54 Summer Vacation–Worthy Items I'll Happily Wear at Home

Well, I don’t know about you, but my summer plans sure have taken a turn. Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day, my four-year anniversary with my boyfriend, Summer Fridays… all are looking like they’re going to be super low-key affairs this year. But you know what they say: Dress for the vacation you want, not the lack of a vacation you have. (Or something?)
While this may be a summer without a destination wedding or even a weekend away, I’m determined that it won’t be one without a summer wardrobe. The honest truth is that I’ve worn leggings and sweatshirts every single day of this lockdown so far, but now that it’s finally warming up in NY, I’m happily transitioning away from athleisure and into easy, breezy (and just as comfortable) summer outfits designed to lift my mood. From this dress I optimistically bought for a September wedding in France to the swimwear I sometimes secretly like to wear under my clothes instead of undies (for that "I'm on vacation" vibe—you know what I mean), here’s a little happy motivation to actually get dressed this season.
Just a pair of ultra-chill black leather slides with oversize gold hardware and an espadrille-inspired jute mid-sole that go with absolutely everything, including the above dress. I dare you to find me a pair of sandals more effortlessly cool (and stupidly comfortable) this season.
I've never owned a pair of Birkenstocks, but I've come close to buying a pair of Arizona's about 20 times. (Mostly because my friend Lucy has worn hers religiously for about 15 years—proof here, here, and here). As someone who, as you may have guessed, strictly invests in gold hardware, I'm extremely glad I held out for this luxe-looking Big Buckle style.
Oh look, it's me, casually wandering the villages of Sardinia to buy fresh tomatoes on the vine… Or, more realistically, drinking Cannonau on my couch in Brooklyn while watching The Spy Who Loved Me. (I'm completely over the fact we had to cancel our vacation, I swear.)
I accidentally discovered this sweet little sundress when I was browsing Nordstrom and can happily report that it's now 60% off. The alternative prints will cater to all your style personalities: ivory with a tiny floral detail, leopard print, plus a particularly good black and white gingham.
This trending bag style by editor-favorite JW Pei comes in so many happy hues (and summer-ready neutrals, for the less adventurous amongst us). It may only be going for a spin around the block for now, but you can feel extra good about this purchase knowing JW Pei is donating 20% of proceeds from their S/S 20 collection to The Mask Fund in support of COVID-19 healthcare workers.
Not to hurry you along, but the matching pants have already sold out.
Next up: Five Who What Wear editors style some extremely cute and affordable fashion.

Natalie Cantell is an NYC-based style director, creative consultant, and fashion editor, who regularly contributes from Paris. She was the executive director of Who What Wear and Marie Claire’s brand studio until 2023, and now freelances globally on shoots, stories, and special projects.
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