Resort 2026: Last-Minute Vacation Edit
Stilettos & Mascara | The Hollow Quill
Last Minute Vacation? Resort-Style Looks For Less 5 Easy Formulas + Packing List for the girl who books on Tuesday and leaves on Friday. Resort 2026 is softer, more tactile, and very photogenic—think coastal cowgirl meets beach goddess, with a return to real craftsmanship.
Best sales live: Nordstrom is running heavy markdowns on vacation clothing, sandals and swim — Sam Edelman slide $77.90 from $130, eyelet dresses at $69.30 from $99, swim starting a $50.97.
White-on-white eyelet + crochet co-ords are the headliner. Artisan crochet, hollow-out knits and broderie anglaise dominate 2026 resort runways.
Tiered maxis remain queen — flowing, saturated color pops in blue, yellow, orange are the palette story.
Texture bags + elevated flats — raffia and pearlized bags add vacation flair to even the simplest outfit.
THE TRAVEL-DAY LOOK
Pull-on linen pants + fitted tank + lightweight button-down + comfortable sandals/sneakers + roomy tote + delicate jewelry. Button-down doubles as cover-up, pants re-wear for dinner.
Coastal Linen Palazzo Pant in Ecru by Hue — 32" inseam, pull-on waist, wide-leg, no cling.
A&F Gemma Linen-Blend Wide Leg Pull-On Pant— elastic drawcord, $79.99 sale,
Sea View Button Down Shirt in Resort White by Lilly Pulitzer— 100% Seacoast Linen
Bennet 100% Linen Buttondown by Maeve— bestseller, tailored-yet-relaxed, now $79.95.
Oversized Linen Shirt from Banana Republic — certified European linen, garment-washed softness, $44.99 sale.
What it all fits in
There’s nothing chic about overpacking.
You can fit everything — including shoes, hair tools, and souvenirs — in my BÉIS Carry-On Roller and Weekender without sitting on the suitcase. The organization, the shoe compartment, the trolley sleeve that actually stays put... it’s the luggage that will make my 12-piece capsule possible.
Whether you’re doing a long weekend in Charleston or a last-minute flight to Tulum, these five formulas will have you covered from beach to dinner, and back to the airport.
THE POOL-TO-LUNCH LOOK
Supportive one-piece + button-front cover-up that actually covers you + woven tote + oversized sunnies + flat slides. Sheer scrap that barely covers one hip does NOT count.
Heritage Hilda Glam One Piece by Jantzen — square neckline + wide adjustable straps + tummy control + removable cups. $39.97 sale.
Mesh Wrap Tummy Control One Piece by Shapellx — built-in mesh wrap skirt = instant lunch dress, sculpting support.
Miraclesuit Square Neck Bandit Tummy Control — makes you look 10 lbs lighter in 10 seconds, LYCRA XTRA LIFE holds shape.
Lightweight Cotton Cashmere Cardigan by Quince — $39.90, organic cotton + cashmere, layer over cover-up for AC restaurants.
Roma Linen Dress by Reformation — sleeveless midi dress with a square neckline and hook and eye closure.
Pair with woven straw tote + flat leather slides.
Coverage without Compromise
Finding the perfect swimsuit isn't about hiding your body—it's about feeling confident in it. Whether you love a classic one-piece, a flattering tankini, or a breezy cover-up that takes you from the pool to lunch, these styles are designed to help you look and feel your best while soaking up every last bit of summer.
40+ Approved Swim & Coverups
Whether you're heading to the beach, pool, or cabana, these brands offer flattering options for women over 40.
Dresses - The One & Done Pack
Linen, eyelet, crochet, tiered movement. Pack one white, one print, one black.
The edit: The Frank and Eileen Grace Eyelet and Everlane Eyelet Midi are both on sale now—breathable cotton, built-in slip, goes from market to dinner with just a sandal swap. Add a floral tiered maxi for photos.
Dolores One Piece Verdant Flight and Magicsuit Goddess One Piece Nighthawk — hidden underwire, moderate leg, full back
Beach Riot Beverly & Calista — shelf bra + removable cups, sculpting fabric
Coverups that are dresses: SKIMS Crochet Mini Tank Dress $77 sale, Abercrombie Crochet-Style Plunge Maxi $59.99, Carmona Ecru Crochet Maxi $26.40
THE SIGHTSEEING LOOK
Cohesive palette: cream, tan, navy, black, white, soft olive. Every top works with every bottom. Tailored shorts or midi skirt + breathable tank + open button-down + supportive sandals + crossbody + hat.
Shop:
Tailored Shorts: Banana Republic Linen-Blend High-Rise Shorts
Midi Skirt:Pull-On Linen Blend Midi Skirt or Floral-Print Linen Midi
Breathable Tank:100% European Linen Tank, Linen Blend Ruffle Trim Tank
Crossbody:Laila Extra-Small Signature Logo Crossbody by Michael Kors or Mini Studio Bag by Everlane
Sandals & Sneakers
Resort rule: If you can't walk to dinner in them, don't pack them. My last-minute formula = 1 slide, 1 strappy flat, 1 raffia sneaker. Chic, cushioned, no break-in.
The Slide (pool to lunch): Water-friendly with a buckle — Olukai La'i and Cushionaire Lanky. Under $90, podiatrist-friendly without looking orthopedic.
The Strappy Flat (fancy dinner): Toe ring + ankle strap = elongates + stays on. Reformation Pina / Luna and Sam Edelman Ellina in cognac. Flat, cushioned, still elevated enough for satin maxis.
The Raffia Sneaker (travel day):Rag & Bone Retro Runner and Superga 2740 Raffia Platform — the Resort 2026 texture trend that goes with every eyelet midi and linen set.
ATHLEFIT Women’s Espadrilles Platform - Comfortable, cushioned footbed and great for summer vaca.
Mary Jane that finally gets it right for 40+ — woven texture for Resort 2026, classic strap that stays put, and memory foam that actually cushions. Woven detail dresses up linen and eyelet without a heel. My pick for travel + all-day walking.
Pack Smart. Travel Chic.
Everything you need for a stylish 4-day getaway is waiting in my LTK Shop.
Hi, I'm E. Lynn Jimenez, founder of The Hollow Quill and the voice behind Stilettos & Mascara. I believe great style should be effortless, comfortable, and confidence-boosting—especially for women over 40. Here, you'll find wearable fashion, timeless wardrobe inspiration, and practical style ideas that help you look polished without sacrificing comfort.
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