All products featured on Vogue are independently selected by our editors. However, we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links.
As fashion editors, viewing and working with collections seasons ahead leaves plenty of time to marvel (and often obsess) over the pieces we loved most on a personal style level, until the possibility of owning them comes. Right now, it’s interesting to think about where we would be, what we would be planning, and of course what we would like to be wearing if we weren’t in the midst of a global pandemic.
These summer fashion fantasies have become more of a treasured vision than a tangible reality. As the joys of the season are still uncertain, Vogue editors are looking to a more hopeful future, one where our summer style moods and inspiration can exist in reality, whether it’s something as lovely as dressing for a dinner with friends and staying out all night dancing in bold looks (remember that feeling?) or deciding to dress like you’re on permanent holiday, even when you’re not. From dreams of mushroom hunting in the far off national parks of Patagonia and taking an epic cross country road trip (yes, they’re back!), to a backyard pool party with of course, a fabulous cover up, bikini, and cocktail in hand– sans a social distance, if only.
There’s pleasure to be found simply by staying inspired while we stay at home. Below, 21 Vogue editors dream up their own vision boards for much happier places and the outfits they’d wear in this alternate reality.
Emily Farra, Senior Fashion News Writer
When it’s this hot, I really just want to be on the beach—and I don’t mean the Hamptons. I’m dreaming of a truly off-the-grid escape, ideally on a far-flung island with zero cell service. Between Zoom calls, Instagram, and constant news updates my life completely revolves around technology, and I need a break. Even if I can’t actually live out my out-of-office fantasy, I’ll at least channel my inner ‘60s jetsetter til summer’s end with retro florals, enormous sunglasses, and minimal, bronze-y makeup.
Daisy Shaw-Ellis, Jewelry Director
I ve been going to the Alpes Maritimes every summer since childhood and this August was to be no exception. I ll keep dreaming of casual days walking among the ripe fig trees in breezy linen shirts and shorts, perfectly-proportioned Eres bikinis to wear at the pool or the odd jaunt down to the coast, and a floaty dress perfect for the warm evenings that were meant for ice cold rosé (local only). And, in this dream sequence, I ll be wearing this perfect Jenna Blake gold necklace and barely-there beige Gianvito Rossi sandals in all scenarios but the water.
Mai Morsch, Associate Market Editor
While I am still hopeful for some form of staycation this August, I am feeling particularly nostalgic about the trip my friends and I took to Cape Cod last year. After all, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a leisurely morning spent in the sun. Still in our pajamas, we’d be guzzling coffee, making breakfast, and rehashing all the laughs we shared the night before!
Sarah Spellings, Fashion News Editor
I can think of nothing more luxurious than hosting an elaborate meal for 10-15 friends while wearing something fabulous. In my fantasy it would be at a coastal Italian villa (though I’ve never been in one), but I d have it anywhere. And is there a better outfit for a hostess than a shocking pink caftan? In my opinion, no. After spending the day in the kitchen, I would change into this dress and sandals that are perfect for dancing, throw on some statement earrings, light a million tapered candles, and pour some chilled white wine into these mint green glasses. One thing I can recreate at home is the menu: an herb-filled salad, a citrusy fish, and key lime pie for dessert—with whipped cream of course.
Liana Satenstein, Senior Fashion Writer
I dress up a few times a year for one occasion: going to a Georgian spot on Avenue U. Walking in there is like the Caucasus version of Cheers. They serve khachapuri, a cheese bread that always makes me sick but I eat it anyway. At around 9pm, the whole place breaks out into song and dance. A random guy once proposed to me there! Maybe I should have said yes....Anyways, afterwards my friends and I go down the street to a Russian karaoke bar where we smoke hookah and sing. My uniform is simple: prints, fur, and anything skimpy.
.jpg)
Brooke Bobb, Senior Fashion News Writer
Lately, there is nothing I think about more than what it would be like to go out to a crowded bar with friends and dance way late into the night. I miss getting dressed up for this sort of thing, and though I’ve never been one to go wild with color and prints, I find myself craving bold fashion more than ever before. John Galliano’s fall 2003 couture show, which was a love letter to dance, is my imaginary mood—ruffles, neon, polkadots, flounce, flair, and a little dishevelment too (a woman emerging from quarantine hibernation for the first time, if you will).
Madeline Swanson, Accessories Editor
Being holed up at my parents’ house in Minnesota since March has left me desperately thirsting for a suntan and some good old-fashioned pool party fun. I miss the funky Montauk rentals my friends and I seek out each summer, splish-splashing with a tiki drink in hand, dressed all weekend in nothing but a swimsuit, sarong, and cheeky heels. Push me in and see if I care!
Lauren Valenti, Senior Beauty Editor
I’m dreaming of a big night out with my friends. Dinner and drinks at a fancy restaurant we can’t afford, then bar-hopping or going back to one of our apartments for a dance party. Regardless, I just want to throw on a slinky dress and toss my hair, which could very well be Rapunzel-length by the time this is all through, over one shoulder like Jerry Hall.
Julie Tong, Commerce Editor
With so many travel plans nixed, weddings postponed and overall, not being able to spend time with those I care about most, there’s nothing more exciting on my mind right now than the idea of packing up my bags and hitting the road on an epic cross-country trip with my best friends. We’d visit museums, restaurant hot spots and the hippest vintage shops along the way (Oh, a girl can dream!). On this wild ride, I’d pack my usual wardrobe staple: floaty floral dress, my new favorite Birkenstock x Proenza Schouler slides, a camera and a journal so I can capture our journey at every step.
