Exploring vacation style.

and how to stop buying "wear once" vacation attire.

I’m gonna cut to the chase here, we are all jonesing for our summer vacation plans right about now. We have 32 tabs open with flights, airbnb options, and recommended restaurants… and probably more than a few that are clothing and accessory related. I get it, going on vacation is a fun way to try on a different city, and in some ways, a different persona. I think we all imagine ourselves moving overseas to own a coffee shop on the coast of Spain, or wondering if we shouldn’t try our hand at running a bakery on a cobblestone street in Italy. It’s literally escapism in a safe form, we know we are going home, but, for a week or so, we maybe play around with a path not taken. And sometimes our vacation wardrobes reflect that desire explore style choices outside or normal comfort zones. Below, some thoughts.

I DEFINITELY used to buy a suitcase full of new looks before vacations. But, over the years, I realized that not only was that expensive, but often I never wore the outfits again as they didn’t really translate into my everyday life back home. Wanting a more sustainable travel capsule, as well has being able to funnel those funds directly into experiences in the trip itself, I came up with some tried and true combos and a few ideas for still feeling “vacation-y” without buying all new stuff.

1. Play around with accessories. A simple scarf is a vacation hero. With one scarf you can have a fun headscarf look, can wear it as a top, can use it as a belt, give your midsection visual interest by folding it half on the diagonal and wearing it around your waist, and of course you can wear around your neck or on your bag as a bag charm. Possibilities are endless.

2. Matching sets are your friend- (preferably linen)- With sets, you have multiple outfits in the two pieces. Wear as a full set one day, wear the bottoms with a different top, then switch out the top with a different bottom. Bonus if the top is a button down you can use as a swim cover up or over another shirt on chilly nights. (and I don’t mind the wrinkles- I think they look carefree and relaxed, as vacation should. This top and this bottom have been faves for me. (code for 20%off is AFFIL-RUTH20)

3. Make your swimwear do double duty. I love to wear a one piece swimsuit with a pair of linen shorts or a maxi skirt. My all time favorite swim brand is Left on Friday , nothing else has compared. They have hundreds of cut, color, fit combos and everyone I know who has tried them raves about the quality and fit of their suits. Honestly, they are just suits for when you don’t want to worry about your suit, ya know? I love this one piece and recently grabbed this one as well. (update: Left on Friday just issued me a code: RUTH10)

4. Bring the pieces you love. Know your core pieces at home, and learn how to incorporate those on trips. A pair of beloved wide leg pants that at home I may wear with heels or sneakers, can easily shift into vacation mode with a bikini top or a crochet tank. (also: OMG such an amazing vacation piece! but also wearable all summer long)

5. Lastly, invest in quality. If you buy a couple new “vacation pieces” make sure they are things that will last and bring you joy for years to come. Jewelry is small and packable, and a nice way to punctuate an airy outfit. Maybe a statement earring, a delicate long necklace perfect for a barely there top, or a pop of color in the form of a tennis necklace. (RUTHSTRUTHS gets you 20% off with Aurate New York).

BONUS TIP: Create a Pinterest board to set your mood for the trip, and then refer back to it when you pack. What is it you like about a specific look? Can you mimic the colors, textures or details you like about the outfit with things you already have in your closet? Also- taking mirror selfies of full outfits you pack and intend to wear can help so much while traveling, save them to a photo album and refer back each day as you pull out your clothing.

Any fun travel plans you have coming up? I’d love to hear! Also any packing hacks- I’m all ears!

Thanks for being here, x Ruth

*this post may contain affiliate links that earn a small commission for me, at no extra cost to you, thank you for supporting the brands I work with and promote, all opinions are my own