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This summer, “vacation” has taken on a different meaning. In the age of virtual working, it can be difficult to distinguish time off, especially when texting, Zoom, calling, and Slack have become our main forms of communication. Nonetheless, my colleagues and I are fortunate to be able to have a bit of respite during what has felt like one of our busiest summers yet. And though travel is obviously limited, even a short staycation can serve as a much needed reset.
But as we planned our days off this August, I became admittedly curious about how my coworkers would spend their time “out of office.” Beyond more time for our newfound hobbies, how would our vacation time (and style!) differ from our everyday life? Even though I am not going anywhere, I am still excited to pull out my not-for-Zoom summer pieces that have been vacation staples in the past. After all, there’s no need to pull out a passport just to put on a fancy dress or heel.
Partly for my own inspiration, I asked six other editors to tell me how they planned to spend their summer vacations and, of course, what they would be wearing. Whether they’re worn while enjoying some no-screen time in the backyard or partaking in a socially distanced glamping excursion, these looks are sure to help define whatever “vacation style” means in the year 2020.
Madeline Fass, market editor
I would never have predicted that I’d be taking a camping (or in my case, “glamping”) trip for my August vacation, but my road trip to Zion National Park last week was one for the books. As a first-time glamper with socially distant hiking and horse riding on the agenda and 110-degree temperatures on the forecast, a drawstring sun hat for shade paired with a paisley bandana to cover my nose and mouth (and protect from dust and sun!) were essential. A hands-free bag and classic, stiff blue jeans also made an appearance, two pieces that haven’t had much use for in my usual work from home wardrobe.
Rachel Besser, market editor
This summer, “vacation” looks like mini moments of reprieve on my balcony. It’s soothing to watch the boats pass by on the river. In year’s past, I’ve always dressed for vacation with ecstatic abandon—leaning into colorful accessories and fanciful patterns. Now, it’s reenergizing to pare down with simple button-ups and no accessories. While I’ve been having a minimalist summer, I’ll still throw on a pair of silky printed pants as an aide-mémoire to vacations past.
Willow Lindley, accessories director
My ultimate vacation mood will be no screens! I can’t wait to dive into some books and take long sunset long beach walks, hopefully ending with bonfire s’mores. I plan on living in late-summer layers—bathing suits by day, favorite jeans and supersoft sweaters by night, a trusty tote by my side so I can lose track of time without needing a thing.
Julie Tong, commerce editor
I’ve had this Tory Burch dress for a few seasons now (it’s from the designer’s Spring 2017 collection), but I always love to break it out each summer because it brings me so much joy. In years past, I’d normally pack this floaty floral dress for an August getaway, coupled with a floppy hat, sandals, my favorite cat-eye sunglasses, and plenty of sunscreen. This year, vacation for me now means being firmly planted on my couch. However, I still wanted to embrace summertime in my home. So for my staycation, I put on my go-to summer dress, put out some fresh flowers, poured myself a glass of rosé, and made sure I had a book firmly by my side to escape into. No beach? No problem! This year, I’m rereading some of my favorite memoirs, including Bill Cunningham’s Fashion Climbing. Although I’m not hopping on any planes this year, I’m still enjoying taking time to relax and unwind at home from the rest of the world.
Mai Morsch, associate market editor
My days off are usually spent tackling a large cooking project in my rather small kitchen. I’ve never owned an apron, but have recently enjoyed cooking in cotton dresses that can take my culinary project from day to night. Prancing around my apartment this way feels a little bit like playing dress-up, but I am not mad about it! Since my bottom half is usually in a pair of yoga pants, putting on a dress makes the act of cooking feel like a fun activity rather than a necessity.
Alexandra Michler, director, fashion development
I am currently obsessed with printed, caftan-inspired pants. As someone who normally wears a dress for daily Zoom meetings (and then changes into another one for dinner!), switching things up with a pair of flowy pants feel like a special departure and more relaxed in a beach environment. I would never wear something like this in the city, but now that I am in a different environment, ikat and creatively printed pants feel fresh!
Madeline Swanson, editor
Vacationing safely and happily in 2020 is all in the accessories. I don’t go anywhere without my bestie/quarantine buddy, Vogue’s own Taylor Angino, or my Nicky Ovitt bandana (the perfect tool for covering my face as well as for dressing down an über-luxe Sir the Label frock, which I would have been wearing to a wedding later this month had it not been for COVID-19). Throw in some classic (and protective) tortoise eyewear and dainty open-toe flats (heels, be gone), and I’m halfway to the socially distanced glamping trip of my dreams (the rest is thanks to Collective Retreats, of course). The finishing touch? Overland’s ridiculously soft sheepskin pillows, blankets, coats, and slippers to sink into when the sun sets and the temperature drops. I could hibernate in that tent until 2021!
