How to look good on your holiday

The ultimate guide to dressing up on your trip, be it a beach getaway or a week spent glamping outdoors

It’s summer, you’ve got your leaves sorted at work and you’ve made all your bookings. Congratulations, you are finally going for that much needed break, whether you are spending your sunny days lounging on the beach or walking leisurely around the city. Whether you’re going with your partner, with friends or on your own, we’ve here to make your packing easier for you, while making sure that you look fabulous without even trying. Here’s our guide to looking chic and stylish on your holiday.

If you’re going on a beach holiday

If your Instagram feed is going to be filled with pictures of the blue waters of Santorini or the Amalfi Coast, swimwear has to be on top of your checklist to pack. We admit that finding the right swimwear in India can be a bit tricky, especially the ones that are meant for Indian bodies. But there are a few homegrown, sustainable brands that can help you stand out in the crowd of fast-fashion-sourced swimwear. Verandah’s conscious luxury resortwear is made with sustainable fabrics that reduce the carbon footprint while making you look beach-ready in their colourful, printed swimwear. IZSI’s collection of printed off-shoulder and halter bikini tops will make you say goodbye to the boring solid bikinis that occupy your closet.

While throwing on your partner’s oversized shirt over your itsy bitsy bikini is nonchalantly cool, what will elevate your look are flowy kaftans. Shivan & Narresh’s asymmetrical, printed, ruched kaftans are great for date nights out, while Nadi Nadi’s geometrically engineered lace kaftans are ideal to throw over a swimsuit while sunbathing for that golden tan. Payal Singhal’s tasseled silk-mulmul kaftans can be worn for brunches and dinner dates alike.

If you’re doing a city vacation

Get you Pinterest boards ready if a holiday in a vibrant city is on the cards for you. Forget packing light, for your inner Sex and The City character needs to come out and play. Think ‘hero outfits’ in the form of printed and brightly coloured sundresses from Summer Somewhere (a personal favourite of Alia Bhatt) or skater mini dresses from Guapa (hello, Emily Cooper).

Your shoes are going to be a significant part of your trip, especially if you’re going to be walking around a lot. Your trusted white Stan Smiths and Chuck Taylors will go with most of your outfits. A pair of ankle-length boots are a blessing if there is a sudden downpour of rain (damn you, UK weather!). Besides these, carry a pair of heels with you. Okay, hear us out! Don’t pack a pair of crazy 11-inch stilettos, instead, pack footwear with smaller heels, such as blocked-heeled or kitten-heeled mules from Oceedee, which will prove handy if you end up going to a fancy place for dinner.

If you’re going on an adventure

Sometimes you have to go out of your comfort zone and explore the beauty of nature, as long as there’s glamping involved. The bright side is that at least you’ll get the natural golden-hour light to post a filter-less selfie on your social media feed. Ochre Athletica’s sustainable and earthy-toned leggings and sports bra sets will blend perfectly with the natural surroundings. CAVA Athleisure’s fashionable activewear will make sure that you have one foot in nature and another in fashion. Those tie-dye sweatshirts you hoarded a few seasons ago will up your glam quotient when paired with your neutral coloured activewear.

Your shoes are going to be your best friend on this trip, so leave your Nikes and Adidas behind and bring the sturdy and waterproof ones, meant for the exact activity you’re going to be doing. Otherwise you’ll end up nursing your swollen feet for the rest of your trip. You can also add a little pop of colour with Paul Smith’s mushroom-printed socks or a mismatched set from Off-White.

If you’re taking a staycation

A weekend getaway with your beau or family to that remote villa calls for outfits easy to wear and look chic as hell. Enter co-ord sets. Malai's bold printed co-ord sets are functional and versatile, Lovebirds’ checkmate co-ord set will make you the most stylish person in the room, while Happi Space’s three-piece printed set makes for the perfect outfit to flaunt with your girlfriends.

While a suitcase could be too big to carry for a staycation, they are the perfect occasion to bring out your Louis Vuitton tote bags or Nappa Dori duffle bags for a weekend. Accessorize your sets with Misho’s textured hoops or stack your neck with medallion necklaces from Nalin Studios.

Also Read: Why co-ord sets are here to stay

Also Read: 7 sustainable swimwear brands you can find in India

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