The shoes that will assist you in your sightseeing pursuits. The pieces that can be styled for every event on your calendar. The bags that pay homage to fashionistas that have come and gone. The swimsuit style that creates multiple outfits.
Here are eight essential luxury items to add to your summer vacation wardrobe.
A Dad Sneaker
This summer, say goodbye to your delicate sneakers and replace them with the chunky shoe of the season – the “Dad Sneaker.” A fashion-girl favorite, the Balenciaga Track Sneakers are as fresh as they are comfortable with their round toes, structured design, and chunky rubber soles.
Perfect with everything you are already planning on packing in your suitcase, this style of sneaker can be worn just as easily with your laying-by-the-pool looks as with your going-out-to-somewhere-fancy ensembles.
Alternatively, consider the Balenciaga Speed Sock Sneakers which are slightly more polished than the Track Sneakers. These are at their best when worn with jeans and a vintage T-shirt or a feminine midi dress and bucket hat. If you are looking to make a fashion statement while being able to walk around your holiday destination, then these sneakers are the perfect addition to your luxury shoe collection.
A Pouch Bag
Under Daniel Lee’s new direction, the Italian-house Bottega Veneta has had a complete overhaul – transforming itself into the brand for women who want pieces that are elevated yet minimal, with an unexpected twist. No matter where you shop for your luxury items, you are going to quickly see that Bottega Veneta is paving a new path for a more grown-up, polished way of dressing. While a pair of their square-toe mules is tough to come by, it is their pouch bag that has stolen the show.
Offered in a wide array of colors and textures, the pouch bag is a contemporary cult fashion item, seen on the arms of stylish women such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Pernille Teisbaek. If you manage to get a chance to purchase one (join the waiting list now!), consider getting it in Intrecciato Nappa for a versatile summer option or The Pouch 20 in black for a bag that can be utilized all year round.
A White Linen Dress
Nothing screams “I AM READY FOR YOU, SUMMER VACATION!” more than an utterly ripe white linen dress (WLD). Whether you are jetting off to the other side of the world or are choosing to stay in your home locale (perhaps indulge in a staycation?!), there is nothing that is going to feel as easy-breezy as your trusty WLD.
Remember, because it is summer, don’t worry too much about the creases; those will only add to the charm of the fabric and shows that you are too busy having fun and making the most of the longer days to be standing over an ironing board.
Style a white linen shift dress with timeless brown leather sandals and a matching purse for a refreshing summer outfit you can wear year after year. If you opt for a more formal white linen dress, then pair it with black open toe heels for a clean outfit that can be worn to a cocktail party or a formal event.
Alternatively, a white short sleeve maxi linen dress can solve all your “I don’t know what to wear” problems, as its casual and laid-back silhouette pairs elegantly with any color of ballet flats.
Last but not least, a sleeveless white midi linen dress is ideal for a more unisex look and can be worn as both a summer and transitional piece, depending on the style of shoe (sandals for summer, suede pointed toe ankle boots for fall).
A Low-Heel Sandal
When Sienna Miller is spotted wearing low-heel sandals, you know it is time to hop on the bandwagon. Earlier this summer, the star wore her Gucci Metallic Leather Mid-Heel Sandals while on a press tour, and they packed a punch when paired with her metallic pleated midi dress.
While making the rounds, Miller also wore low-heeled wedges from Staud with another beautiful dress, although she prefers to opt for block-heeled strappy sandals when strolling around the city.
When it comes to luxury options for this style of shoe, consider the Balenciaga Structured Low Heel Sandal, which are avant-garde enough to elevate the most relaxed of outfits. Other options include the Stuart Weitzman Patent Textured-Leather Sandals, the ATP Atelier Nashi 50 Black Leather Sandals, the Uterqüe Strappy Printed Sandals, and the By Far Virgo Cutout Suede Mules.
