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I’ve got my mind on the sun and the sun on my mind. I’m fortunate that I get to escape the snow and frigid midwest temps not once, but twice this winter! I know it’s not an option for everyone, but I’m a big believer that trading your snowy climate for palm trees and beaches is a type of therapy. Too bad we can’t bill that to insurance…
This first upcoming trip to Florida is a kid-free “mom and dad” trip and I wanted to find some new fun pieces that would not only allow me to get some sun on my skin, but that would make me feel confident as 2022 was a big year with major abdominal surgery.
Now, I’m post-surgery, back to my fitness routine, and physically, feeling the best I ever have! (Emotionally, I’m an egg just one small movement away from cracking. Hello, house stress. But that’s another story.)
I ordered from a few new-to-me brands to find some fun vacation pieces and though try ons aren’t something that I do normally, I thought it’d be helpful to show what I found since I know many of you midwesterners are planning an escape as well (even if it’s just a mental one).
1. Black Linen Dress With Strappy Open Back
Starting with this little black number. Have you heard of Few Moda before? I got a targeted ad on Instagram and I was intrigued. They have clothes that look like Reformation, Faithfull The Brand, and Cult Gaia for less than half the cost.
So, what’s the catch? Well, if you’ve been eyeing this place as well, the brand checks out. There really is no catch, besides you have to purchase a membership ($39 quarterly) to shop here. They are able to keep their prices low because the membership is how they make their money.
The concept is similar to Italic (posted about them here). You’ll find clothes made at the same factory as higher ends brands, just without the markup and logo.
I did end up canceling my membership after I purchased several pieces because I didn’t need anything else, but I loved the clothing styles and was pleased with the quality, especially this summer dress.
The linen cotton blend is comfortable and it’s the perfect thing to throw on with anything from sandals to espadrilles. The sides are cut a little low and the back is open and strappy, so maybe not as versatile as a “wear anytime and anywhere” summer LBD, but great for vacations!
2. White Linen High-Waisted Pants
Another new to me brand I ordered from is Sabo. Sabo is an Australian-based brand whose aesthetic reminds me of a Gen Z summer. So though I wouldn’t wear most of what they carry, I did find a few chicer options. Plus, it’s hard to find new summer clothes in the middle of winter so you’ve got to look at the warmer continents!
And speaking of chic options, look at these pants. The linen blend makes these really comfortable, plus they are lined, which is a big bonus. I like that they come with a working belt and the tightness can be adjusted.
These pants could easily go from pool to dinner. You could wear them casually like I have pictured, or throw on a pretty blouse and strappy sandals for a night out.
Okay, so Amazon is not a new-to-be brand, but this style is. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve worn a fitted dress like this. And this piece caught my eye because it looks like it could be from one of my favorite Australian Brands, Dissh, but for a fraction of the price.
Thanks to the sweater ribbed material, this dress is very comfortable. And though it’s simple, the front ribbed detail elevates it just enough.
Keep in mind you may have to do some slight tugging to keep this one in place, as is usually the way for strapless dresses. If that bothers you, you may want to pass.
But for under $30, it’s an affordable and comfortable option that also feels more expensive than it is. You could wear this dress as is or even layer a white button-down over it. It would look cute with slides or strappy sandals.
A twist on your LWD, the button detailing and puff sleeves turn this white dress into a fun and flirty vacation number.
It’s 100% cotton and overall good quality, but due to the shorter length, cut-outs, and open back, there’s a little less freedom about where and when you could wear this.
Related: 4 Go-To Classic Summer Outfit Formulas Modeled On Two Different Body Types
This dress leans formal, but it’s a simple yet chic option that could be dressed up or down. The fabric feels nice and not cheap and though the silhouette is fun, there are some issues with the straps falling down easily, just so you know.
If the straps were a little better, it would be an even better dress, but it’s stylish and would be pretty to wear out to dinner with espadrilles or block sandals.
6. White Romper
This romper/playsuit doesn’t photograph that well- it looks better in person. Yes, it’s loose, oversized, and a little shapeless, but it’s balanced out by showing some leg. I think it’s a great style!
It’s roomy and comfortable. Something like this could be worn wear casually with sneakers for sightseeing, sandals for going out to lunch, or even as a swimsuit coverup and for lounging around the resort.
Summer chic meets edgy with this dress. Due to the cutouts, you have to be careful not to move a certain way to expose er, certain things. Because of the lack of mobility, I’m not entirely sure I can recommend this dress.
But something like this is best worn to dinner or when you plan on sitting down a lot, probably not the best dress for out and about.
Here’s an option (or idea to recreate) for a dinner on the beach or night out look. This dress is very pretty and looks similar to things I’ve seen that are hundreds of dollars, certainly not under $50!
Dress this one up with espadrilles, block heels, or strappy sandals for a beautiful night-out look. And because of the velvet bow, you could potentially even wear this one around the holidays, with tights, closed toe-shoes, statement earrings, and a fabulous coat.
9. Backless White Puff Sleeve Dress
Classy in the front. Party in the back. The comfy 100% cotton material combined with the puff sleeves make this a cute and flirty option.
On my dress, the elastic was not tight enough to stay very long on my shoulders. It could be worn off the shoulder, but that is pretty revealing from the side, though other reviewers said they loved this piece.
So it may be a hit or miss, but this style would be cute paired with slides, sandals, or strappy block heels.
When we return, I’ll post these outfits again in the setting they deserve to be in: palm trees and sandy beaches.
Statement pieces for a vacation can be fun, but if you’d rather buy just a few things instead to wear over and over again, then check out A Minimalistic and Chic Tropical Vacation Capsule Wardrobe!
