Going on holiday is a fun and exciting time - a time to explore new places, visit new cultures and relax in some of the most beautiful places in the world. However, when you go on holiday, you have to pack some of the best fashion in your luggage.
Fashion trends change so quickly these days that last summer’s outfits are old news by your next holiday. Some of the summer fashion must-haves this year, as seen on the 2019 catwalk, have been amazing, but they would only last for the 2019 season.
Yet there are some items that will always be fashionable and you can look stunning in them whenever you wear them, on whatever holiday.
These classic outfits are also helping us to better protect the environment. This is something that businesses across the world are encouraging. Bonds, for instance, is leading the way with their promise to reduce energy and water usage by 40% and 50% respectively.
So, if you want to make an impact on the environment and wear timeless classic pieces to look absolutely stunning, read the list below.
1. Long dresses
Whether you’re heading to a fine dining restaurant at night, or walking along a seafront, the long dress is a classic fashion statement that looks great on just about anyone. They can be used to pull on over a swimsuit after a few lengths of the hotel pool, or even be worn to visit the many religious grounds across the world.
Just be sure that you have a dress that is long, with a light and airy cut.
2. Shorts
Shorts are versatile (especially denim shorts). They can be used in combination with other clothes and accessories to create new, sensational looks that will turn heads. Shorts can also be a practical item if you plan to participate in any sports. Golf courses, beach games and even tennis are perfect activities to wear stylish sports shorts.
When fashion magazines covered their top fashion items you must wear this year, shorts were on the list.
3. Wrap dresses
Wrap dresses are perfect for all body types because of the way they complement your figure. The individual bands can be made higher, lower, narrower or wider to fit your individual shape.
In addition, these versatile items are great for any weather, and they can be easily teamed with a smart jacket or shawl in the evening, when the temperatures are cooler.
4. Jumpsuit
While most people wouldn’t expect to see a jumpsuit in a lookbook, this is an item that should definitely be on the list. When you have a well-fitting jumpsuit, you can look amazing when out and about in all sorts of weather.
Jumpsuits have made a big comeback in recent years and are even one of the most popular pieces for bloggers over at the Fashion Changers Lounge. They are surprisingly very practical and make for a great look – particularly if you are taking a cruise or expect a day of sailing.
5. Oversized sunglasses
Sometimes, bigger means better. Oversized sunglasses aren’t just for movie stars on the red carpet – you can use them to make a striking statement that immediately transforms any outfit you’re wearing. You can even mix it up, choosing different shapes and colours to match your mood. Fluorescent yellow? Check. Pastel green? Check. A more muted black? Double-check.
6. Flat shoes
One type of footwear that will never really disappear is flats. Many of the top models this year ditched their high heels and instead returned to flat footwear. These items are more comfortable while walking around, allowing you to actually enjoy a stroll down by the seafront as you walk past some of the best restaurants in Europe.
7. Short dresses
Short dresses are versatile and great for making you look stunning in the hot summer sun, anywhere in the world. They can be worn in a variety of situations; including down by the pool, exploring the local town or going out at night.
Conclusion
When you’re travelling you want to pack smart. Take as little as possible to ensure that you don’t go over baggage allowances, but also enough that you can look great whatever the occasion. That is why some of the best fashion items are versatile and will remain favourites for years to come.
Ever wondered why pink flamingos are so popular in fashion, interior design, and art? Known as the hot pink queen of kitsch, the plastic flamingo was created by a sculptor back in 1957. His name was Don Featherstone, and he ended up winning an Ig Nobel Art Prize for his creation of what was originally meant to be a three-dimensional lawn ornament. Reportedly, Featherstone based his design flamingo photos he saw in National Geographic. Somehow this sculptor had captured the visual style of an era: the pink flamingo soon became a symbol of Americana. The quintessential yard décor piece that went from eccentric and kitschy to being recognized as a nostalgic piece of art.
