Staycation Style: 4 Looks That Are A Virtual Vacation
Summer vacation as we used to know it is on hold. While day-trip destinations might be within reach, the return of far-flung jet-setting remains unknown. It could be easy to get stuck in staycation doldrums, but may we suggest instead: taking a virtual vacation via your summer look. That trip to Sicily or the Seoul may be canceled, but you don’t have to cancel the vibes. For inspiration, we asked four members of team TRR where their virtual wanderlust is taking them this summer, and what they’re wearing, listening to, reading and cooking to channel their desired destinations.
Noelle Sciacca, Women’s Editorial Lead
What destination are you dreaming of?
If vacation is a state of mind, then I’ve been in Puerto Rico since March.
What inspired this spot on the map?
I visited the island with my family when I was younger and traveled there with a friend last year. The Caribbean destination offers the perfect balance of relaxation and adventure. You can lie on beautiful white sand beaches with a book and a piña colada or hike through waterfalls in the El Yunque National Forest. In my experience, Puerto Ricans are very warm and welcoming to Americans, especially New Yorkers. I found myself invited to a local’s family party after only being in San Juan for twenty-four hours. I went, of course, and it made my trip!
What’s the look?
Everyday style in Puerto Rico is easy and laid back, which is great because I love to travel light. Bringing only a backpack and a carry-on however means everything I pack has to be versatile. I’d take a dress I can wear to brunch and a night out, like this one from DVF, sandals that are chic enough to wear to dinner or to the beach, a medium sized handbag that can be worn as a crossbody or a top handle style, round sunglasses for day and a silver statement ring for evening.
Chanel Round Sunglasses, Edun Bibi Mini Bag, Jil Sander Sandals
Trending on TRR: Resale value for Jil Sander sandals has risen 30% year over year.
How would you style these pieces at home?
At home, I’d layer a black leather blazer over the printed DVF dress. I’d keep the same Jil Sander sandals but add a bag, like a hobo style, that’s bigger and can tote more of my everyday essentials.
Do you have any recommendations inspired by your destination?
When I visited Puerto Rico last year, I had the yummiest brunch at Sabrina Bistro Bar. They serve poached eggs and avocado with traditional plantain mash called mofongo. I haven’t made this at home yet, but just thinking about it makes my mouth water so I’ll probably give it a try this week.
Vicarious/virtual travel has the benefit of being sustainable. Do you have any tips for traveling sustainably once we can move around again?
One of the easiest ways to travel sustainably is to avoid overpacking. Only take what you need to prevent running extra loads of laundry when you return. Even if unworn pieces are technically clean, you’ll have to get rid of that funky suitcase smell that somehow clings to clothing in the course of travel.
Here are a few tips for packing light.
-Check your destination’s weather forecast to help predict what you might need.
-Bring outfits for the top 2-3 most likely weather and situational scenarios instead of every possible one.
-Pack pieces that layer well and can be worn with multiple outfits, like a cardigan you can wear with jeans on the plane and also tie around the waist of your sundress if it gets chilly at your dinner by the water.
– Bring an eco-friendly stain remover just in case you spill an iced coffee on that hero dress you were planning to wear all week.
Dominik Halás, Master Authenticator
Photo by Helena Maniti
What destination are you dreaming of?
Instead of a single destination, I would really like to take a roadtrip across the American Southwest and tour all of the great land art works there.
What inspired this spot on the map?
The vast expanses of the West have always resonated with me, and would be an amazing experience after having spent so much time inside due to Covid. Most of the artworks on my list are free to visit and experiential works, such as Walter de Maria’s “The Lightning Field” or Nancy Holt’s “Sun Tunnels.” I’d also love to explore and photograph the Bonneville Salt Flats nearby.
What’s the look?
These pieces felt perfect for travelling through the desert. A hat is key for protecting against sunburns, and the LV bottle holder would be perfect for carrying a reusable water bottle in.
