Every February and September women anxiously await one of the most dazzling displays of creativity and artistic ability: Fashion Week, the fashionista’s Super Bowl. For one week, all of the dictators of style come together to shape what we buy and how we will wear next year’s fashions. They answer big questions, such as: What colors are on trend? Is the future all about big and bold or textures? What decade or event inspired designers this season? And, how can you apply it to your Caribbean-chic vacation wear?
While men seem to have a pretty standard packing list with usual items like swim trunks, t-shirts, shorts, polos or button-down shirts, ball caps and sunglasses, women often have more difficult fashion decisions to make. A woman wants to look and feel beautiful, and often can feel like a daunting task. Getting dressed every morning or dressing up for a special event can be stressful and exhausting, but packing for a vacation can be tortuous. Luckily, packing for the Caribbean is easy. Here are a few tips to keep packing simple, and NYC fashion suggestions so the beach becomes your personal runway (all without breaking the bank).
- We’ll start with shoes. The most important piece of advice I can share is: sandals, especially flip-flops, are the only shoes you’ll need all week. They’ll fit into your carry-on and are much lighter than heels. Whether you’re going to the pool, walking the beach at sunset or headed to dinner and dancing, flip-flops are always stylish and appropriate. NYC Fashion Week tip: Glittery, patent leather or animal skin flip-flops give your outfit a little something extra for nighttime adventures.
- Trade in your business suit for a swimsuit. During the day, you simply won’t need anything else. Don’t let the high-end specialty swim shops discourage you from having the cutest beach styles. Now’s the perfect time to check out the local department stores and clearance sales as they prepare for fall. If you have trouble finding what you want near your home, there are also great sales on a variety of swim/beach wear websites and other places online. Buy tops and bottoms that will easily mix to allow for a different look each day. Then, complete the look with a simple terry cloth cover-up. NYC Fashion Week tip: Polka dots are back, time to find that “itsy, bitsy, teeny-weeny yellow polka dot bikini” (but don’t wear it with the animal print flip-flops; you might scare the locals.)
- Embrace the beach hat. Not only is it functional sun protection, but it also gives you a chance to pull off the large-brimmed straw-hat look you can’t get away with at home. NYC Fashion Week tip: Hats are the new headbands; don’t be afraid to wear hats off the beach too!
- Keep your non-swimwear simple. When the sun goes down and it is time to change and explore the town, you only need a few simple options. Throw a few cotton tees, a few pairs of shorts, a skirt, a dress or two, and a light cardigan in your bag, and you’ll be in good shape. Just like with swimsuits, pack clothes that can mix and match to avoid over-packing or overspending. NYC Fashion Week tip: While the little black dress is always a standard, colors like red, jade and mustard are hot this season, along with plaids and geometric prints.
- A large tote bag is the vacation version of your giant purse back home. You’ll need your sunscreen, sunglasses, a towel, and camera nearby all week, so why not keep them in something cute? Canvas is the best material because it’s sturdy and is more water resistant than cotton. NYC Fashion Week tip: Get a tote that packs a little more punch – plaids and camouflage have been spotted all over the runway.
If you want to take a vacation and free up more money for fashion, now’s the perfect time to check out our Eleventh Anniversary sale featuring the all-inclusive Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort and Spa in the Dominican Republic for only $11 per night. Remember, you’re on this trip to relax, so why not eliminate the stress of packing and keep things simple? However, simple does not mean you have to compromise style. Walk off the runway and onto the beach in the Caribbean!
Lifestyle Tropical Beach Resort & Spa
