Which Vacation Friend Are You?

A high-drama dress perfect for dinners, photo ops, and plenty of special events after your vacation. With a light sheen, lots of color options, and even more size options, you should grab this dress before it goes viral.

Low-heeled sandals from French-girl brand Sézane are perfect for avoiding blisters.

The one-size-fits-most option is stretchy and doesn’t have that shiny swimwear look, so you can wear it as a top, too.

Yes, you brought sunscreen and sunglasses, but this wide-brimmed hat adds another layer of sun protection.

“ASICS are so incredibly comfortable. They’ve survived my ambitious step goals in Paris, Mexico, and Spain without blisters or getting all stinky (if you know, you know),” senior shopping editor Bianca Nieves says. “I highly recommend. I’m usually a Gel-Kayano wearer, but these GT-2160s are on my to-buy list.”

Sheer and plunging, this “It”-girl favorite is perfect for nights out and layering it over your go-to pieces in the daytime.

This brand has been on our radar for a while, and it’s a favorite of fashion and beauty writer Asia Milia Ware. The hand-crocheted dress is sexy, stretchy, and easy to wear. Feel free to layer it over swimwear or make it your next going-out dress.

Somewhat practical and very on theme, this palm-shaped bucket bag can fit your phone, wallet, and lip gloss.

These sandals look much pricier than they actually are. With a rose detail on the heel and straps that tie up the ankles, you can skip the extra accessories.

Worry less about planning your outfits or packing and more about soaking up the sun in this easy-to-wear dress.

The set alone is pretty pricey, but you can grab one of these pieces on its own, like the top, and mix and match with denim or linen.

A Cut-staffer favorite, Fréja’s durable vegan-leather bags are more spacious than they look. The ’90s-inspired silhouette doesn’t look like a vacation bag, which is why it’s the perfect buy: You’ll use it long after your trip.

“I’ve been anti-flip-flops for most of my life. These changed my mind. There’s something about the square toe that elevates your whole look,” Nieves explains. “I took this pair with me last year to Portugal, and they survived Lisbon’s hilly streets. Now they are a must every time I travel back home to Puerto Rico.”

Stay all covered up but still keep cool with this poplin button-up. The stretchy top has an adjustable open back so you don’t show too much skin unless you want to.

A favorite from Cut staffer Morgan Evans, Baobab offers shiny and shimmery photo-ready swimwear and separates, so you can also remember to take a few vacation pics of yourself in a standout piece like this glittery purple option.

House of Aama is one of Ware’s favorite brands for vacationwear, and the collab with Free People is worth buying. This flowy, printed midi skirt is perfect for mixing and matching with basics and bikini tops. Grab the matching top, or dress up some plain white tank tops you already own.

Because you need something nice to wear with those cutoff shorts, this adjustable cotton blouse is great for dressing up sandals or sneakers.

There’s no shortage of rooftop pools in NYC, so you don’t have to save all your nice swimwear for trips abroad. Riot Swim, a favorite of Ware’s, makes cheeky swimsuits with cool silhouettes that double as bodysuits.