I´ve always felt drawn to the playful, retro look that flamingos add to any type of design piece, and that’s why this one-piece by Bikinima called my attention. Check out the caption below the image for details about the rest of the pieces I am wearing.
So, you can’t wait to land in Cartagena and sip a luscious mojito while peeking at the ocean from an ancient stone bastion. (Wait, you didn’t know that was possible? It is!). You’re daydreaming about peaceful strolls down narrow streets full of boutiques and unknown flavors. The island life. A dreamy boutique hotel. I get it. But there’s something we’ll need to fix first: your suitcase. What should you pack for your next trip to Cartagena? This article has got you covered.
What to Wear in Cartagena
What you’ll find below are my recommendations as far as what to wear on your next trip to Cartagena and how to style each piece to have the most comfortable, exciting, and (why not!) fashion-forward stay possible. Because of its tropical climate, Cartagena is similar to other Caribbean cities like Tulum, so you may also want to check out this outfit guide for the Riviera Maya.
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Shorts & Other Bottoms
Like I’ve suggested before, avoid thick denim because it just adds to the heat you’ll experience anywhere in the Caribbean. Go for thinner fabrics and looser fits. I find that light denim also helps create a fresher look when you visit sunny cities like Cartagena. Because they are closer to white, these types of pants and shorts also make the colored elements around them seem much more vibrant. For this particular trip, I wore light American Eagle shorts with subtle crochet appliques on the sides.
Color-wise, I was slightly more adventurous this time around. I discovered a contemporary folk brand called Santa Marguerite that collaborates with artisans in small villages throughout Central and South America to add a modern twist to traditional weaving techniques and folk patterns. This particular San Vicente top felt like it was made for the city, with the bright teal, orange, and magenta accents. I swear if you took all of Cartagena’s walls and created a color palette, it would look a lot like the folk pattern on that shirt.
Swimming Suits and Cover-Ups
I have always found that hand-woven crochet reflects what is still right about the fashion industry. Not because materials or garments themselves are particularly expensive, but because of the time and dedication invested in each piece. Because they are made by hand, crochet accents are reminiscent of fashion as a craft, which is an idea that I strongly identify with. For Cartagena, I went with a colorful 2-piece bikini by one of my favorite brands: Agua Bendita. You’ve read my thoughts on it before, and how I admire their revival of retro swimwear trends. Gobio, in particular, is a model inspired by a freshwater fish by the same name.
Blouses, Dresses, and Tunics
Let’s talk about blouses for a second. Off-shoulder lace blouses to be more specific. I have developed a strong preference for these pieces over time. They take breeze, water, and sand extremely well and that just qualifies them as the quintessential beachwear staple. In my opinion, the right off-shoulder lace blouse can make you feel colonial and island surroundings a bit more deeply. They just come with an air of romanticism that feels serene, simple, and carefree.
Accessories for Cartagena
But how can you create that whole beach-to-city look without carrying an entire new outfit in your bag? Accessories are the answer. Headpieces like bandanas and jewelry can get you there in 5 minutes. Let’s look at a few ways to do this.
Statement earrings that can get wet
I brought all four earrings in the Nostalgiosity Tulum Collection and enjoyed alternating them during the entire trip. Since they are made of gold-plated bronze, they’ll take a significant amount of humidity and sand without losing shine. You can always take them off while diving into the water and put them back on for some effortless beach glam.
Headbands
Nothing like a wired headband to control wild beach hair. One of my favorite brands (and yes, it will live on) is American Apparel, and they offer some of the most durable, high-quality hair accessories you will find. While not available at this time, their Twist Scarf is one of the best buys I’ve ever made — and yes, I got one in every color while I could. You saw me wearing the black one on the off-shoulder blouse photo above. The brand is expected to return this summer with an online flagship store.
Sunglasses
Bring one pair that works with blacks, one that works with browns, and something that doesn’t really go well with anything but is an outfit in and of itself. A classic pair of Ray Bans will do the trick, but this unique pair of yellow aviators by Mango is a showstopper on its own.
