After more than two years of postponed plans, grounded flights, and endless daydreaming, I finally packed my bags for a tropical getaway—and let me tell you, it was every bit as magical as I hoped. There’s nothing quite like that first evening when you step outside into warm, velvety air. The kind of air that carries a soft breeze, mingling with the scent of salt and flowers, as you sit at dinner with a chilled glass of sancerre in hand. It’s a sensory moment that lingers, and for me, it was one I had been craving for far too long.

This spring feels like a turning point. Many of us are stepping onto planes again, dusting off our passports, and heading for destinations where sunshine and sandals are the norm. The anticipation of travel has never felt quite so sweet—and I’ll admit, the preparation was half the fun. (Confession: I may have been almost as excited about the pre-trip shopping as I was about the trip itself. Almost.)

The Joy of Dressing for Vacation

Travel wardrobes have always been a special category for me. They invite play, adventure, and a little daring. There’s a freedom in knowing you’re not dressing for routine but for moments that will become memories: sunset dinners, barefoot walks on the beach, and lazy afternoons by the pool.

For this trip, I leaned hard into my love for bold colors and vibrant prints. After so much time spent in neutrals and cozy layers during the pandemic years, it felt like a small act of celebration to wear something unapologetically bright. Think fuchsia that practically glowed under the sun, deep cobalt blues that matched the sea, and tropical florals that made every outfit feel like part of the scenery.

I even experimented with color pairings I might not have dared at home. Turquoise with mustard? Who knew those two shades could look so striking together! But on vacation, where the light is golden and the mood is carefree, the rules seem to bend—and somehow, those unexpected combinations work.

Packing With Intention

If there’s one thing I learned while preparing for this trip, it’s that intentional packing can be a game-changer. Instead of overstuffing my suitcase with too many “what-ifs,” I chose a palette of colors and patterns that worked together, so I could mix and match easily. A breezy caftan doubled as a pool cover-up by day and an elegant dinner outfit by night. A wide-brimmed straw hat was both chic and practical, offering shade for afternoon walks and instant polish for photos.

And of course, accessories became the glue that pulled everything together. Statement earrings in bold shapes, a rotation of colorful sandals, and one versatile woven clutch carried me from casual mornings to glamorous evenings without fuss.

The Magic of Being Away

Clothing aside, what struck me most about this trip was how different everything felt simply because of the passage of time. Maybe it was the long wait, or maybe it was the collective craving for connection and adventure, but every experience felt heightened.

Dinner wasn’t just dinner—it was an event. A walk on the beach wasn’t just exercise—it was a grounding ritual. Even the small, ordinary details—like the way the air smelled at dusk or the sound of waves lapping just beyond the restaurant terrace—felt extraordinary.

That’s the beauty of travel, isn’t it? It wakes us up, pulls us out of our routines, and reminds us of what makes life feel abundant.

Looking Ahead

As spring turns to summer, I know I’m not the only one dusting off travel plans. Whether you’re jetting to a tropical island, exploring Europe’s historic streets, or simply taking a weekend road trip, there’s a collective sense of renewal this season.

And of course, with travel comes the joy of curating what to wear. For me, this trip was about embracing color, leaning into playfulness, and remembering that clothes can be more than fabric—they can be part of the experience itself.

Your Turn to Dream

So, where are you headed this spring and summer? Maybe you’ve already booked a ticket, or maybe you’re still scrolling through travel inspiration late at night. Either way, I hope you give yourself permission to embrace the joy of the journey—before, during, and after.

Let yourself dream about the meals you’ll savor, the views you’ll take in, and yes, the outfits that will become part of those memories. After all, travel is more than a destination. It’s an unfolding of moments, stitched together with anticipation, adventure, and a touch of style.

And trust me—when that first warm breeze hits your skin, you’ll know exactly what I mean.