6 Items No One Is Wearing on Vacation Anymore—and 6 They're Packing Instead
Let's face it, vacations are no longer a time to simply unplug and "be one with nature." For anyone with an Instagram account and a Wi-Fi connection, it's prime time for snapping all the photos—and, of course, showing off your A+ vacation wardrobe while you're at it. It's no secret that a really good outfit game is the key to Instagram success, so it makes sense why posting a statement look in an exotic destination would nearly break the internet (or at least garner its fair share of double taps). As such, your plain bikinis and overworn denim shorts deserve to be upgraded so you and your vacation outfits can live their best lives.
Since summer vacation season is basically here already, we chatted with the coolest fashion girls we follow on Instagram to find out which items are topping their vacation packing lists—and which items they'll be leaving at home. From the pretty swimsuit styles they're loading up their suitcases with to the only heel trend they're deeming appropriate, keep reading to find out the vacation fashion trends that will and won't be traveling far and wide this summer.
Leaving at home: Oversize maxi dresses
Packing instead: Miniskirts and dresses
"For me, I’m taking a step back from maxi oversize dresses this summer, simply because some pieces take up a lot of packing space. Having said that, I do love oversize, floaty styles, so it’s definitely something I’ll be using in London when we have a (rare!) warm day.
"I’m loving all things mini right now—skirts and shorts, the more leg the better! Jacquemus had some amazing options from minidresses to miniskirts and bright color-pop shorts to wear underneath blazers and shirts, so these are setting the base of my summer outfits for sure. I also love pairing a swimsuit worn as a top, with longer lightweight pants and shorts. We have some gorgeous options from Nanushka, Asceno, and Haight on Mytheresa." — Tiffany Hsu, Fashion Buying Director, Mytheresa
Leaving at home: Beaded bags
Packing Instead: Woven hats
"I'm retiring those beaded/clear bags since they are heavy and not practical. Instead, I'm packing big straw hats and baseball caps that create a casual-chic look that I'm into for summer. And I don't like tanning on my face, so wearing them is a plus for me." — Débora Rosa, Influencer
Leaving at home: Impractical high heels
Packing instead: Kitten heels
"It's not really a trend, but high heels are a no for me on holiday. I love that cool laid-back style of a chunky flat with a sassy dress. And I’m loving kitten heels at the moment, so if I want to feel a little more dressed up, I’ll throw a pair of By Far sandals on. But gone are the days of trying to walk down Spanish cobbled roads in six-inch heels." — Monikh Dale, Stylist
Leaving at home: Mini bags
Packing instead: Woven totes
"I'm skipping mini bags this year, and instead I'm rotating a selection of woven and linen totes to transport everything I need to wear around the beach." — Olivia Lopez, Travel writer and Founder of Bon Weekender Studio
Leaving at home: Cutoff denim shorts
Packing instead: Sporty bike shorts
"This year, I am skipping the cutoff denim short. It’s a classic, but I am ready for more of a chic sportswear look this summer. I will wear cotton biker shorts instead, paired with oversize tees." — Jen Wonders, Influencer
Leaving at home: Plain bikinis
Packing instead: Statement suits
"In the Instagram age, vacations are a prime opportunity to snap all the content your heart desires. So this year, I'm making a point to leave my boring suits at home (though they're great for casual pool days) and I'll be loading up my suitcase with bikinis and one-pieces that feature eye-catching prints and pretty details." — Anna LaPlaca, Assistant Editor, Who What Wear
and Go Your Own Way bottoms ($79) available here.
Speaking of summer trends, these are the sunglass styles to ditch before summer (and which to reach for instead).
Anna is an editor on the fashion team at Who What Wear and has been at the company for over five years, having begun her career in the Los Angeles office before relocating to New York, where she's currently based. Having always been passionate about pursuing a career in fashion, she built up her experience interning at the likes of Michael Kors, A.L.C., and College Fashionista before joining the team as a post-graduate assistant editor. Anna has penned a number of interviews with Who What Wear's cover stars over the years, including A-listers Megan Fox, Issa Rae, and Emma Chamberlain. She's earned a reputation for scouting new and emerging brands from across the globe and championing them to our audience of millions. While fashion is her main wheelhouse, Anna led the launch of WWW Travels last year, a new lifestyle vertical that highlights all things travel through a fashion-person lens. She is passionate about shopping vintage, whether it be at a favorite local outpost or an on-the-road discovery, and has amassed a wardrobe full of unique finds. When she's not writing, you can find her shooting street imagery on her film camera, attempting to learn a fourth or fifth language, or planning her next trip across the globe.
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