as a black-banded, drop-sleeved green sweatshirt with a matching midi skirt and tote. Plus, those chunky patent sneaker-boots will withstand hours and hours of walking, perfect for when you’re down to discover new corners of your own turf.
DKNY
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Don't get us wrong: We love to get some R & R when we're out of town (or just out of the daily grind). Yet when we're in a new place for a limited amount of time, we want to fill our days by striking items off our bucket lists. So, there's a lot of moving around and wandering — and our outfit needs to keep up. Tibi gets it with layered, lightweight knits (you can take 'em on and off depending on the setting or weather) and flat slide sandals to keep you on your feet.
Tibi
Photo: Courtesy of Tibi/Reed Young.Clik here to view.
This See by Chloé look (and the model's expression) says, “ So ready for adventure.” You've got your hooded jacket with drawstring sleeves, loose-fit pants with oversized pockets, and thick-soled shoes. Sling the quilted backpack over your shoulder and you're ready to resort.
See by Chloé
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A work trip can be a mixed bag. You might get to explore a new part of the world without sacrificing those sacred vacation days — and maybe bond with colleagues, too. On the other hand, you’ll probably want to keep it professional around the clock, instead of checking out and loafing around at the end of the day. Packing can also be tricky — leveling your relaxed, off-the-clock clothes with more buttoned-up professionalism is no easy feat. Hellessy's resort '17 collection strikes that balance elegantly by revisiting staples, like the button-down and trousers. The brand loosened the silhouette of the former for a baggier fit, shifting the neckline so it sits lopsided for a partial off-the-shoulder look that says, "I'm away from my desk, but I'll still reply to emails in a timely fashion."
Hellessy
Photo: Courtesy of Hellessy.Clik here to view.
When you travel, layering isn't just for fashion — it’s simply a practical way to economize limited bag space and prevent certain items from getting wrinkled or ruined. Suno has the right idea for how to go from day to night while also keeping some room in your carry-on free for souvenirs: opt for a sheer going-out dress over your blouse and jeans.
Suno
Photo: Courtesy of Suno.Clik here to view.
Sometimes, you just want to lay low on vacation. Yet, somehow, most trips seem to be punctuated by a chance run-in with someone you know, be it by the pool, midway through a sweaty sightseeing trek, or at that one bar with the storied cocktails. Pucci came up with a perfectly luxurious solution to preserving anonymity on a beach trip: a floppy hat featuring extra-long fringe that’ll cover your entire face. Sure, you can't really tell whether you're grabbing the artificially colored beverage or the bottle of sunscreen next to your lounge chair — but at least those walking by can't see you, either.
Pucci
Photo: Courtesy of Emilio Pucci.Clik here to view.
So, you and your S.O. have been talking about sneaking away for the weekend for quite some time now and you finally got around to putting a date on the cal. Then, coincidentally, you get invited to a shindig you just can't skip — and there's a dress code. What to do when all you want to do is lounge around, but social commitments require you to look somewhat put-together? Take a cue from Adeam's resort '17 lineup. This look, a slouchy gray hoodie and matching floor-sweeping skirt with an extra-long white blouse, technically abides by a more formal dress requirement and still appeases the need for coziness. A winning combo.
Adeam
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Leave it to Delpozo to (accidentally?) provide the most subtle stars-and-stripes outfit inspiration for this Fourth of July.
Delpozo
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Ah, summer camp: It was the best of times, it was the most awkward of times. It'll always hold a special place in our hearts — and one that we may just revisit this season, thanks to the comeback of a go-to trend that’s a hallmark of arts-and-crafts hour. Prabal Gurung seems to be feeling the #TBT, too, with a fresh take on grown-up tie-dye that’s perfect for a low-key retreat in the woods.
Prabal Gurung
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So, it's time for your high school reunion. This homecoming's all about reminiscing — and, if you so desire, an opportunity to revisit that varsity aesthetic. Coach 1941's latest collection draws from retro youth culture, pulling inspiration from everything from Wild West motifs to vintage cars. The final product is much cooler than what we actually wore during our teenage years.
Coach 1941
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With sleeves and hems like this, you'll want to strike an emoji-dancer pose in this jumpsuit. Jonathan Simkhai's first official dip into evening wear is certainly a winner.
Jonathan Simkhai
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A vacation can be a great, much-needed opportunity to ditch the everyday uniform. Leave the business casual at home! Nix anything that doesn't fit in the carry-on! We get it, but consider the vacation uniform: An army-green longline jacket (with cinching high at the waist and on the sleeves, plus spacious pockets), matching tailored trousers, and low-heeled strappy sandals that go from daytime strolling to nighttime exploring.
Adam Lippes
Photo: Courtesy of Adam Lippes.Clik here to view.
So much of a vacation is actually about the process of getting from point A to point B — and it's not always the most straightforward (or comfortable) journey. When your travel plans involve planes, trains, and automobiles — and maybe the occasional bike jaunt or boat ride, too — optimizing comfort is a nonnegotiable. 3.1 Phillip Lim’s layered knit set is essentially just a pair of really chic pajamas. However, the cut and crop on the peachy material makes it appropriate for daytime wear without sacrificing coziness.
3.1 Phillip Lim
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When you want to wear your cutout mini — but its unexpectedly 50 degrees at night — don't worry: Camilla and Marc turned a sartorial letdown into a full-blown lewk.
Camilla and Marc
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Solo travel can be very rewarding — but it can also get lonely. Kate Spade's resort '17 lineup includes many accessories that double as travel buddies, such as this delightful bunny hand muff. The brand is certainly never lacking in the whimsy department...
Kate Spade New York
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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.Clik here to view.
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.Clik here to view.
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.Clik here to view.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.Clik here to view.
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
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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
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