When it comes to packing for vacation, it takes approximately 14 minutes (or the time you have before your Uber arrives to bring you to the airport) to sweep the pile of clothes on your bedroom floor into your bag. Then, it takes approximately three months to unpack. As each trip approaches, you find yourself thinking, This trip I'm actually going to put together a carefully considered selection of versatile, stylish pieces and be the best dressed on the beach. I can and will look as polished as Kim Kardashian on her family getaway. But hours before you're meant to take off, you're still rummaging for a sorry-looking bikini and the same crumpled kaftans that come with you every year. Next summer, right?
We know that scenario all too well. That's why we've put together a list of the brands guaranteed to spruce up your holiday wardrobe so you don't have to scramble around last minute again. Say goodbye to old swimwear, boring summer dresses, and battered sandals, and say hello to a few effortlessly elegant, easy pieces that will revitalize your getaway looks for a beach or city break. Whether it's a printed shirt to pair with your favorite cutoffs, a billowing blouse, or a printed dress, you'll find it ahead. These are the labels to know before jetting off this summer.
Dodo Bar Or
Israeli actress-turned-fashion designer Dorit "Dodo" Bar Or debuted her eponymous brand in 2009 with a shop in Tel Aviv. This year (much to our delight), Dodo Bar Or finally launched worldwide at retailers like MatchesFashion and Net-A-Porter, allowing fans of the label across the globe to add its hand-embroidered garments to their summer wardrobes. Inspired by the keffiyeh scarf, Bar Or offers pretty printed kaftans, skirts, and shirts begging for compliments.
Photo: Courtesy of Dodo Bar Or.
Réalisation Par
By now, you probably know that we (and Alexa Chung) have a serious thing for Réalistation Par. Founded by Aussie model and blogger Alexandra Spencer and designer Teale Talbot last summer, in less than a year the brand has become the cool girl's go-to for wardrobe staples.
Unlike most labels, Réalisation Par doesn’t operate in seasonal collections. Instead, it focuses on offering pieces the duo felt were missing from their own closets, and putting them into ours. If you like Chung's style (And who doesn't?), then you'll love this.
Photo: Courtesy of Réalisation Par.
Solid & Striped
Central Saint Martins graduate Isaac Ross launched Solid & Striped just three years ago in New York City, but it's already made serious waves; the brand's collaborated with the likes of Poppy Delevingne and Hilary Rhoda, and it's signature striped one-pieces were all the rage at Taylor Swift's Fourth of July bash. Sure, those metallic, cutout, high-waisted thong bathing suits might look cool in heavily edited pictures on the 'gram, but Solid & Striped is the real deal when it comes to elegant, comfortable, and flattering swimwear.
Photo via @solidandstriped.
Rarely
Now that you've got your printed kaftans and Hadid-approved swimsuits covered, don't let your travel look fall by the wayside. Rarely is the new, cool-girl destination for graphic tees, joggers, cute full-back undies, and dad hats that are ideal for long flights and car rides; you know, when you want to be super-comfy, but still put-together enough for all those snapchats you're bound to take. Oh, and did we mentioned everything is under $100?
Photo: Courtesy of Rarely.
Asceno
If you're in the market for some luxury loungewear and swim pieces, Asceno has your name written all over it. The premium casual clothing label, conceived by Poppy Sexton-Wainwright and Lauren Skerritt, offers a modern twist on classic shirts, pajama sets (that can also be worn on the beach/to dinner/to the office/you name it), slips, camisoles, sleep shirts, and so much more.
Photo via @ascenolondon.
Pampelone
Pampelone clothing was started by former fashion publicist Holly Anna Scarsella, who was inspired by her frequent family holidays to Saint-Tropez. The entire collection is made from the highest quality cotton and is ethically produced in India, which is a double-win in our book. Get instant Riviera chic with off-the-shoulder blouses, floaty tunics, and knotted dresses. Put it together with frayed jeans, suede shoes, and a raffia bag, and you can consider your vacation look complete.
Photo: Courtesy of Pampelone.
Innika
Former stylist Innika Choo knows a thing about island life: She calls tropical paradise Bali home, after all. So it's no surprise her namesake line is the ideal collection of embroidered smock blouses and low-heeled sandals that make long walks on the beach a breeze. We're particularly fond of this black gingham tunic, which is one of those pieces we'll be wearing well into September.
Photo via @innika.
Lemlem
Ethiopian supermodel, mother, and activist Liya Kebede founded Lemlem in 2007 after a trip to her native country, where she recognized a need to preserve the almost defunct traditional craft while simultaneously creating job opportunities for local artisans. The brand quickly took off and has recently expanded beyond hand-woven pieces, while still maintaining production in Africa. Now stocked at MatchesFashion and Net-A-Porter, Lemlem offers cotton scarves, women's clothing in silk and jersey, and children's dresses.
Photo via @lemlemnyc.Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
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