Dear Oligo Editor: What should I pack for my vacay to Mexico?

Dear Oligo Editor:

I’m going on vacation with my boyfriend of 5 months. He is taking me to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for a week. Can you give me any pointers for looking chic but casual but sexy and also like I’m not trying too hard? Please help! -Chic Vacationer

Dear CV,

Before I delve into to dressing details, let me first say that if your boyfriend is whisking you to Cabo, you’ve clearly already dazzled him with your choice of stateside ensembles. That being said, my first piece of advice (which covers the “not trying too hard” bit) is to stick with your personal style. Mix and match your favorite pieces with a few new items you would add to your wardrobe even if a sizzling hot vacay to Cabo wasn’t in your future. Here are some tips for looking your best while south of the border.

Dress(es) to Impress
An assortment of airy summer dresses is a must. A long, bright maxi is a great choice, and can easily take you from day to night. Whether strolling through a promenade or sharing a dinner beach side, you’ll look cooler than the ocean breeze in this number. You can spice things up with a sexy, yet casual cami- dress, and be comfortably cute in a smoked tube dress—perfect four lounging poolside or taking a walk on the beach.

Best Foot Forward
You’re going to Cabo—not the Cannes Film Festival—so keep the pointy-toe stilettos and bejeweled spiked heels at home. Instead, opt for fashionable flip-flops, wedge espadrilles, and chunky, platform wooden heels. All three are comfortable, super-stylish, and look great when paired with a summer dress.

Bathing Beauty
While bathing suites are (hopefully) the skimpiest duds you’ll ever wear in public, these barely-there get-ups are perhaps the most essential part of a girl’s vacation wardrobe. Go for a suite that is fashionable and functional—one that flatters your figure and looks great whether you’re sipping Margaritas at the swim-up bar or playing Marco Polo. Cut-out one-pieces are all the rage and can be found to fit every body type (and budget!) You can minimize the va va voom factor of these hot little numbers by choosing one in a pale, pastel color, as opposed to the ever popular black. I’m also a huge fan of ultra-girly ruffled bikini bottoms. Nothing says “I’m stylish but I don’t take myself too seriously” more than a cute, frilly bikini.

Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize
When paired with a simple summer dress, the right accessories can do wonders for your look. Bring a set of bangles, a few pairs of chandelier earrings, and cocktail ring for nights out on the town. Long necklaces that you can layer, or wrap around your neck twice for a double-stranded look will add a hint of drama to basic looks. A canvas tote will be perfect for the beach and storing souvenirs, and a sleek clutch is ideal for evening and late-night outings.

Have a great time in Mexico, and don’t forget to pack your sunscreen. Sunburns are never in style.

Dear Oligo Editor: How Do I Beat the Summer Heat?!

Dear Oligo Editor,

I just moved from a city with cold, windy summers to a city with beastly, hot summers. I’m used to always carrying a coat no matter the season, I have no idea what to wear in my new sweltering city.  Please Help!—Hot in the South

Dear H in the S,

I feel your pain. As a transplant from San Francisco to Houston, I know exactly what you are going through. My first piece of advice is to hydrate and seek refuge in air-conditioning whenever possible. Clearly, it isn’t possible to not leave the house for three months, so here’s what I wear to stay cool in the summer:

1. Natural Fibers

I went on a shopping spree at American Apparel right before the heat hit. I got some flowy cotton skirts, shirt dresses, and airy tees.  Cotton and linen are your best bets during the balmy summer months.

2. Light Colors

I am a black-a-holic. I love the look of black and my wardrobe consists of countless pairs of leggings, tees, and dresses. I have a very hard time retiring my dark pieces during the summer. However, it’s a fact that whites, khakis, and lighter shades keep you much, much cooler than blacks, browns, and blues.

3. Dresses, Dresses, and More Dresses

Nothing keeps me cooler than a flowy summer dress. Stick to natural fibers and opt for short or long and loose summer sun dresses. Plus there are an endless number of stylish mini-dresses that keep you cool and fashionable.

4. Say NO to Layers

I always wear a tank under shirts, dresses, and just about anything. I’ve had to break up with my undershirt habit during the hot Houston summer as this additional layer brings additional beads of sweat to my brow.

5. Shorts Are In

There is nothing sexier than short shorts and an oversized shirt. I love a pair of denim cut-offs (a timeless DIY wardrobe must!) paired with a cute plaid work shirt. Dressier shorts paired with a tank top are perf for a night on the town.

While it’s fabulous to be the most stylish chick at the party, there’s nothing cute about being a sweat monster. Think comfort and cool when dressing for the summer heat.

Casual Fridays Do’s and Dont’s

I’ll never forget that Sex and the City episode where Miranda’s office introduced casual Fridays. Her closeted gay co-worker showed up in tight leather black pants and a sheer black tank. Needless to say, her conservative New York law firm nixed casual Fridays from there on out.

Thankfully I work in an industry where every day is casual Friday. If I were a lawyer or salesgirl or some other kind of professional that had to dress to the nines everyday, I’d go bananas. If you are one of the corporate big-wigs who has to dress to impress at the office, casual Friday is a gift from the heavens above. Before rolling out of bed in your smelly sweatpants, take a look at our tips to be casual but still office appropriate.

1. Casual does not equal unprofessional. Keep the logo tees and marijuana leaves tucked away in your closet. If you are wondering … is this appropriate … ? The answer is usually always, just don’t wear it.  

2. Wrinkles, stains, and tears are never ok at the office. Your clothes should be clean, wrinkle-free, and fresh smelling. This is a rule you should take with you wherever you go, not just the office.

3. What’s the policy? Check your handbook and see if jeans, tanktops, and other questionable attire are cool. 

4. Skin is a sin at the office. Exposed midriffs, tube tops, and cleavages are a no no. (Save that for Friday night at the club.)

5. Avoid flip flops. Unless there is a beach party happening at the office, stick to work appropriate footwear. 

6. Sundresses and skirts. A great option for the ladies is casual cotton dresses and skirts. They are comfortable, casual, and corporate cool.

7. Khakis and polos. Guys should choose khakis and polos over shorts and a tee.

Think about your field, your office culture, location, and position before busting out the “Jesus is My Homie” tee. Clearly you know your office vibe best, so dress in a way where you (and your co-workers) will feel comfortable and accepted. As long as everyone feels respected, it’s all good in the hood.

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