A Silk Midi Slip Skirt
A style of skirt that can be worn no matter the occasion, a silk midi skirt is an essential part of any stylish woman’s wardrobe. For the days when it is too sweltering to wear your high-waisted jeans and utility-trend jumpsuits, your silk midi slip skirt will be there for you.
Take a cue from the stylish girls of Instagram and pair yours with a vintage tee and sandals and a trendy accessory (such as a bucket hat or hair clips) to ensure you are looking summer 2019-ready.
Some of the chicest options on the market include the L’Autre Chose Floral Slip Skirt, the Joseph Slip Skirt, and the Anine Bing Bar Leo Slip Skirt – not to mention the elegant cuts put forward by The Row and the new brand Refine Mood.
Look for hemlines that end between the top of your calf and ankle; otherwise, a longer length may swamp your body. And, the perfect shoes to pair with the look? Your low-heeled, pointed-toe mules.
A Basket Bag
You can thank the eternally stylish Parisian ladies for bringing basket bags to the level of “wardrobe essential.” A summer staple for several decades now, you don’t ever have to worry about this piece going out of style. After all, Audrey Hepburn and Jane Birkin were big fans of the straw and raffia pieces.
The Loewe Medium Woven Basket Bag is the ultimate luxury style. The Madrid-based brand’s basket bag features top handles, a woven design, and a chic embossed logo and is described by the designer as ”forward and free.” Other options include Chloé’s Panier Basket Bag, Aranáz’s Patterned Wicket Basket Bag, and Mehry Mu’s Basket Shoulder Bag – no matter which one you choose, a dazzling European lifestyle is entirely voluntary.
Many of the basket bags have beautiful and intricate patterns that make them truly unique, while their versatility ensures that you can style them in a way that communicates your individual style.
Whether you are embracing this summer’s trends of tie-dye, bucket hats, and biker shorts, or prefer to keep things classic with summer wrap dresses and red lipstick, you can be assured that there is a basket bag out there for you.
A Simple Swimsuit
While swimsuit trends come and go faster than you can dive into your hotel’s pool, there is something far more luxurious about a simple swimsuit that goes with everything and has you feeling your best – no matter where in the world you are chasing the sun.
Made in Italy, Reina Olga’s swimsuits feature a round neck, open back, and stretch fit and come in a range of classic colors such as black, leopard print, and bubblegum pink. Solid & Striped routinely have some of the most sought-after designs on the market, while Zimmerman’s new line is a dream for those who crave a blend of resort and ready-to-wear and like their swim to maintain some feminine romance.
Plus, investing in a simple swimsuit can provide you with an array of potential ensembles as it can be worn as part of a summer outfit. Wear it as a bodysuit with wide-legged bottoms, vibrant mules, and eye-catching accessories, or with a mini skirt in a complementary hue, transparent sandals, and a basket bag. For the ultimate holiday chic look, team the swimsuit with super-high-waisted Bermuda shorts, sneakers, and gold hoops.
A Puff-Sleeve Blouse
A puff-sleeve blouse is ideal for both chill weekends and more dressed-up nighttime occasions. This summer, lovely prairie-style puff-sleeve shirts with lace-up embellishments and square necklines have been spotted on fashionistas in every corner of the globe. Simone Rocha has some of the most classic options, while brands such as Cecilie Bahnsen, Goen. J, and Veronica Beard have their own contemporary takes on the style.
Joined by your favorite white denim shorts, these puff-sleeve blouses are ideal for warmer weather. Layer it over your simple swimsuit and accessorize with a basket bag, coordinate it with your midi satin slip skirt and low-heeled sandals, or let it take the backseat to a funky pair of vintage pants. You know your wardrobe better than anyone, so allow yourself to get creative when it comes to styling. In other words, you do you!
What are your favorite luxury items on the market at the moment? Which styles are you considering adding to your summer vacation wardrobe? Let us know your purchasing ideas and any styling advice you have in the comments below!