What the Heck is Resort Wear?

According to Wikipedia (granted, Wikipedia may not be THE authority on fashion, but they get pretty close here), Resort Wear is “known as ‘cruise wear’ … resort collections were worn only by ‘jet set’ celebrities who would purchase such garments while on vacation in warm-weather climates.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Resort_wear Good enough, and you get the idea. But let’s not leave out non-celebrity people who just want something cute to wear on vacation in Marbella, Santorini, Mustique or Cape Town. Or even Fiji if you are lucky enough to be going there.

Personally, resort collections are my favorite collections of the year because they appeal to my inner beach goddess. There is pretty much nothing I would rather be doing than hanging out on the red beaches in Santorini on any given day. Seeing the bright, sunny collections always puts me in a good mood, especially given that they are introduced in the dead of winter when all I can think of is getting out of the miserable weather. Even if I can’t actually go anywhere warm and sunny, I can fantasize through the collections.

Caftans. Embellished flip flops. Sexy sandals. Swimsuits. Floral-printed silks. Mediterranean color palates. I would wear these things all year round if I could.

Now, onto some fun looks from Resort 2010.

Derek Lam created his Resort 2010 collection using Rihanna as his muse. “Edgy Caribbean” is the theme, and I am in love with the pink dress with the plunging neckline and coordinating shoes. Divine!

Resort is usually not that practical, and often, that is just what I’m looking for! I hate buying practical things. In that vein, here is a very impractical outfit from Louis Vuitton Resort 2010. Hmmm… the raincoat could be practical, but those boots… let’s just say if you get caught in a thunderstorm in those things, you could be in big trouble! Gold lame + water = not good.

This pink caftan by Oscar de la Renta is exactly what I picture in my mind when I think of “resort.” I would wear this to work if I could, but I think I would get fired. You can see the entire Oscar de la Renta Resort 2010 collection here: http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/2010RST-ODLRENTA?viewall=true

In sum, I love resort with all my heart. I don’t know about you, but I’ll make up any excuse to wear a caftan. I’m thinking some up right now…