With summer vacations in full swing and more on the calendar for the months ahead, I’ve been thinking a lot about what I want to pack in my suitcase for upcoming travels. Curious to find out the coolest summer vacation shopping finds to know about this season, I enlisted the help of Who What Wear’s team of fashion editors and asked them to give me a preview of the pieces they’re planning to wear once they’re out of office.
Swimwear is on the menu with everything from pearl-adored one-pieces to glittering color-blocked bikinis. Accessories are also in high-demand with picks including rainbow crochet bucket hats, woven tote bags, designer sunglasses, and the latest take on the summer It-shoe. Ahead, see the 24 pieces our editors can’t stop thinking about this summer and deserve a spot on a stylish vacation, starting with my personal selects.
I love the idea of wearing pieces that coordinate with swimwear, like this lace skirt and matching bikini from Sara Cristina. Shop the matching Bikini Top and Bikini Briefs ($120).
I want to wear all things strapless right now.
Once summer hits, I live in strappy sandals and I’m currently eyeing this pair from A. Emery.
“A crochet dress is practically made for vacations and this one from Reformation with its beautiful open back is easy to wear day or night.”
“I always like to add a fun and fresh piece of jewelry that screams “summer” while on vacation. This craftsy pearl and bead necklace is perfect—ideal for pairing with a tank top or simple dress.”
“If I’m going to splurge on a statement swimsuit it will be this beautiful textured one piece from Maygel Coronel. The color is stunning but it’s the exquisite pearl straps that make it so unique. Expect plenty of compliments in this one.”
“My love for colored button-downs is strong, and they remain as my number one pick for easy vacation looks.”
“I love tote bags but I bought this woven version from Zara for vacation and haven’t been able to stop wearing it. It has all the versatility of a tote bag but has that trendy summer touch that makes it stand out.”
“This loud dress may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m certainly obsessed. I’d love to pair this with a sleek black tank dress for my next vacation, which I haven’t planned yet but am ready to now.”
“I swear, practically every fashion person I know who’s already gone on vacation this summer has brought along this sheer, knee-length COS skirt. It’s perfect with a bikini or paired with a white tank and heeled sandals.”
“Heading on vacation means packing items that both fit in your suitcase easily and pack a lot of punch sartorially. This tube-style LBD checks off both boxes. Make it even more resort-ready by adding a beaded, string belt and some strappy sandals.”
“I’m usually more of the simple, classic bikini type, but something about this color-blocked string style from Oséree has me changing my ways.”
“It doesn’t get more fun than a crochet bucket hat—and it’s on sale. I don’t have a fun vacation planned right now but I think I need it anyway.”
“I’m obsessed with these and I’d pack them for any and every type of vacation because I’d take any excuse to wear them.”
“Whenever I’m going on a summer vacation, one of the first places I shop is Reformation. I think this dress explains why.”
“These shorts just scream vacation to me!”
“The colors here are absolutely sunning together. Obsessed.”
“These espadrilles feel fresh this season with the T-strap. Picture them with your one-piece swimsuit and cut-off shorts.”
“This is the type of dress I would wear to dinner on a vacation. I’m a big fan of the brand Cult Gaia and turn to them frequently when looking for great vacation looks, this dress definitely grabbed my attention. I would style this dress with strappy sandals, a statement mini bag, and gold jewelry.”
“One of my super stylish friends had this hat on one day when we went to Central Park and I fell in love with it and had to get it myself. I’m what you might call a “hat person”, I love a good hat and have collected several over the years and this summer I am all about straw sun hats. This is the perfect accessory for lounging by the pool with a book or a day at the beach.”
“I’m a huge believer in wearing sunscreen year round but especially when you know you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside in the sun and I have tried countless brands of face sunscreen / face SPF moisturizers and I have to say the Summer Fridays ShadeDrops broad Spectrum SPF Mineral Milk Sunscreen is by far the best one I’ve tried yet. The formula is very milky and lightweight so it blends into your skin really well and doesn’t leave streaky, white, sunscreen marks. I wear SPF under my makeup everyday and I love how this one just sinks into my skin and is extremely unnoticeable, this sunscreen is definitely coming with me on all of my upcoming summer travel plans.”
“Flatform sandals aren’t just the shoe trend of the summer, they also happen to be perfect vacation sandals since they’re extra walkable.”
“I hate buying clothes that I’ll only wear on vacation, so I’m always on the hunt for cool pieces that can work both for a getaway and that will have longevity in my closet. This chic set definitely does both.”
“This delicate slip dress gives me major ‘summer in southern Italy’ energy.”
