By Alana Peden
BEFORE YOU GLOW
You spend three (maybe even six) months planning your itinerary, anticipating the moment work becomes a distant memory and your sweet, sweet summer trip begins. With every scroll through your destination's Location feed on Instagram, you picture yourself already installed in your exotic locale, reveling in your absolute freedom. But below your toothy grin, the mental rendering becomes hazy: You know you're wearing something fabulous that screams I'M ON A BOAT, but you're not sure exactly what that entails. While mapping out every last hot spot you want to hit up, it hits you: How should I accessorize for a pool-turned-club in Miami? What flowy dress will complete my Grecian grams to perfection? And where does one procure glow-in-the-dark paint for the Full Moon party?
As always, Elite Daily is coming in hot for you. We designed five vacation outfit ideas for 2018 that will pack — and Instagram — like a traveler's dream. We're talking getups that help you feel both like a local and stand out, simultaneously. Inspired by some of the hottest millennial travel destinations across the globe, these looks are so memorable, you'll be transported back again every time you wear 'em.
MYKONOS, GREECE
One of Greece's pristine islands, Mykonos, is known to host a plate-smashing party or two. This Sundress Alena Dress ($147; shopbop.com) is a show-stopping number that won't trip you up when you attempt complicated dance moves. Pair it with festive but walking-friendly wedges, like these Free People Carina Espadrille Wedges in Blue ($130; freepeople.com). And after shielding your face from sun rays in the most chic manner, roll up your Hat Attack Roll Up Travel Visor ($80; hatattack.com) to take up minimal space in your suitcase.
Model Tina Kolokathis is 1,000 percent Greek, and the pom-pom number agreed with her. "This outfit seriously captured the spirit of Greece and I loved it! The white and blue theme made me feel like I was strolling on the beach in Mykonos."
Complete the look: Burberry Round Frame Sunglasses ($260; burberry.com) | Kendra Scott Elton Gold Cuff Bracelet in Aqua Howlite ($55; kendrascott.com) | Baublebar Lira Lucite Drop Earrings ($36; baublebar.com) | Miranda Frye Presley Diamond Stacking Rings ($58; mirandafrye.com) | Buji Baja Small Wicker Basket ($104; hatattack.com)
AMSTERDAM, THE NETHERLANDS
Out of all European cities, a 2017 study by Nestpick crowned Amsterdam to the best city for millennial travel. Now I'm not one to pick favorites, but between its minimalist fashion scene and opportunities to see Rembrandt paintings and Red Light District shows alike, Amsterdam is what you would classify as v cool. Sleek black pieces, like I.AM.GIA Cobain Overalls ($136; iamgia.com) and this Norma Kamali Side Stripe Turtle Poncho ($245; normakamali.com), ensure you match the pared-down vibe. Throw on tiny sunnies like these Vintage Honey Hexagonal Sunglasses in Dark Grey ($20; urbanoutfitters.com) and a Herschel Supply Co. Lake Bucket Hat in Check/Surf ($40; herschel.com), and then all you need is attitude.
"My everyday style is kinda — not really — edgy. I wear overalls, or chunky white sneakers, or a cropped sweatshirt paired with something else more subtle," says avid traveler/model Danielle Colin-Thome. "But the Amsterdam look combines all those things in such an extra, bold way. I felt like a cool teenager with a massive following on Instagram in it!"
Complete the look: Daniel Patrick Sleeveless Mock Turtleneck ($120; danielpatrick.us) | FILA Disruptor 2 Premium Mono Sneaker ($70; urbanoutfitters.com) | Adidas Jardim Agharta Mini Backpack ($60; urbanoutfitters.com) | Herschel Supply Co. Lake Bucket Hat in Natural Faded Denim ($40; herschel.com) | Rainbow Quilted Faux Patent Leather Fanny Pack ($9; rainbowshops.com)
BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA
Prepare for long days and even longer nights at this South American destinación, where dinner routinely begins around 10 p.m. Salsa dancing, street meat, and $2 wine are possible until the sun comes up, so reach for breezy separates that will help you stay cool and look hot. A playful top like this Eloquii Bow Front Wrap Top ($70; eloquii.com) paired with Universal Thread Plus Size Straight Jeans in Red ($30; target.com) will definitely pop against the colorful backdrops of BA. Change into an Eloquii Printed A-Line Skirt ($90; eloquii.com) when it's time to dance, and you'll be the best-dressed in your entire hostel.