Ideal Shoes for Cartagena (and any other beach trip, really)
Wedges and espadrilles with natural fibers will go a long way in this sandy city. Bring a pair of plastic sandals that can take even more water for beach and pool events. I’ve used and recommend Melissa, a brand that has completely reinvented the idea of a plastic shoe.
As I’ve explained before, our best makeup choice during a beach trip is called H2O. Drink lots and lots and lots of water. Aside from that, and only if you want to wear some light makeup, here are my picks.
A compact eyeshadow palette that works for day and night looks. Tarte’s Tease Tartelette is a great one to bring.
Two lipsticks: one hydrating, everyday tone and one intense, dark shade
Your skincare products, including something to exfoliate with, a toner, soap, and a moisturizer. Bring face wipes and carry them with you.
Any other tips of your own?
Feel free to share any other tips or questions in the comments section below.
Boyfriend jeans are relaxed, comfortable, and — based on what I’ve been seeing in stores — definitely having a moment! Brands are adding feminine details like embroidery and embellishments to turn a traditionally masculine garment into a woman’s best friend when putting together a casual outfit. Here is an idea of how to dress them up and down, a couple of inspiration pics, and three inexpensive boyfriend jeans (all under $60!) that you’ll absolutely love.
If you’re sitting in front of an empty bag wondering what on Earth to wear on your trip to Tulum, this article has got you covered. Beach destinations are always challenging because they involve sand, water, and heat. Those three elements call for an entirely different wardrobe — especially if you live in a cold city to begin with. Even if you do live in a city with hot weather year-round, there’s a high chance you’re not normally concerned with how fast your clothes dry up or whether they’ll take dirt gracefully. See? I told you. 🙂
What to Wear in Tulum
What you’ll find below are my recommendations as far as what to wear on your next trip to Tulum and how to style each piece to have the most comfortable, exciting, and (why not!) fashion-forward stay possible.
Pin This For Later
Shorts & Other Bottoms
Shorts are a no-brainer for hot climates, but I do have a few suggestions around the types of shorts that you’ll want to bring with you. To begin with, avoid thick denim because it just adds to the heat you’ll experience anywhere in the Caribbean. Go for thinner fabrics and looser fits. Something about 100°F just makes clothes feel stickier, and pants that are too tight just make the entire thing worse. These “mom shorts” by Urban Outfitters are retro, comfortable, and flexible at the same time.
Color-wise, I suggest sticking to blacks, browns, greens, and denim. White shorts are some of the most unpractical items to pack for a trip to… anywhere really. I am not just saying this because an entire bottle of Mezcal broke inside our bag and my husband’s white bermudas got horribly stained. I am not even saying this happened. But if you think there’s a chance it did, and there’s a chance it could happen to you too, avoid all-whites.
Now, if you’re more of a skirt type of person, the loose fit advice remains. Go for wrap-around skirts that can be easily turned into cover-ups. Versatility is incredibly important when you pack for beach trips. Because you’ll (hopefully!) be jumping from restaurants to streets to shorelines all day, you’ll find that flexible garments are priceless.
Swimming Suits and Cover-Ups
Swimwear is where you’ll know exactly what suits you best. As long as it is made with light Lycra, highlights the best parts of your body, and doesn’t cause awkward tan lines, go for the style you like best. I do have one suggestion that will make your suit a bit more versatile for all those events we just talked about: bring at least one piece that can double as a shirt. This is probably the weirdest recommendation you’ve read, but I found that the one swimming suit I could wear with high shorts or a high-waist skirt was, by far, the one I wore the most. It dried up quickly, looked tropical, and still allowed me to catch some sun — this garment just got the work done.
