Tropical Fashion Must-Haves

By Kathryn M. D'Imperio ©2006

With the gentle sway of palm trees and crystal blue saltwater on your mind, you are nearly set for the vacation of a lifetime. Prepare for the ultimate paradise as you select a few fashionable accessories and plan to purchase some tropical souvenirs. Whether you’re visiting the Bahamas, Bermuda, Hawaii or Tahiti, you’ll want to stock up on the suntan lotion, pack a comfortable pair of flip-flops and don’t forget to bring your camera.

When gathering your beach accessories, remember to pack your favorite beach towel, a colorful wrap or sarong and a couple of chunky beaded necklaces, anklets, earrings and bracelets. OR, you could pack a little lighter and pick up a few souvenirs on your trip! I personally tend to collect beach towels and shell jewelry, so if I forget to pack those items, it’s perfectly fine. I usually come home with new ones anyway!

The first item on your packing list should be your bathing suit – bikini, "tankini" or one-piece, depending on your preferences. Available in countless department stores, chain stores and all over the Internet, a myriad of colors and styles awaits your approval. You may also be able to find an adorable swimsuit while you are on your vacation.

Many people have come to associate island destinations with beaded microbraids, cornrows and other delightful hairstyles. While on vacation you can get your hair braided into dozens if not hundreds of teeny, tiny braids, or you can opt for just a few to accent your hairstyle. If you plan to go scuba diving, snorkeling or spend a lot of time in the water, pulling your hair back into a French braid or a traditional braid will keep your hair from tangling.

When it comes time to accessorize, your best gold, diamonds and gemstones might be better suited for your jewelry box at home. The tropical theme of a romantic vacation getaway calls for untraditional accessories, like giant seashell necklaces, chunky beaded pendants, dangling shell or beaded earrings, jangling bracelets and sexy shell or beaded anklets. Straw, leather cord and metal accents give each piece a unique look and feel. While packing your own jewelry to take with you on vacation, consider the fact that you could pack a little bit lighter and come home with a few nice items instead!

Going barefoot may make the most sense on the beach and at the resort, but a nice pair of sandals add to any outfit. Try a casual pair of flip-flops with your favorite jeans and a nice shirt and you’ve got a great island ensemble. Platform sandals or creatively adorned high-heel sandals nicely complement a flirty sundress or other apparel choice.

Days of wearing shorts to the beach are on the way out. Instead, show off your style sense with a colorful sarong that accents your swimsuit. A delicately delightful wrap or sarong dresses up any swimsuit and doubles as a nice skirt. On a breezy day, top it off with a solid color T-shirt, tank top or other lightweight shirt.

As you prepare for your trip, remember to also bring your sunglasses, suntan lotion and other beach necessities. When you pack your stylish accessories and apparel, be sure to save some room in your suitcase for a few souvenirs!