According to model/rockstar Hannah Caldwell, "this outfit is a little more ~funky~ than what I might normally wear, but I was surprisingly comfortably and confident in it. It definitely helped me get in a vacation mode. I would 100 percent wear it on a warm-weather excursion."
Complete the look: Brixton + UO Stills Hat ($68; urbanoutfitters.com) | Baublebar Lessa Lucite Bracelet Set ($38; baublebar.com) | Aerie Love Goes Round Sunnies ($12; ae.com) | Zara Hexagonal Crossbody Bag ($40; zara.com)
KOH PHANGAN, THAILAND
Oh, you haven't heard of Koh Phangan? Think again. The tiny island hosts the neon-chocked Full Moon party on, you guessed it, summer evenings with full moons. From pyrotechnic games (get ready to limbo under fire!) to actual nap stations, the beautiful island transforms into a blazing party paradise come dusk, and attendance has become a rite of passage for anyone flashpacking through Asia. Glow in the dark with a bright AF suit and matching shades, like this Lovers + Friends Call Out One Piece ($148; revolve.com) and these Jeepers Peepers Cat-Eye Sunglasses ($18; urbanoutfitters.com), and dance all night in this Norma Kamali Side Stripe Fishtail Pant ($180; normakamali.com) — essentially printed bell bottoms.
"This outfit made me feel vibrant and vivacious," says model Rocky Lane. "The swimsuit and loose pants combo made me feel more fashionably comfortable than going to a party on the beach with just a swimsuit wrap around my waist. I felt so colorful and sun-kissed!"
Complete the look: Boohoo Victoria Fine Bracelet Arm Cuff ($5; boohoo.com) | Nissa Jewelry Moon and Back Bangle ($48; nissajewlery.com) | Nissa Jewelry Ellipse Handpiece ($158; nissajewelry.com) | Zara Multicoloured Dangle Earrings ($20; zara.com) | Gorjana Havana Tassel Bracelet ($65; gorjana.com) | Venessa Arizaga Leid Back Bracelet ($55; urbanoutfitters.com) | Venessa Arizaga X UO We Come In Peace Bracelet ($55; urbanoutfitters.com) | Venessa Arizaga Blue Hawaiian Necklace ($200; urbanoutfitters.com) | Kendra Scott Kayla Open Ring in Aqua ($80; kendrascott.com)
MIAMI, FLORIDA
Scene seekers flock to Miami for the beach and day-to-night club circuit, so you'll need an outfit that works triple time and pushes the extra button. A sassy set, like this By the way. Dominique Tropical Set ($64; revolve.com), goes from poolside to table service with ease, and layers perfectly under this JNCO Ruched Bomber Jacket in Pink ($30; jncojeans.com) for when the AC hits. And pro tip: pack a pair of affordable shades like Missguided Black Cat Eye Metal Frame Rounded Sunglasses ($11; missguidedus.com), because even the most responsible merrymakers have said RIP to sunnies at Delano South Beach.
"Normally, I prefer a more chill look," says model Ashlyn Thompson, "but this outfit made me feel like a million bucks — and really got me in the mood for a Miami pool party."
Complete the look: Dear Drew by Drew Barrymore Fold Me And Hold Me Clutch ($75; amazon.com) | Steve Madden Clearer Sandals ($90; stevemadden.com) | Parpala Jewelry Carol Coin Choker ($135; parpalajewelry.com) | Parpala Jewelry Celia Choker ($110; parpalajewelry.com) | Zara Earrings with Chain Fringing ($20; zara.com)
Hair: Nikki Avanzino using IGK Haircare
Makeup: Elena Miglino using Tarte Cosmetics
Styling: Senior Fashion & Beauty Editor: Alana Peden; Contributing Fashion Market Editor & Stylist: Alison Turka
Photographer: Lauren Perlstein
Director of Features and Brand Initiatives: Margaret Wheeler Johnson
Creative Director: Adrian Moreno
Art Director: Becky Brown
Bookings Manager: Guillermo Perez
Photo Editor: Clare Thigpen
