

Hey gals, I'm starting to think (a lot) about my upcoming trip to Hawaii in March. More specifically it's got me to thinking about what I will pack to wear whilst in the tropical surroundings.
In the past I've done travelling solo and for extended periods of time, so it's been all about packing light, being comfortable, relaxed and adhering to local customs.
This time I'm with my man for 10 days and I feel like Hawaii is luring me towards a more glam vibe. Problem is, I don't have much of a "tropical glam" wardrobe...
So my questions are these:
~ how can I pull of a tropical glam vibe whilst keeping my signature vintage touches?
~ should I bother with this at all or stick with the relaxed tourist look?
~ what's your holiday style? have you got a go-to wardrobe when it comes to travelling?
As always links and picture references are highly encouraged!! XX
Posted by: Tess
Posted in: Fashion





















Hi Tess,
Firstly – wowee I’ve always wanted to go to Hawaii – you lucky duck, have a fantastic time!
I’m a true beach/tropical holiday type of person, and I find I always get the most wear out of comfortable yet stylish silk/cotton maxi dresses and those little sundresses that are mid-way between day and party dresses. I pair them back with sandals during the day and if I’m off to dinner at night, with a pair of wedges or espadrilles. Don’t know if it’s the glam vibe you’re after, but I find if I feel comfortable, cool and colourful I feel good (by the way definitely stick to what’s you – vintage glam would be a gorgeous look in Hawaii!)
Throw in your suitcase some sunglasses, your swimsuit, a beach hat and kaftan and you’re in business!
Here’s some dresses I’d like to pack if going to Hawaii:
[img]http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/03__66620_zoom.jpg[/img]
http://www.princesspolly.com.au/eshop/products/By-The-River.html
[img]http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/01__38310_zoom.jpg[/img]
http://www.princesspolly.com.au/eshop/products/Let%27s-Go.html
[img]http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/PB230823.jpg[/img]
http://www.freez.com.au/shop/ladakh-fountain-maxi.html
Anyway, hope that helps…have fun!!
Hey Jaz, thanks so much for feedback and pics
Oh & so glad I asked this question on pay day!!! hehehehe
I’m very lucky to be going on this trip, I can’t wait!! You’re pretty much on the money in terms of translating my eclectic, vintage filled wardrobe into a more beachy/tropical feel. I just realised that I have a few of those sundresses, as you mentioned that will look good with sandals during the day & some wedges at night. Yay!
I might “glam” it up a bit with some shoulder grazing earrings (a trip to Diva is bound to occur) and it’d be great to find a crochet dress to throw over the bikini… I’ve found one so far online but I’m concerned it wont fit well/look silly on my non-model body
Here it is: http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/crochetdress.jpg
Think this is the type of item I should really try on first!!
Oh & by the by, I’ve absolutely fallen hard for the by the river dress, you hit the mission & my personal style on the head
[img]http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/crochetdress.jpg[/img]
Glad I could help! And the by the river dress is so cute too isn’t it
Oh yep totally grab one of those crochet dresses – you would be suprised – I certainly don’t have a model-like body but have a crochet type kaftan/dress I wear over bikinis and it’s suprisingly flattering – give it a go!
Ahh sounds like such a great trip
Ahh….I wrote a big list & is said I didn’t answer the security question when I did!!! *sigh*
Anyway…..
I understand what you mean, I’m so used to travelling around and living out of a backpack where everything has to be super comfortable!
I recently went to the Maldives and I had no idea what to pack.
We are planning a trip to Hawaii also in May so maybe you can help give me some ideas!!!
Dresses are always good – stylish & comfortable – tick, tick!
Here are some things I found….
[img]http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/c6ddca1431baaf200cbc6fbb8431b945-1.jpg[/img]
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/leaf-me-breathless-dress
The belt even comes with it!!
[img]http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/dac5ae81eece672bb665477e9cd546e6-1.jpg[/img]
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/shorts/brushstroke-of-genius-shorts
Super cute shorts!
