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6 Vacation-Worthy Summer Outfits That Will Transport You Wherever You Want to Go

International travel may not be feasible this summer, but you can still channel those vacation vibes.

By Tory Hoen

It seems this won’t be the summer for far-flung travels, but that doesn’t mean you have to sit home and brood. Channel the spirit of your favorite destinations by getting creative: Put on some music, pour yourself a drink, and slip into something that transports you. Next year, you’ll do this abroad. But for now, your living room (or fire escape) is a decent alternative.

If you're dreaming of...

Aix-en-Provence

If you had hoped to spend the summer hula-hooping through lavender fields, playing pétanque in quaint village squares, and reading Baudelaire under the shade of an olive tree, don’t despair. Set the scene by slipping into the airy Blake shirt and Lenox skirt, whose whimsical stripes conjure up that particular French nonchalance. Put on chanteuse Françoise Hardy, pour yourself a dry rosé, and break out your old copy of Peter Mayle’s A Year in Provence. See? You can almost smell the lavender. 

If your heart is in...

Havana

You were finally going to get to Cuba this summer. And while the trip may have to wait until later, the adventure can begin now. Slip into a romantic white blouse and a cool summer pant, mix yourself a mint-laden mojito, and salsa around your house to the joyful songs of renowned bandleader Benny Moré. When you finally make it to Cuba someday, you’ll be ready. (And that white outfit will look stunning against Havana’s colorful facades).

If you're raring to go to...

Rome

You’d like to be zipping through the Piazza del Popolo on a Vespa right about now, but alas, not this year. That said, Italians know how to enjoy life no matter where they are, and so should you. Transform into a chic Roman in the Marissa top and Orchard skirt, whose hibiscus-hued pattern will go perfectly with your aperol spritz. Whip up some cacio e pepe, and after dinner, impress your imaginary guests (or your cat) by trying to hit the high notes in this aria from Puccini’s Tosca.

If you're wild about...

Rio de Janeiro

You’re ready to rub elbows with Brazil’s beautiful people, and someday, you will. But for now, no one is allowed to touch anyone else’s elbows. Keep your spirits up by donning a sophisticated jumpsuit, blasting Jorge Ben, and drinking as many caipirinhas as you damn well please. Your neighborhood may not be as sultry as Ipanema, but it’s charming nonetheless.

If you're musing about...

Mallorca

You’d like to be strolling the medieval streets of Palma de Mallorca and swimming in sapphire-blue water this summer. Put that plan on the backburner for now, and instead, conjure the Mediterranean from home. Slip into an easy tunic and a black or surf-colored culotte, and pretend you’re at your favorite Mallorcan vermuteria. Add some olives, cheese, and this guy playing the guitar, and you’re good to go.

If you're imagining yourself in...

Mexico City

In your mind, you’re browsing the boutiques of leafy Roma, contemplating the paintings of Frida Kahlo, and eating those renowned tuna tostadas at Contramar. In reality, you’re in Hoboken in your pajamas. Find a happy medium by putting on a minimalist outfit (an elegant tank, a slouchy pant) that you’d wear for a day of museum-wandering, followed by a late al fresco lunch. Then mix some margaritas (strong is good), smash up some guac, and watch this weird-but-captivating video of dancers in spaces designed by Mexican architect Luis Barragán.

Written By

Tory Hoen

Tory Hoen is the author of the novel The Arc. She spent five years as the Creative Director of Brand at M.M.LaFleur (where she founded The M Dash!) and has written for New York Magazine, Vogue Fortune, Bon Appétit, and Condé Nast Traveler.

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