To inspire your next vacation (and help you look beautiful while traveling), in collaboration with Tobi (a California-based women’s fashion brand), today’s Summer Style Guide shares 5 gorgeous outfits to wear on vacation. From playful polka dots and ruffles to luxe-looking lace dresses and dramatic maxi rompers, here are five inspiring fashion trends that are great for vacay-time.
From now until August 1st, Tobi is offering Inspirations & Celebrations’ readers 50% off sitewide (excluding designer items) with code INSPIRE50. If this doesn’t inspire you to shop for vacation outfits, I don’t know what will!
When it comes to Summer vacation spots (and I might be biased in saying this but), one of the best destinations in the world happens to be my hometown – the beautiful Monterey Peninsula on the Central Coast of California.
From upscale resorts (like Bernardus Lodge in Carmel Valley) to enchanting historic inns (like Mission Ranch and La Playa in Carmel-by-the-Sea), even just a weekend getaway here makes you feel like you’ve been transported to distant land. In today’s Summer style guide, discover what to wear, where – on the Monterey Peninsula (and virtually anywhere) this season.
Exude Rustic Elegance in Lace & Pearls
Tucked away in the rolling hillsides of Carmel Valley’s wine country lies a premier Central Coast resort and spa called Bernardus Lodge. Sunshine-drenched days in the valley can be spent leisurely sipping on a glass of wine while relaxing poolside. To suit this beautiful environment, a look that exudes rustic elegance is the way to go.
When the temps heat up during Summer, stay cool in a luxe-looking tiered lace dress with a sheer bodice. Keep your look classy and timeless by accessorizing with pearl jewelry and a rust-colored waist belt. For shoes, opt for relaxed leather sandals (so you can easily stroll through the lavender and rose gardens, of course).
Go Glam with Tropical Florals
One of the most popular destinations on the Central Coast is the Carmel Mission. As one of the most majestic places to host a wedding, this iconic landmark not only is home to a beautiful Catholic church, it’s also surrounded by lush gardens and blooming flowers. When visiting this gorgeous destination spot, make a statement in an understated way.
A tropical floral maxi dress gets glammed up with sparkly accessories. To easily walk the grounds (which are truly Instagrammable), opt for comfortable espadrille wedges in a neutral hue (like a pale gold or bone color).
Get Cheeky in Playful Polka Dots & Ruffles
Some of the best sight-seeing on the Monterey Peninsula can be discovered in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This charming European-inspired village has fun, eye-catching places everywhere you turn. From the legendary Mr. Brainwash wall murals found throughout town (at Carmel Forest Lodge and Cypress Inn) to cheeky British telephone booths in unexpected spots, it’s definitely inspiring to paint the town red here.
Show them your playful side with polka dots and flirty ruffles this Summer. A sweet skater dress gets a sexy update with a plunging neckline and short hemline. To keep the look from getting too racy, opt for ballet flats (in a simple nude color) and sporty gold jewelry.
Feel Like a Starlet in a Dramatic Maxi
One of the most popular places along the Central Coast to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean is the legendary La Playa hotel in Carmel-by-the-Sea. This Mediterranean-style estate property pays homage to the glory days of yesteryear by hosting a fun 10 Cent Happy Hour every Sunday evening. Not only that, the hotel also has a life-sized chess board which adds to the novelty and whimsy of the place. When visiting this iconic property, unleash your inner starlet by wearing a statement outfit that stands out.
Be confident stepping out of the shadows into the spotlight in an eye-catching moody floral print maxi romper with a high neckline, thigh-high slits, and an open back. Up the sophistication of the romper for evening occasions by pairing with contemporary metallic wedges and bedazzling deco-inspired jewelry.
All Eyes Will Be On You in Eyelet
One of my favorite places to play tourist (even though I’m a local) is Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch in Carmel. Overlooking a pasture of grazing sheep (including a black sheep!), this picturesque restaurant and hotel are one of the most popular locations on the Central Coast to visit. When spending time at this charming rustic locale, a perfect look to wear here is both cute and a little bit country.
Inspired by the relaxed, cozy vibe of this place, an utterly adorable off-the-shoulder white dress in a sweet eyelet pattern will have all eyes on you (in a good way). With a flattering fit-and-flare silhouette, this dress looks great on most body types, whether you’re straight or curvy. Cinch your waist and play up an hourglass physique with a fitted waistbelt. Accessorize with gold bangles, a classic leather watch, and a woven handbag.
For more fashion trends and style tips, check out the Fashion & Style section on Inspirations & Celebrations.
[Photography by James Molinaro. Apparel c/o Tobi.com; affiliate links included; this is not a sponsored post.]