[img]http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/f997e93ea19fe112fd51ba0570fcd2ee-1.jpg[/img]
http://www.modcloth.com/shop/dresses/paint-life-grand-dress
Love love love Modcloth! Could spend hours looking through their site for super cool items!
Thanks so much for your links & suggestions Boo
Oooh, the Maldives sounds fabulously luxurious, it’s on my travel wish-list, did you have a great time?
I particularly love the shorts you shared & I’ve always been a big fan of ModCloth too, but have to confess, I’ve never actually completed a transaction through here. Do you (or anyone else) know what the shipping time is like?
Maldives was AMAZING!!!
So stunning and beautiful! Such friendly people. We just ate, swam, drank, slept, read, ate, swam, ate, ate, ate! LOL!
(Have attached one of my pics AKA brag photos! LOL! It is as amazing as it looks!)
[img]http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/Hammockandbar.jpg[/img]
Back to Modcloth!
I have purchased from there before – the shipping was super quick – I think I got the dress I ordered in little over a week or something, I remember being really surprised at how quick it was seen as it was from the US. Although shipping was quite expensive but as the dress was only about $50 and shipping was $30 it made it still quite cheap & if you buy multiple items is obviously more economical. I think they have alternative slower/cheaper shipping option now though but I have only purchased from them the once!
Funds are a little tight otherwise I could go nuts on that sight – I love all the cute gift items as well!)
So to keep it glam, try 50′s inspired pieces. Like a ton of other people suggested, go with Modcloth. Both for a bathing suit and stuff to wear while tripping about
they have great prices and ridiculously fast shipping.
I’m going to Hawaii early next year, such a beautiful place – I hope you have an amazing time! I would definitely go glam, but keep it relaxed enough so that it feels effortless. My suggestions are; floppy hats or straw boleros/bowlers (Sportsgirl have quite a few affortable options like this turquoise one for $29.95
[img]http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/1-2.jpg[/img] ), vintage inspired or retro two piece bathers (two places to check out are http://www.modcloth.com and Seafolly which can be found at department stores like Myer), kaftans and flowy tops and dresses (this Morroccan Frill dress from Bardot is only $50 now reduced from $90
[img]http://dropdeadgorgeousdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2-2.jpg[/img] ), wedges and platforms – nothing that could get caught in sand or will look too polished, chunky jewellery – gold chain necklaces, bright coloured bangles or leather bracelets with charms (check out Pandora), or anything sparkly (try Pandora, Sportsgirl and particularly; Forever New). Other than that, I think just altering your own style and clothes to give them a more glam edge works nicely – like pairing typically relaxed, casual daily clothing with wedges, sparkly jewellery, a floppy hat and sunglasses. Easy chic. Also, paint your nails a bright colour like an orange, hot pink or a yellow – pretty nails will make you feel instantly glam (try O.P.I or for a cheaper alternative, Revlon or Rimmel) Good luck, hope you have the best time!
Love the colours in your suggestions! x
Thanks for your suggestions stephalison & abentpieceofwire
Speaking of floppy hats, does anyone have any tips on how to best pack the wide-brimmed variety? I’ve got two that I’d love to bring but I’m worried about squashing them in my suitcase….
Pack a couple of trendy, summery pieces, only need a couple! Different shoes, bags, accessories can dress these up and down, and make each outfit look different. x
I’m going nowhere anytime soon. But if I were, I would go for anything versatile,comfy and a bit glam. And if it was somewhere with unpredictable weather then also layering.
Heck yes for the weather comment, nothing worse than being in a dress and sandals when it’s pouring
omg yes.
Happened to me recently, I swore to learn from it! x
Haha, this happened to me today! Walked out this morning thinking that it would get warmer, but it never did and now my sandals are drenched
Lucky I had an umbrella in bag so my dress didn’t get soaked through and some dignity remained haha
Stay relaxed! Afterall isn’t that what a holiday is really all about?! I love a good bikini or two!
Relaxed and glam can be one and the same thing! Comfortable, drip dry and light weight so you can fill your luggage with new clothes you buy on holiday.