We may not be regular jet-setters or packing our bags for a vacation in Saint Tropez, but that doesn’t have to stop us from incorporating the effortless and inherently versatile flow of resort wear fashion into our everyday outfits.

Resort wear has come a long way since matching Hawaiian shirts for couples and rainbow hibiscus flowers scattering our vacation threads. Now seen across the globe on any given day, resort wear fashion doesn’t have to stereotypically represent sought after beach vacations.

Characterized as “nautical,” resort wear can also be called “cruisewear.” Designed with the affluent touch of sailing of the shores of Capri or jet setting to the Caribbean, this lively trend has graced the runways of New York, Paris and Milan inspired by the faraway coastal islands and exotic escapes of our dreams.

Easy, breezy

Resort Wear: Kate Spade purse from Nordstrom Graciously welcomed into our wardrobes, resort wear 2012 incorporates influences of this spring’s lively mixed prints, color blocking, shades of neon and pastel and vivacious bold art-deco-inspired graphics. Materials typically range from no-fuss light cottons, poplin and silk, to microfiber and straw accessories.

No longer just reserved for the sunny beach get-away, resort wear has Resort Wear: Pleated Dress from Les Nouvelles held onto its easy maintenance requirements — which can partly explain why this trend is loved year-round. Typically designed for being stuffed away in suitcases, resort wear is by nature light, breathable, easy to pack and clean with little to no ironing necessary.

For the ladies

Women’s resort wear fashion can range from playful loose skirts and tops, to full-length evening dresses with room to breathe — perfect for that hot, Resort Wear: Bugatchi Uomo Shirt from Nordstrom Arizona summer creeping up on us. Additionally, accessories are often brightly animated with large hats, sunglasses and open-toe heals or strappy sandals. To go along with this casual trend, loose hairstyles like messy curls are perfect for both day and night.

Men’s resort wear

Men’s resort wear fashion incorporates fun colored short and pants with boat shoes and a light dinner jacket for the evening. For a dose of St. Moritz style, light white trousers, a striped Resort Wear: Sperry Top-Siderscollard shirt and rubber-soled loafers complete a resort wear-inspired men’s outfit.

With unique looks designed for function, brands such as J. Crew, Banana Republic and Tommy Bahama have pioneered this bold trend. More recently, other leading designers such as Chanel, Michael Kors, Anna Sui, Prada and Oscar de la Renta have been hot on the pursuit of stylish resort wear fashion.

For more resort wear fashion, shop locally at:

Lindsay Lou

6107 N. Scottsdale Rd., #C-14
(480) 443-2522
lindsaylou.com

Michka Unique Trends

8787 N. Scottsdale Rd., #144
(480) 607-0032
michkatrends.com