There are certain feelings you can’t replicate until you’re back in them again. For me, it was that first evening on a tropical getaway—the warm breeze drifting through the night air, the sound of waves in the distance, and a crisp glass of Sancerre in hand as dinner stretched lazily into the evening. After more than two years without a warm-weather escape, finally experiencing it again felt like the sweetest exhale.

Travel has always been about more than just a destination—it’s about the anticipation, the ritual of planning, and yes, the outfits that bring the whole mood together. This spring marked not only my first trip back to a tropical spot but also the beginning of a season where many of us are venturing out internationally or chasing sunshine after what has felt like an endless pause. And honestly? I’m not sure whether I was more giddy about the flight itself or the pre-trip wardrobe planning. (Okay, maybe it’s a tie.)

Dressing for Joy

There’s something about vacation dressing that invites a bit of boldness—a freedom to experiment with color and print in ways I might not attempt back home. For this trip, I leaned all the way in. Turquoise paired with mustard? Unexpected, yes, but the combination practically glowed under the island sun. Flowing dresses, airy linens, and statement accessories became not just outfits but extensions of the experience. Each look carried its own energy, whether it was for exploring the town by day or savoring candlelit dinners by night.

It reminded me how much clothing can set the tone for memory-making. A sundress worn on a late-afternoon walk becomes inseparable from the golden light of that moment. A patterned wrap skirt brings back the laughter of beachside cocktails. Wardrobe and experience weave together until you can’t think of one without the other.

The Anticipation

I’d be lying if I said the thrill of the trip itself overshadowed the joy of preparing for it. In the weeks leading up, I found myself rediscovering the fun of curating outfits, scrolling for inspiration, and trying on combinations I wouldn’t normally consider. After so much time in loungewear and neutrals, leaning into color felt like waking up from hibernation. It wasn’t about chasing trends so much as about dressing for happiness—for myself.

There’s also something grounding about preparing for a trip after such a long hiatus. Packing wasn’t just practical; it was symbolic. Each piece folded into the suitcase felt like a small celebration of getting back to the world again.

More Than Just a Getaway

Yes, the beaches, the sunsets, and the cocktails were everything I had hoped for—but what made this trip feel extraordinary was the sense of return. A return to movement, to spontaneity, to savoring simple luxuries that had felt so distant. Travel forces us into presence. The noise of daily routine fades, and you’re left with the essential: the warmth of the sun, the taste of fresh fruit, the sound of laughter carried on a breeze.

And perhaps because it had been so long, those details struck me more deeply than they ever had before.

Looking Ahead

Spring and summer have always been seasons of exploration, but this year, they feel charged with new meaning. As many of us step back into international travel or head toward sunny escapes closer to home, there’s an electricity in the air. Trips are no longer taken for granted; they feel like milestones, each one precious in its own way.

So, where are you headed this season? Whether it’s a far-off island, a coastal weekend, or simply your favorite spot a few hours away, I hope you let yourself savor both the anticipation and the experience itself. Pack the bold dress, try the daring color combo, sip the glass of wine slowly with the warm air against your skin.

Because sometimes, it’s not just the destination that matters most—it’s the joy of returning to it all.