Lilah Ramzi, Features Editor
Springtime is when I scamper about European capitals visiting the opera houses and ballet theatres in vintage dresses as dramatic as the on-stage productions. I tend to stick around after the final curtain to poke around the theatre with whoever my co-conspirator of the night might be. I tour various opera boxes, patron Champagne parlors, and if I’m lucky, I’ll get backstage with a proper invitation or via the charms I lay on thick with an unsuspecting guard. Essentially, I’m recreating my Funny Face-fantasy of a ballgowned Audrey Hepburn descending the steps at the Palais Garnier. Or this Vogue image, which was photographed by Henry Clarke in 1957 to mark the reopening of Versaille’s Royal Opera. Clarke positioned these couture-clad creatures amidst the theatre’s Rococo gilt boiserie for a small fashion spread. How divine. But divine will have to wait.
Naomi Elizee, Associate Market Editor
Although I’m enjoying time at home with family, I am nostalgic of what would’ve been my summer. I had plans to go to New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Jamaica but, of course, those plans have been put on hold until things open back up and it’s safe to travel again. Now more than ever, I find myself daydreaming of a remote getaway, one surrounded by sand dunes and water as reflected in one of my favorite Vogue editorials with Adut Akech styled by Alex Harrington.
Rachel Bessser, Market Editor
Last summer, my sister and I visited family in Puglia, Italy. Right now, while cooped up at home, I’m missing those long, warm days spent outdoors with my brood. We’d come home from the beach and throw easy summer dresses over our suits, pull our hair back with scarves or barrettes, and prepare lunch together (with a cool glass of wine in hand) before heading back out for another swim.
Ella Riley-Adams, Senior Living and Beauty Editor
This spring, I was hoping to visit Chile for a stay at Tierra Patagonia. The idea of back-stroking through the hotel’s heated pool while looking out at the mountains of Torres del Paine National Park seems like a crazy fantasy now (and one that I’m even more eager to make reality once lockdowns lift). In a truly ideal world, I would also go on a mushroom foray with Giuliana Furci, a mycologist who specializes in Chilean fungi. I’ve learned lately that mushroom hunting allows for a whole new view of nature, and I know in Patagonia I would want to see as many sides of the wilderness as possible. Given the outdoorsy nature of this adventure, my packing list would include my Carhartt bucket hat, and the Unseen Sunscreen that goes with me everywhere.
Rickie De Sole, Executive Fashion Director, Vogue.com
I am most relaxed by the water. I dream of long summer days at the beach with friends, dressed simply in a swimsuit and light cover up. I am in no rush to start wearing heels again. The easier the better....
Alexandra Gurvitch, Market Editor
I have given up right now. By that I mean I haven’t been in a semblance of clothes that aren’t lounge / workout / pajamas since we have been inside. What I have been mapping out is my post-isolation look: a vision of the future where I would be traveling, going to the office and shopping with brands I believe in. I figured if I made my own dream board maybe that world and that look would come true and I can be as beautiful as Shalom Harlow in Morocco wearing a demure Loewe dress with chunky dries platforms and an onyx choker from Sophie Buhai. Or maybe I am in a flared plaid Khaite pant topped with a prim Prada jacket and a Medea tote, that would take me from the office to cocktails, boy do I miss waiting for a table these days! A girl can dream.
Madeline Fass, Associate Market Editor
After spending all of this time at home I’ve come to enjoy the comforts of wearing clothes with little structure. I find myself craving my favorite staple silhouettes, like blazers and oversized blouses in versions made from soft, breezy linens and ultra fine ribbed knits. No matter what our future holds, I’ll be dressing with a more carefree-chic attitude and vacation mindset from now on, like a pair of loose jeans and slipper-like summer moccasins. I miss having somewhere to be, with an impractically small bag and wobbly heeled sandals in tow. Until then, I’ll fantasize over this spectacularly speckled calf hair baguette and juicy citrus mules.
Zoe Ruffner, Beauty Editor
As much as I’d love to be somewhere tropical right now, there’s nothing I fantasize about more than being out to a silly, sloppy, delicious dinner with my best friends. I’d wear Khaite’s breezy gauze button up, a modern-day spin on Prada’s spring 1994 whites, with a thick layer of khol around my eyes and, because the mood would surely be festive, a coat of Chanel’s red nail polish. Here’s to hoping that night comes soon!
Steff Yotka, Fashion News Emerging Platforms Editor
I really can’t wait to see my friends again, and I know when I do, we’ll all be ready to rave and wearing our wildest outfits. My dream wardrobe has adjusted accordingly!
Christian Allaire, Fashion Style Writer
This June, I was planning on traveling to Portugal with friends. We were to celebrate our birthdays by the beach. Sadly, such isn’t the case now, but I’m still dreaming of the summery clothes I would get to wear on our getaway. I’m still lusting for Jacquemus’s board shorts with an oil painting print on them. A floral Prada shirt is also something I would wear all summer long. I’ve decided my summer wardrobe will be all about dressing like I’m on vacation, even if I’m not.
Allie Michler, Director, Fashion Development
I love this image of Talitha Getty in Marrakech. Not only does it give me wanderlust, but makes me long for being with my friends again and to dress up in a colorful, exotic setting!
Willow Lindley, Accessories Director
It makes sense given my job as Accessories Director at Vogue but I can’t help but dream of those finishing fashion touches that I’ve missed during this period – makeup, hair, jewelry, a handbag, and shoes instead of socks! Yes, I know I could put makeup on for Zoom but there is nothing like putting together a complete look top to bottom, even if it’s minimal which is what I find myself attracted to these days. Nothing beats a well-made knit, great jeans, beautiful jewelry, and simple but effective makeup. Look how beautiful the inimitable Twiggy looks here in a red sweater and gold charm bracelet. The classic Vuitton bag only helps to make the point –timeless classics are forever in fashion.