Nick Fouquet Fedora, Saint Laurent Tuxedo Shirt, Louis Vuitton Bottle Carrier
Trending on TRR: Search for Saint Laurent men’s shirts is up 22% and the resale value for LV Monogram bags has jumped 10% (or almost $150 per item) year-over-year.
How would you style it at home?
I would wear the Saint Laurent shirt without cufflinks and rolled up sleeves, probably paired with a roomy pair of Yohji Yamamoto Pour Homme pants, and maybe throw on a pair of sunglasses to finish the look.
Do you have any recommendations inspired by your destination?
“The Moon and the Melodies” by Cocteau Twins and Harold Budd, one of my favorite albums. Its ethereal and melodic mood is perfect to set the tone of my destination.
Vicarious/virtual travel has the benefit of being sustainable. Do you have any tips for traveling sustainably once we can move around again?
Pack light but smart. Reusable water bottles are key!
Rita Nakouzi, Editorial Director
Photo by Agostina Galvez, taken in Sevilla, 2017
What destination are you dreaming of?
I’m yearning to go back to Italy to visit dear friends in Sicily and we had plans to go to Morocco. Now, we’re starting to explore where in the US we’re curious to discover.
What inspired this spot on the map?
Marrakech has been on our list of destinations for a long time especially because we have dear friends that live there. But, the past few years, Marrakech has emerged as an art and cultural destination especially since the opening of the YSL Museum in 2018. We’re especially excited to take the kids.
What’s the look?
When I think of Marrakech I channel YSL — a dress I love for summer and can see myself wearing strolling through souks; a woven sandal like this one from Hermès; and this bag would be perfect as an accent of color and to carry the essentials.
Bottega Veneta Vintage Intrecciato Bag, Saint Laurent Dress, Hermès Woven Sandals
Trending on TRR: Search for Bottega Veneta Intrecciato is up 21% and resale value has grown on average $100 per item year over year.
How would you style these pieces at home?
I’m tempted to buy this tagine set and host a small Moroccan dinner at home with a few friends as we begin to open up to socializing again this summer.
Do you have any recommendations inspired by your destination?
Food-wise, I’ll be trying to make some vegetable tagine. I’ll be reading Edith Wharton’s “In Morocco” and “Yves Saint Laurent: A Moroccan Passion.”
Vicarious/virtual travel has the benefit of being sustainable. But do you have any tips for traveling sustainably once we can travel again?
Whenever I travel, I try to be sustainable. I make sure I have an empty water bottle to fill up at the airport so I’m not buying plastic bottles and packing food for the trip. I like to make sure that I’m traveling light so I only take one carry-on bag always. If staying at a hotel, I make sure to conserve towel cleanings and such. I also seek out eating and shopping locally to help sustain local economies.
Alex Tudela, Men’s Editorial Manager
What destination are you dreaming of?
I’m dreaming of an island escape.
What inspired this spot on the map?
Whether it’s Porquerolles in the South of France, Sint Maarten in the Caribbean or Block Island off the coast of New England (some of my favorite places to visit), I’m craving an isolationist paradise where I can combine my love of an indulgent loll with my taste for nature’s adventure.
What’s the look?
For a day of leisure on a beach or a boat ride around the island, a silky short-sleeved shirt with a psychedelic pattern is the right kind of foil to a tropical backdrop. If the heat gets to be too much, a nautical-inspired vintage tank top and bucket hat would do the trick. Adventure-ready accessories like canvas sneakers and a nylon hiking pack provide the perfect balance of lightweight and durable for any kind of exploration through the island’s wilderness.
Burberry Vintage Bucket Hat, Prada Graphic Shirt, Prada Tessuto Backpack
Trending on TRR: Year-over-year search for bucket hats has spiked 380% and resale value for Prada casual short sleeve shirts is up 30%.
Do you have any recommendations inspired by your destination?
Read the English translation of Georges Simenon “The Mahé Circle” and you’ll learn of the “throbbing heat as if in a belljar under the sun” and “the deafening sound of cicadas” that the narrator describes during his visit to Porquerolles. It’s more lurid than your typical summer reading fare, but still a thrilling literary escape.
