How to pull together a last-minute vacation closet

How to pull together a last-minute vacation closet

After spending half the year almost exclusively at home, vacation dressing may not have crossed your mind until now. Don’t fall into the trap of panic-buying pieces you’ll never wear again; create the perfect vacation capsule and it will serve you for years to come – and for all manner of adventures. MEGAN LOGUE talks us through the eight key pieces you need on your packing list

Few pieces can inspire the same sense of joy and wanderlust as a beautifully crafted summer dress. This season, designers have outdone themselves, debuting elegant dresses that range from minimal to exuberant. British brand Tove has quickly acquired a cult following, thanks to its enchanting yet wearable pieces. The label’s cobalt summer dress, for example, is no exception: its vivid hue will pop against sun-kissed skin. Finish the look with a liberal helping of gold jewelry. Elsewhere, LA-based label Dôen has become the go-to for romantic florals; its button-down mini dress is a summer staple you’ll reach for time and time again.

Over the past few seasons, the humble basket bag has made the transition from beach carry-all to bona-fide closet staple. Its year-round appeal is no doubt down to its versatility and ability to fit all our daily essentials – and then some. While you may wish to carefully pack your basket bag, you could save essential suitcase space by using it as a chic carry-on as well as your go-to beach bag. Whether you’re drawn to Dragon Diffusion’s woven leather designs or Yuzefi’s super-sized fringed basket, load yours up with a towel, SPF and some great summer reads for a blissful day at the beach.

You’d be hard-pressed to think of a more quintessential summer piece than a pair of shorts. Denim cut-offs are highly prized for their infinite versatility, and Grlfrnd’s bleached designs look great layered over swimwear or paired with bohemian blouses. Longer styles have also soared in popularity of late: Frame’s knee-length shorts boast enviable leg-lengthening properties. Alternatively, linen styles are both practical and polished – perfect for sun-dappled days spent exploring seaside towns.

An undisputed essential, whether you’re headed to the beach or planning an impromptu city break, streamlined leather sandals provide the perfect finishing touch to myriad vacation looks. Minimalists will love St Agni’s luxe flip flops, while Ancient Greek Sandals’ classic gladiator sandals, complete with colorful beading, strike the balance between subtle and statement, making them a fail-safe choice for those who want to add a playful touch to their getaway closet.

Whether your ideal vacation is action-packed or about total relaxation, flattering swimwear should always be at the top of your packing list. Case in point: Zimmermann’s floral one-piece. Not only does a wrap style offer extra support, it also cinches the waist, creating a subtle hourglass silhouette. Meanwhile, Australian label Peony offers classic styles with impeccable eco-credentials – the brand’s yellow ditsy-print bikini is made from fully recycled materials.

Chic accessories will maximize a lightly packed suitcase and are an effortless way to put a new spin on your summer staples. Let a straw hat by master milliner Eugenia Kim elevate a linen dress, or Éliou’s roughly hewn turquoise and pearl necklace put a bohemian slant on a crisp white shirt. Vacations are a time to indulge in sartorial experimentation, so don’t be afraid to layer on an assortment of accessories. Of course, sunglasses are non-negotiable for any summer getaway, and Givenchy’s understated frames are top of our wish list this season.

As a one-and-done piece that will ensure you can make the most of every minute on vacation, a chic cover-up is a pool- and beach-side necessity. Founded by model-turned-designer Liya Kebede, LemLem uses traditional Ethiopian weaving techniques to create decidedly modern pieces. The brand’s striped kaftan can be thrown on over a bikini for an instant outfit, or styled with barely-there sandals and statement earrings for a laid-back evening look. Similarly versatile, Savannah Morrow The Label’s fringed design can be worn as a sarong or paired with a coordinating crop top for a chic daytime look. Take note: versatility is key when it comes to packing light.

Since launching back in 2012, Indonesian-based label Faithfull The Brand has become the final word in summer dressing thanks to its joyful, subtly vintage-inspired aesthetic – and its wide-leg linen pants cast in soft peach make a welcome addition to any suitcase. Layer them over a printed one-piece and finish with rainbow jewels for an effortless day-to-night look. If your style tends to be more minimal, pair Miguelina’s khaki pants with a simple white tank for a timeless outfit that works just as well for city breaks as it does on the beach.

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