Let me clue you in to one aspect of New York life: As soon as the frigid winter temperatures set in, many of the city’s residents flock farther south to escape the cold. This past weekend, I was one of them. Not only did Florida’s popular beach destination offer the warm-weather getaway I was hoping for, but also the city was also abuzz with celebrities and tastemakers from across the fashion, music, and art worlds who descended on Miami Beach for Art Basel.
Being a travel-obsessed fashion editor and a Miami novice, I can assure you my suitcase was overflowing with outfits, and I’m here to say that the overweight fees were well worth the extra baggage. I managed to squeeze nine-plus looks into the span of my four-day trip, which included everything from beach days to art gallery visits and a few fun cocktail hours. Not to brag, but I think I did a pretty good job emulating Miami’s bright and bold aesthetic because my outfits seemed to earn a slew of compliments at every turn.
Naturally, I’m sharing every last detail of my looks and where I wore them in case you need inspiration for your next trip.
A great minidress is one of those things that just need to be in everyone’s luggage for a trip here, and bonus points for one that transitions well from day to night. I adored this linen halter-neck style for a day spent perusing the sprawling exhibitions at Art Basel and Design Miami before having dinner at South Beach institution Joe’s Stone Crab.
As if this dress weren’t pretty enough from the front, the back brings even more drama.
These are a fixture in my suitcase for any warm-weather vacation I go on. They’re wildly comfortable and go with every outfit.
A moment for this gold hardware detail, please and thank you.
I took a brief pause from my devotion to black sunglasses to try out this putty-hued pair that jewelry designer Jenny Bird created. The bold cat-eye shape just felt right for Miami.
Woven textures are a beach necessity. This tote is my top pick.
Sunset shades just felt right for Cult Gaia’s cocktail hour hosted on a yacht (!), and my choices were validated because as soon as I posted this outfit to my Instagram, my notifications were going off nonstop. Talk about a crowd-pleaser!
Did someone say cutouts?
It was love at first sight with this whole look.
The bag I carry everywhere in New York and now Miami.
These non-classic hoops were a fun addition to plenty of my outfits.
I couldn’t leave without squeezing in one beach day, and the day party at Nikki Beach proved to be the best way to experience Miami energy and get in some much-needed vitamin D at the same time. Naturally, a colorful outfits was in order.
I’m not a huge fan of typical beach coverups, but this sheer knit number was as easy to wear as it was cool atop a bikini.
My favorite sandals, yet again.
Trust me. If you want to earn compliments, wear a printed bucket hat. Mine is vintage Emilio Pucci, and it’s one of my best secondhand scores.
Whenever I step out of my fashion comfort zone, I like to rely on the safety of doing so in all black. A fishnet dress proved to be easier than I thought when styled over trousers and a bra top—and earned me comments everywhere I went, from Marc Jacobs and i-D magazine’s celebration to the rooftop bar of the 1 Hotel.
When I bought this fishnet dress at the Dion Lee sample sale last month, I went out on a limb not knowing when or where I would get the chance to break it out. Lo and behold, a night out in Miami proved to be the ideal venue.
Of everything I wore on this trip, Kara’s crystal mesh bag simply raked in the most compliments.
Comfortable, cool, and versatile.
I had the pleasure of connecting with Hellessy designer Sylvie Millstein, who now calls Miami home, for a celebration of the brand’s Resort 2023 collection. The brand wins at languid-cool shapes. Just take a look at this stunning cobalt-blue blouse from the collection.
A similar style that’s available to shop now.
Team bikinis as bra tops.
Miami-approved denim.
I can’t get enough of this simple but outfit-making necklace.
As a sartorial palette cleanser, I went with a simple ’90s-style maxi slip dress for a dinner at Miami newcomer and Carbone sister restaurant Contessa.
My take on the sheer trend is this printed number that’s surprisingly easy to wear.
I adore the way these red heels add a pop of color.
It wouldn’t be a Miami look without a little logo action.
Rezek Studio’s corset set has earned a cult following among Who What Wear editors and for good reason. The wildly flattering pieces are stunning, fun to wear, and shockingly comfortable. I’m officially hooked.
The brand’s best-selling corset set now comes in a holiday-ready emerald shade.
When I tell you these pants are the most flattering thing I’ve ever put on, I’m not joking.
A fan favorite.
Feathers and sequins are trending hard right now—this fun mini ticks both boxes.
A staple for my permanent and vacation wardrobes.
As fun to wear as it is to look at.
Didn’t I say they go with everything?
A moment for this chain, please.
Large-scale sequins are one of my favorite party trends of the moment, so I couldn’t skip the opportunity to wear them via this stunning Jonathan Simkhai top for dinner at Miami’s aptly named Sexy Fish.
A top fitting for an under-the-sea themed restaurant.
I wear this mini for New York winters. Turns out it works for warmer climates, too.
