Chic at 60ish!

Close your eyes and picture a wonderful resort.  Glistening white sand.  Gentle aqua waves.  Swaying palm trees.  Colorful flowers. Feel the balmy breeze.  Hear the rhythm of a steel band, playing in the distance.  Sip a spicy cold margarita.  Now, come back to reality.  If you’re in the northeast, outside your window the air is cold & damp, the wind whips—yet just dreaming of a beach makes you feel better already.  Even if winter takes you no further than your doorstep, you’ll get the same feeling when you step into your favorite store or see something pretty online. The fun starts the moment you buy something for warmer weather.  

ROOM WITH A VIEW: Though my beloved dad, Bob Golder, passed way last year, the view from his apartment in Boca–& wonderful memories of times spent together in Florida–will stay with me forever

As I begin to pack for a trip to Boca Raton to visit close friends, it’s always more fun to have one new thing. Resort fashion follows both the beautiful scenery and outdoor lifestyle. Choose hues the color of warm sand, cool water, and magnificent sunsets.

WHITE OUT: Crisp cotton top, wide-leg pants & boho dress from oscardelarenta.com

Start with something ivory or white. A great top, a fabulous pair of wide-leg pants or jeans, a smashing handbag. Add something neutral, the shade of sand in the morning, or something gold or silver, as sand appears as dusk.

SEEING RED: Resort fashion–& spring’s–must-have color, Johanna Ortiz red & white sundress at saks.com

If that does not appeal, try a bold color. Something luscious. Something the color of your first daiquiri on arrival. (Mine will be raspberry!) Red is the color of the moment; stay away from Barbie-pink, now feeling very “last year.” I also love a creamy pastel. Icy blue, powder pink, pale yellow. Bold or soft, pair it all with white.

THE MEANING OF “CREAMY COLORS:” Amal Clooney in a scrumptious pale yellow Atelier Versace in Cannes

“Boho” is huge. Elegant bohemian, luxurious bohemian, chic bohemian. Flowy dresses. Lace blouses. Chiffon pants. Florals and prints abound. All so soft and easy.

BOHO CHIC: A resort must-have, yellow print sundress from carolinahererra.com; my daughter Lauren & me on her 40th birthday, my maxi dress & belt from ralphlauren.com

Of course, nautical is right in any resort. Navy and white or red, white, and blue. Add a touch of gold. Lots of big buttons. Sailor pants suddenly look brand new. Very modern. Very classic.

WIDEN YOUR PERSPECTIVE: Sailor pants from ralphlauren.com; my friend Jackie snapped this picture in her beautiful garden in Long Boat Key on Florida’s west coast, royal blue tunic & ivory silk wide-leg pants from gucci.com

You will hear “statement pants” again and again, and you will find them at every price point. Invest in a pair for resort and wear them all spring and summer. (You know the best merchandise comes in first.) Are skinny jeans out? Yes. But if they flatter your figure—at 60ish—wear what you feel best in. Give up the cigarette leg & try a boot cut if super-wide feels like too much fabric. Rule of the season: Pair the new wider leg with a close-fitting top or cropped jacket; flounce-y tops with a slimmer pant or jeans. Your silhouette should look like a ‘V’ or an upside down “V,” but never a square! 

A SHOE-IN: Rene Caovilla sandals at neimanmarcus.com

Mix it all with strappy sandals. Wider-leg pants definitely take a heel or wedge, especially for evening, but flats in a resort also feel chic. Do not forget a wonderful wrap. Nights are often cool and it seems every restaurant is over-air conditioned. Try a delicious color for even more “pop.” Wear it over your coat when you return. Those yummy colors show off a bit of a tan too!

MORE MUST-HAVES: Add a wide-brimmed hat a la Amal Clooney in Venice; RL sunglasses at saks.com

RESORT RECHARGE: Flowy white silk top from josephribkoff.com, L’Agence black wide-leg pants from Boyds, Philadelphia & Wayne

Relax and have fun. That’s what vacations are all about. This season, fashion makes it a cinch. Indulge now—this is a beautiful foreshadow of what is to come for spring. Feminine. Flowy. Edgy. Sophisticated. Fun. Invest in a few fabulous pieces, then create new looks every night. Wishing you a wonderful trip—even if you are just daydreaming—enjoy every sun-splashed moment—Ellyn Golder Saft