Right now, you’re probably wriggling in your desk, breathily whisper-chanting “summer” as a gigantic clock ticks down the minutes until school’s finally out and you can break into a deceptively impromptu song and dance number with Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens.
So maybe real life isn’t exactly like High School Musical 2 (wouldn’t it be nice), but that opening scene captures the anticipation and barely contained urgency most of us feel when only three excruciating weeks stand between us and glorious, glorious leisure. But before you jet off to an exotic locale, to the big city for your dream internship, or back home for some well-deserved relaxation, here’s all you need to travel in style.
Getting there is half the fun whether you’re taking a plane, train or automobile, except when your outfit’s too constrictive or not warm enough. Comfort is key, but while there’s no need to perform post-boarding bathroom gymnastics changing into jeans like a certain editor in chief, there’s also no excuse for looking like a homeless person. Step away from the pile of fleece: Trade a big sweatshirt for a just-as-snuggly oversized cardigan, and pair it with leggings, cashmere socks and pull-on boots. Or try an unfussy knit dress, opaque tights and ballet flats.
Multifunctional or cleverly designed accessories also lessen the stress associated with a long trip. A pashmina shawl or American Apparel’s circle scarf unfolds into a blanket for a mid-flight nap and later tucks neatly into your carry-on when you’re racing through the terminal. Add noise-canceling headphones, a sleep mask, foldable Wayfarers and you’re off to a flying start.
We covered internship-appropriate business casual earlier this quarter, so let’s move on to another favorite hot-weather pastime: With no more midterms or meetings to fret over, life’s a beach, and your vacation wardrobe can also take a break. By the pool or by the seashore, ensembles built around a swimsuit often become the dress code. Lounge poolside in a colorful Missoni caftan over your peacock-graphic We Are Handsome bikini or plunge-front maillot. With saucer-like sunglasses perched on your nose and a racy chick-lit novel in hand, you’ll embody chic off-duty living. Another glamorous touch: Your jewels need some sun too. A string of pearls down your back complements a screen siren-worthy two-piece, and a tangle of internationally sourced charms and baubles echoes the bohemian feel of a scarf-print Etro bandeau. Just don’t wear anything too precious to replace.
If your plans are taking you to an urban destination, choose easy pieces with a downtown edge. Irwin Shaw was on to something: The girls in their summer dresses signal a season when “everything [looks] like Sunday morning—the buses, and the well-dressed people walking slowly in couples and the quiet buildings with the windows closed.” Slip into a breezy frock and either Bensimons or Jack Purcells,and tie up your hair to recreate this laid-back mood. Your mixology will also benefit from an easy-going attitude. Horizontal and vertical stripes, leopard and snakeskin, color-blocking and seersucker splash a playful pattern combination onto tailored separates to keep the look clean.
Let go of your baggage and picture this: Don Draper leaving everything (literally) to hop into a convertible with neither luggage nor a care in the world; a bomber-jacketed Captain America roaring off into the sunset on a motorcycle; and yes, the cast of High School Musical 2 streaming out of a classroom jubilantly flinging handfuls of homework like confetti, ready to begin their summer jobs and PG romances. You’ve worked hard this year, and now it’s time to think of the places you’ll go.
Bon voyage, Northwestern.