The one swimming suit I wore a million times
Blouses, Dresses, and Tunics
This leads me to tunics. Those laid-back, light mini dresses that you could spend days wearing. Take this advice from someone who lives and works in 100°F weather over 200 days/year: beach-to-city is what you want to aim for. Forget day-to-night, the type of garment you need is something that will dry up fast enough to let you catch that reservation within an hour. Don’t assume that you’ll have time to change clothes before you hit the next stop on your trip, and please don’t add that kind of pressure to your itinerary. Instead, try to find pieces that can transform with a few changes here and there.
Lastly, and this advice goes for every single thing you pack: avoid clothing that needs to be ironed aka wouldn’t look great while entirely wrinkled. Just do it.
Accessories for Tulum
But how can you create that whole beach-to-city look without carrying an entire new outfit in your bag? Accessories are the answer. Headpieces like bandanas and jewelry can get you there in 5 minutes. Let’s look at a few ways to do this.
Statement earrings that can get wet
I brought all four earrings in the Nostalgiosity Tulum Collection and enjoyed alternating them during the entire trip. Since they are made of gold-plated bronze, they’ll take a significant amount of humidity and sand without losing shine. You can always take them off while diving into the water and put them back on for some effortless beach glam.
Bandanas
Get a bandana. It will deal with horrible hair days so that you don’t have to. Even if you have the best hair in the world, humidity and dirt have immediate consequences. The so-called beach hair is nice for a day or two, but there’s only so much of that crazy volume that you can stand without feeling uncomfortable for the entire trip. So get a headband, bandana, or scrunchy to put it away whenever you want to.
Again, how quick will it dry? I wore two natural fiber hats: one straw Panama hat with a black band, and an all-black floppy sun hat that someone sold me at Chichén Itzá. Sales pitch? You could fold it in any way you wanted and it wouldn’t lose its shape at all. It worked for me and my bag.
Don’t make this more complicated than it needs to be: bring one pair of sunglasses that works well with everything. If not, bring one pair that works with blacks, one that works with browns, and something that doesn’t really go well with anything but is an outfit in and of itself. A classic pair of Ray Bans will do the trick.
Weekend bags
If you’ve never felt the need to find an incredible weekender bag, this is your sign. These are the types of totes or duffles that simply carry it all: clothes, shoes, passports, food. Getting a neutral one makes it much easier to pair with everything else you own. Beige, black, and military green are all great options.
Ideal Shoes for Tulum (and any other beach trip, really)
Generally speaking, there are only two types of shoes during a beach trip: dirty and clean. That’s all there is. Clean shoes include the sneakers you travel with (to and from) and one pair of heels in case there is somewhere that fancy you need to go to. I found that the best type of heels to bring (if you really, really need to — like I do) are high wedges made with natural fibers. They dry up quickly, look well even with a little sand all over, and generally have great support to walk around the beach. And while we’re at it, here’s another piece of advice from someone who had to walk dozens of streets in DC and then look polished in the office: go for the flip-flops and pack those heels in your handbag.
Let’s talk about dirty shoes for a minute. Those are the ones you take to battle with you. They’re the type of shoes you need to be mentally prepared to ruin, because that’ll probably be the case. Flat, open sandals and flip-flops are great choices.
Beauty & Makeup While in Mexico
Here’s something I could probably talk about for days. Your best makeup choice during a beach trip is called H2O. Drink lots and lots and lots of water. More than you would in a couple of days. I have found that drinking cold water is the only way to keep your skin truly hydrated in the middle of all that heat. Aside from that, and only if you want to wear some light makeup, here are my picks.
A compact eyeshadow palette that works for day and night looks. Tarte’s Tease Tartelette is a great one to bring.
Two lipsticks: one hydrating, everyday tone and one intense, dark shade
Your skincare products, including something to exfoliate with, a toner, soap, and a moisturizer. Bring face wipes and carry them with you. You’ll thank me later.
Any other tips of your own?
Feel free to share any other tips or questions in the comments section below.
Sunglasses: 
Ideal Shoes for Cartagena (and any other beach trip, really)
