When March comes along, who isn’t ready to march off to somewhere sunny? Whether your sights are sent on somewhere in the South stateside, a destination closer to the equator abroad or you’re looking for a fresh outlook on the homefront, whether you’re a college coed or married with kids, South Moon Under and Saks Fifth Avenue will help you look primo in your idea of paradise. —Natalie Kaar
Must-Pack Spring Break Stunners, according to South Moon Under buyers Charlie Groom (men’s), Tai Camper (women’s) and Melissa Bona (women’s):
Hot colors/prints and silhouettes for swimwear this year?
For Men: “Horizontal stripes and color blocks; colors are brighter with some neon.”
For Women: “[One-piece swimsuits] with corset detailing or one-shoulder styling. Bikinis with bustier details and the L*Space fringe bikini are going to be just as popular again this year. We are also carrying the new DVF for Roxy line … check this out!”
Shapes in shades that really shine?
For Men: “Wayfarers and aviators.”
For Women: “Frames with a retro handcrafted feel, [Rayban classics].”
Spring Break bests of this year vs. last?
For Men: “Trunks and shorts are getting shorter; boardshorts are brighter, [have] more color.”
For Women: “Cover-ups are much more stylish and prevalent. We have a wide selection for all occasions … ‘The Festival Girl” [as SMU likes to call it] will be more prevalent this year, where last year it was more of a hipster vibe with bright colors. Colors have morphed into more muted pastels, and white is strong.”
Tops in toppers?
For Men: “Baseball hats.”
For Women: “Fedoras are big for spring break, but baseball hats are the hot new silhouette for ladies!
The Resort Wear Rundown, according to Beth Kanfer, fashion accessories director, and Colleen Sherin, senior fashion director, Saks Fifth Avenue:
This year’s ultimate beach bag?
“For a beach bag that is chic and sophisticated, I recommend the Fendi PVC and nappa leather graphic totes, says Kanfer. “For the over-the-top jetsetter there is only one bag that will do: the Chanel hula hoop bag.”
The season’s “it” sandals?
Kanfer says, “The gladiator-inspired sandal-bootie is the must-have shoe this spring. It was the break-out shoe on the spring runways by designers in New York, Milan and Paris. Gladiator sandal-booties look best as a high heel and will be offered as a flat sandal.” She adds that the store’s favorites include styles by Brian Atwood, Tabitha Simmons and Sophia Webster.
Key themes in pre-spring resort wear?
“Floral prints are something that we are really excited about,” says Sherin, with this year’s florals being more realistic than last year’s florals. Sherin also points to lace, “especially lace in color,” as another trend in resort that carries well into spring. She adds that 2013 Resort also has a “sporty attitude,” with big items including track jackets, bombers and motorcycle jackets (in colors like lime green, cobalt), and safari looks are popular, too. But denim also has its place in resort, Sherin says, “at a more elevated level” from brands like Chanel, Gucci.
Making the biggest splash in all things swim?
“We always do well with bikinis,” says Sherin; however, “for resort this year,” she offers, “there is more attention on one-piece suits … a clean, modern, streamlined look.” Other standouts: “floral prints and exotic prints.”
Destinations that come to mind with this resort wear?
“Somewhere exotic,” says Sherin, adding, “[Resort wear] is not what it once was … there’s much more of a wear-now sensibility, even for those of us who reside in cooler climates … as opposed to a cruise mentality.”
Next month some of our favorite style bloggers tell how to pull off spring’s trickiest trends.
Photos: Courtesy of South Moon Under (Nanette Lepore Kimono Floral Bandeau one-piece swimsuit, Patagonia Boardshorts); Courtesy of Saks fifth avenue (Stuart Weitzman Tall Gladiator Metallic Leather Sandals, Valentino Daisy Pique Embroidered Dress)
(March 2013)