Stay-cations are so 2020. If your wanderlust is bursting, you’re not alone. Safe travel is back and with it, plenty of exotic destinations are once again open. Unfortunately, the pandemic was not kind to the bank account for a lot of us. Once you’ve spent your hard earned cash on plane tickets, hotels and transportation you may not have a lot left on your vacay wardrobe.
Don’t despair, fearless fashionista! Here at SLH our editors have three great ideas, and twelve amazing pieces, for how to create a wardrobe of Insta-worthy decadence for less than you think. And the best part? You won’t have to waste precious time wandering in and out of stores to find great pieces perfect for your getaway. Everything here can be had at a click of the mouse.
So let’s get shopping!
#1 – WHY BUY WHEN YOU CAN RENT?
Think about it. You’re not buying that car or hotel you’re staying at, so why spend a fortune on expensive pieces you’ll only be wearing for a few weeks? Fashion subscription services give you access to designer fits at a fraction of the cost of purchase.
Check out our editors favorites from one of the best services out there, Rent The Runway. Collectively if you purchased all these items, you’d spend thousands of dollars. Instead, you can have them all for under $100! Bonus, the items ship in two days or less so you have plenty of time to enjoy them (or swap an item out if it’s not exactly what you wanted).
RTR, Inez Pants by Miguelina
These gorgeous lace pants are fun, flirty and just begging to be showed off at your next sunny destination. These would set you back $375 if you purchased them. Instead, they can be one of your chosen monthly picks with nothing left to do but unpack and enjoy.
RTR, Tegan Romper by Show Me Your Mumu
Have a rompin great time on your vacay with this light cotton romper. Just add sandals and a hat and you’re ready for your warm weather adventure, without the $147 price tag you’d have to shell out if you bought it.
RTR, Striped Giorgiana Dress by Staud
Be one of the ‘ladies who lunch’ in this stunning, colorful shirtdress by Staud. We’re loving the cute cutout in the front and even more, the fact that we don’t have to pay the retail of $365 to have it.
RTR, Tulum Skirt by Just BEE Queen
Our last favorite, this effortlessly chic ruched skirt by Just BEE Queen. Go lowkey drippy with a cropped tee and flats or zhush it up with an oversized sweater, bold statement jewelry and espadrilles. Don’t give that $295 price tag another thought, because once again, you’re getting this one for pennies on the dollar.
#2 – CALLING ALL CLEARANCE
Right now is a great time to hit up online retailer’s clearance racks. Why? Because while it may still be shorts weather outside, most retailers are already trying to make space on their shelves for their autumn apparel. That means they’re ready to make some great price cuts in order to move product.
Okay, you say, but why work the clearance online? Simple – You avoid getting lost in a store’s “clearance area vortex” where sizes and styles are shoved all together and it can be downright impossible to find anything without wasting a ton of time. While you should be aware that most are nonreturnable and certain sizes may be sold out, for many the chance to ‘score’ designer duds at a fraction of their original retail price is worth it…especially if you’re on a budget but still want to look great on your vacay.
Here’s some fantastic staple pieces we found at Gilt Groupe, one of the premier off-price ecommerce companies that specializes in offering top designer brands at amazing prices.
IRO, Zestful Lacy Mini Dress $29.99 (reg. $400)
This fun “throw and go” mini dress from IRO is a punch of color, perfect for sun-kissed days and warm nights.
Solid & Striped, The Tilda Bikini Top $22.99 (reg. $84) and Bottom $19.99 (reg. $84)
Whether you are heading to the beach, the lake or sitting pretty poolside, you’re going to want an amazing suit. This two piece collectively comes in at 74% off from the regular price of this combined look. That’s a lot of suntan savings.
Michael Stars, Zoe Top $35.99 (reg. $98)
Pair this easy-fitting top with white shorts for a crisp nautical look, boho it up with a floral midi, or embrace your inner french girl with black skinnies and flats. This is one piece you’re sure to get your money’s worth on, especially at this price.
Madewell, Printed Robe $39.99 (reg. $98)
Here’s your perfect swim cover up, or ideal for throwing on in case your night adventures come with a breeze. The pattern is adorable, and so is the price.
#3 – MAKE YOUR WARDROBE MULTI-TASK
Sometimes less really can be more. If your budget is stretched thin, a great strategy can be to pick quality items that can serve to span many looks. This definitely requires a bit of careful forethought. Our approach – don’t purchase a piece unless you can come up with three ways to wear it. Bonus – you’re luggage will be lighter while your pocketbook stays fat.
A New Day, Short Sleeve Cuff Shirt $8
Talk about a multi-tasker. This eight dollar tee from Target (not a misprint, it’s really only eight bucks!) is kind of a big deal…soft not scratchy, not too see-through but not too thick, easy-fitting but not shapeless and of course, the perfect neck cuff that won’t crinkle or warp after washing. The draping and silky-spun fabric elevates it to evening wear acceptability, yet it’s durable enough to be right at home with jean shorts. Honestly you could build your entire vacation wardrobe around this single piece.
Boston Proper, Beyond Travel High Neck Short Dress $79.50
There are LBDs and then there is this one. It’s ideal length hits just above the knee, making it a great beach cover up. The high neck and tailored fit is perfect for a night on the town. And because it’s made of travel-friendly wrinkle resistant fabric, it can be one of the few items you can pull straight from your luggage and it looks instantly fabulous.
adidas, Shmoofoil Utility Pants $90
A cargo pant that’s as soft as a pair of sweats? Yes please. These utility pants by adidas can take you traveling by day and then double as PJs at night. With the universal appeal of structured loungewear, these pants will take you places in comfort and style.
Socialite, Striped Cardigan $12.99 (reg. $69)
This long, soft striped cardigan is hiding a secret – it’s really three looks in one. First of course, it works as a lightweight sweater over jeans or shorts, but it also works great as a beach cover up, and with it’s loose fit it can easily become a darling wrap dress (just wrap close around the body and add a wide belt to keep it in place).
Michi, Rebel Flared Pant $92 (reg. $168)
Made of yoga pant material, these flared pants can take you in comfort from the plane ride, to hikes and (with the addition of a dressy blouse) straight to dinner. The high-waist creates a great fit and there are two side-zip pockets.
So that’s our list. We hope you found some inspiration and maybe even an item or two that will soon be part of your vacation wardrobe. Whatever your destination, we wish you safe travels and lots of fun!
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