What’s The Best of the Luxury 2020 Resort Collections?

It’s hard to believe, but it’s that time of year: the luxury designer Resort/Cruise Collections for 2020 are now available. There have been sneak peeks for the past two weeks, and now the resort collections are open for business. Time to go shopping! Our correspondent Julie Chang Murphy has the rundown on the top trends and best looks you need to know about in the luxury designer 2020 resort collections.

Last month we were invited to preview Dior’s Cruise Collection at Saks Fifth Avenue. And what we saw reaffirmed what we love about the Resort/Cruise fashion cycle. These clothes are the most versatile, season-less and practical of all the Designer collections. And despite their name, they are definitely not only reserved for the beach.

At Dior, we fell in love with Maria Grazia Chiuri’s global vision – with the reinterpreted African wax prints, mixed with mystical Tarot graphics, heritage toile and jungle animals.

The standout fabric was a beautiful, double-faced, intentionally imperfect printed cotton from an atelier in the Ivory Coast city of Abidjan called Uniwax. Bringing African textiles to the realm of luxury at the highest level.

The earthy and jewel-toned colorways – ochre, indigo, garnet, emerald and cream – were infinitely wearable. The knife-pleated tea length skirt can be worn casually with a t-shirt and platform sandals for a dînner en plein air. But its voluminous and meticulous pleating would look equally sharp with fitted leather jacket and for a study in contrasts, combat boots underneath.

I fell in love with a full-length black coat which made me feel like the witchy Scorpio of my dreams. Perfect for a cruise… to Alaska.

Inspired by the collection, we put together a few different looks from our favorite Resort collections in stores now. Dresses, jackets, bathing suits and sun accessories –  these are our must haves for those headed to the beach in a month or two. And we think some of them could fit right back into your Fall/Winter wardrobe upon return, which should quell that pesky question, “But can’t you just bring your summer clothes from 3 months ago?”

1. Clean Minimalism

Depending on what kind of traveler you are, packing for the occasion can be rather stress-inducing. And who wants to worry about what you’re wearing each day? You’re supposed to be getting a break from all that.

For those who want to look polished with the minimal amount of effort, we love Three Graces London’s elegant white cotton-poplin dress ($528) to go over bikinis or for romantic dinners. The maize linen pants ($354) from Acseno are loose-fitting and relaxed but give you a refined, flowing line.

Marysia’s bathing suits always feel luxurious and look classically feminine- we love the nautical look of the Sedona ($435), with white piping framing the perfect Aegean blue. Ancient Greek Sandals ($215) are handcrafted in…you guessed it- Greece. Supportive and graceful, they are our go-to sandal when we don’t know where they day will take us.

A cross-body is a must-have while traveling and Loewe’s leather and raffia saddle bag ($1,190) has a quiet luxury that works with any outfit. Top it all off with Tom Ford’s square tortoise-shell frames ($255) and you’re good to go.

2. Beach Boho

There’s something about traveling that inspires us to mix it up – sometimes power clashing prints and patterns and wearing brighter colors are just what the spirit needs.

We build this capsule around Borgo de Nor’s silk, tiered dress ($1,295) in royal blue with artful magnolias. Dior’s Sauvage Toile de Jouy skirt ($3,300) has a stunning African-inspired print, rich colors and a casual frayed hem that captures that mysterious worldly, bohemian essence.

On the beach, Aqua Bendita’s Calista bikini top ($110) and bottom ($80) has beautifully feminine detailing with its puffed sleeves and bow tie. And classic boho staples like Stella McCartney’s crochet detail bag ($1,165), wild child animal print mules by Loeffler Randall ($395), Missoni’s sunset-colored straw hat ($560) and funky-shaped sunglasses from Chloe ($420) round out this free-spirited look.

3. Preppy and Athletic

If you’re the type that prefers your vacation with a dose of sporty activities and outdoor adventures, clothing that moves and expresses your lifestyle are key. The youthful energy of the preppy look is a classic anywhere you go.

Gucci’s retro-inspired sweater dress ($1,500) shows off those toned, athletic legs and as a bonus, looks great with comfy sneakers. Don’t freak out Yalies, that’s not a Harvard tee, but a Celine tee ($455) that cleverly combines high and low fashion.

We know you’re out there rain or shine. This lavender gingham windbreaker ($315) by Lu Mei has a sweet and cheerful quality that reminds us of jackets we might have worn in our youth. Solid & Striped’s evocative bathing suit ($162) is reminiscent of country club cabana stripes and provides good coverage for those who actually swim in their suits. Pair with Loewe’s high waist and wide leg shorts ($650) and Fendi’s sporty-styled slingback ($950) for a fashionable off-duty look.

4. Urban Glam

You can take the girl out of the city but you can’t take the city out of the girl. For those who must remain true to their city chic style or are traveling to urban destinations, a sophisticated ensemble, that is anything but boring, is in order.

The first staple is an alluring black dress. This raw-edged maxi ($545) from Albus Lumen is made from semi-sheer silk crepe for a post-beach brunch and stroll. For memorable nights out on the town, Ramy Brook’s metallic dress ($445) lightly skims the body for an effortlessly sexy vibe.

For chilly days, Dior’s luxurious anorak ($3,900) features hand-cut frayed camouflage accents, showcasing the storied house’s commitment to detail. To stand out by the pool, we adore Mikoh’s metallic knit bikini ($122 top and $122 bottom) in Dragonfruit for a hint of sophisticated shimmer.

Off-White’s iconic backpack ($785) and snakeskin inspired Golden Goose kicks ($560) add some street-cred. And we couldn’t resist Celine’s embellished sunglasses ($940) to dial up the drama.

5. Old-Fashioned Romance

Even the toughest boss ladies among us like to feel girly and romantic every once in a while. Florals, frilly silhouettes and feminine embellishments are all here for those looking to embrace their sweet side on an idyllic sojourn.

Front and center, Zimmermann’s maxi dress ($995) with retro 1970’s style florals will have you floating in gossamer silk chiffon. For daily walks on the sand, LoveShackFancy’s ruffled pink number ($425) is easy to throw on with an elastic waist.

A playful-yet-feminine take on a classic trucker jacket, Retrofete’s puff sleeved denim ($295) is a must-have. Adriana Degreas’s vibrant turquoise swimsuit ($370) with irregular white polka dots has a charming sash to create an hourglass figure. Gucci’s Ophidia floral tote ($1,980) will elevate any outfit. For more flirty fun in the sun, check out Laurence and Chico’s pearl visor hat ($124) and Christian Louboutin’s floral wedge sandals ($795).

The Best looks in the Luxury 2020 Resort Collections

That’s what you need to know about the Resort 2020 collections. Some of the top trends and best looks to keep in mind as you shop – and pack. Of course, feel free to mix it all up! We know we will. What happens on the beach, stays on beach.

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Crediting her training as a cultural anthropologist at Wellesley College, Julie has immersed herself in various industries in the last 15 years including fashion design, event planning, fitness and even investigating police misconduct. Julie lives in NYC where she loves trying every ramen and dumpling restaurant with her husband and three children. She finds joy in bold prints, biographies of fierce women. Also kickboxing and spending way too long finding the perfect polish color to express her mood.

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