When on a tropical vacation, comfort is key. From long airplane rides to a relaxed island lifestyle, looking good while feeling good becomes a necessity. Balmain’s resort 2017 runway collection demonstrated this perfectly. Their looks feature longer, looser bottoms, highlighting the waist in every outfit. Flowing but bold silhouettes captured the essence of a stylish island vacation. Balmain’s line varies in colors with some items with bright bursts across the fabric, and others keeping it classic with black and white. When I was interpreting this collection with my own clothes, I stuck to a contemporary twist on classic colors and shapes.
Kauai, the “Garden Isle” of the Hawaiian Islands features lush jungle and clear waters. Often a popular spot for celebrities to retreat, I had the luxury of staying on this stylish isle. Here, a flashy wardrobe won’t cut it; I needed looks that would keep me cool, withstand surprise rains and sand, all while appearing put together but not too put together—an attempt to match the locals’ beach-y looks (my pale skin immediately gave me away as a tourist but I could still try).
To create the ultimate laid-back summer look, I found a simple black culottes jumpsuit that follows Balmain’s easy-breezy feel. With minimal jewelry necessary, I added a little more flare to the look with a huge floppy hat, essential to keeping me unburnt (the SPF 100 wouldn’t cut it—seriously). For this trip I traded out the boots for Birkenstocks and my tote bag for Tevas. Cute but comfortable sandals are ideal for long walks down the beach (not in the romantic way, in the sweaty and tiring way) and just dressy enough to wear to a casual dinner. You can look good and feel even better when sticking to the basics on vacation.
Get My Look: 1. A wide-legged jumpsuit. 2. A huge hat. 3. Any comfortable shoe.
