by Olga Barsky
What is Resort Wear? An accurate answer is hard to pin point these days. Essentially, Resort Wear a.k.a. Cruise Wear began as a smallish collection of bathing suits designed by fashion heavy hitters like Louis Vuitton and Gucci for their rich and mighty clientele. After all, they couldn’t just frolic on private beaches wearing grossly outdated summer swimsuits from the previous season.  And so, while the middle class saved their hard earned cash for family vacations in rat-infested resorts during hurricane season, the jet set crowd lost sleep over major life decisions – Prada or Chanel? 

And then, vacation destinations began to change, and Resort fashion followed.  Fabulous people were now flocking to cooler climates in search of ski hills and five star chalets.  Heavier knits were introduced, as were lounge pants, and ruffled dresses in luxurious high-maintenance fabrics.  Cruise Wear was all of the sudden ‘the shit’ and winning attention and respect of the fashion industry; it was even granted status as its very own season. 

To this day, Resort Wear remains impractical, elitist, and a little bit stupid.  At the same time, it’s an excuse to ogle at fabulous clothes that we can’t afford.  Here are some resort looks that made a splash in our panties.