Our Style Guide for a Southeast Asia Vacation
Elevated Resortwear for Your Long-Haul Getaway
Spring break is just around the corner, and if you’re anything like me, the thought of warm-weather dressing feels laughable amid March’s relentless temperatures (solidarity with my fellow Northeasterners). However, it’s time to start building your vacation wardrobe, so that, when your upcoming trip comes around, you feel prepared to show-off your style on the beach and break from winter’s monochrome malaise.
I recently returned from several weeks in Thailand and Cambodia, and felt extremely satisfied by my packing choices. I decided to embrace a wardrobe philosophy of saturated colors and pattern play. As a result, I styled a collection of looks that felt both refreshingly bold and surprisingly wearable. These pieces earned compliments from strangers and, more importantly, made me feel like the star in my own vacation narrative.
Whether packing for an Southeast Asia soiree of your own or chasing down inspiration for your upcoming beach trip, here’s everything that earned real estate in my thoughtfully-packed suitcase for several weeks of temple-hopping, boating, and sunset cocktails
Chevron Statement Pants
Forgo nautical stripes with chevron to elevate your evening out on the water. I’m not sure if it’s our collective Missoni obsession (guilty as charged) or the internet’s steady commitment to reviving 2016, but zig-zags are all the rage. Easily pair your statement pants with a basic top (the Aritzia Contour Tube Top remains my tried-and-true go-to).
Our Favorite Statement Pants:
Missoni Knit Pants & Alexis Printed Pants
Playsuit Superiority
Call them what you will—rompers, jumpsuits, playsuits—but after nearly a decade hiatus, I found myself reaching for the humble romper with surprising frequency. My Poupette St Barth was my go-to for site-seeing in Singapore, cocktails in Chiang Mai, and casual dinners around the Andaman sea. It’s the perfect comfortable yet chic piece to dress up or down, day or night. And how cute is the Ossa phone wristlet paired with it?
Our Favorite Playsuits:
Hemant & Nandita Romper & Farm Rio Belted Romper
Pool-to-Beach-Club One-Piece Swimwear
This is one of my favorite hacks, especially when navigating luggage weight restrictions. A fun swimsuit and a relaxed linen pant (I could not recommend the Roller Rabbit Chester Pant more) is the formula for a fashionable look that transitions seamlessly from dips in the ocean to beachside dining. Many even confused my Zimmerman one-piece (picture above) for a bodysuit!
Our Favorite One-Piece Swimsuits:
Alémais One-Piece & Nili Lotan One-Piece
Bright Bikinis
If not obvious at this point, color is my forte. While the minimalist black bikini has its place, nothing telegraphs summer quite like fluorescent bubblegum pink or sharp lemon yellow. In this Hunza G bikini, I am one proud outfit repeater.
Our Favorite Bikinis:
Hunza G Bikini & Triangl Bikini
Maxi-Dress Maximalism
This maxi dress from Poupette St Barth holds veteran status in my closet, yet it still comes with me on every warm-weather getaway. While I love a teensy mini dress as much as the next, when I travel, I love to bring a mix of styles. There’s something extra elegant about a full length dress.
Our Favorite Maxi Dresses:
Poupette St Barth Dress & Sir. Dress
Mini Eyelet Dress
Now, I must give credit where credit is due to the beloved mini-dress. Eyelet styles like this one from LoveShackFancy bring a timeless appeal to a trendy cut. The crisp white cotton amplifies even the faintest vacation tan, while the detailing signals craftsmanship. This is a piece that will survive fashion’s fickle cycles and remain a summer staple well beyond the 2026 season.
Our Favorite Mini Dresses:
LoveShackFancy Dress & Veronica Beard Dress
Microshort Mania
While we often pack for the moments that require us to be dressed to the nines, it’s always important to designate significant space in your suitcase for everyday casual clothes. For days when I’m lounging around or walking to the beach, I’ve been a huge fan of knit microshorts. Pair them with a basic tank (mine was discovered in the depths of my closet, though my best friends swear by the viral Tank Air Studio Tank).
Our Favorite Micro Shorts:
