Rio’s annual Carnival may have finished but we are still not over our #FOMO. The rhinestones! The caipirinhas! The all-night dancing in a bikini that could floss teeth! Even if you didn’t get to experience all that partying in the flesh (literally) this year, you can still dress the part on holiday and conjure up a mini carnival of your own. Here are 10 pieces that will add a few Brazilian frills, flounces, feathers and fun to your beach vacay look.
1. The Day Skirt
High-waisted sequinned midi skirt with ruffled hem, approx. US$36, Zara
Vibrant colours, a tropical motif, feminine ruffles and a scattering of sequins add up to a whole lotta fun.
2. The Statement Swimsuit
Missoni Mare tiered fringed one-piece, US$1,060, Moda Operandi
When too much is never enough. Strictly for poolside lounging/head-turning only; do not add water.
3. The Fun Sandal
Passion Blanche lace-up sandals, US$209, Yoox
Because nothing says ‘ready to party’ like a flat shoe with pom poms AND feathers.
4. The Travel Outfit
Diane von Furstenburg wrap top, US$191, and skirt, US$208, Net-a-Porter
A skirt and wrap top combo in a bright print is smart enough to take you from the airport straight to lunch.
5. The Crop Top
Johanna Ortiz polka dot cropped top, US$430, Matches Fashion
Colombian designer Johanna Ortiz is the new queen of feminine resortwear, and this cute bow crop top shows why. Wear with floaty palazzo pants or a flippy skirt.
6. The Feathered Hat
Eugenia Kim feather-embellished straw sunhat, US$368, Net-a-Porter
Stay sun smart while giving a nod to those zany feathered headdresses without going fully loco.
7. The Statement Earring
Sachin & Babi ‘Coconuts’ earrings, US$307, Farfetch
Because are you even on a beach vacay if you’re not wearing a different dangly earring every day? Especially ones called ‘Coconuts’.
8. The Beach Bag
‘Pinata’ straw tote, US$69 (on sale), Kayu Design
Swap your natural straw beach bag for this colourful fringed number by Kayu Design that has the added bonus of being heavily discounted.
9. The Itsy Bitsy Bikini
‘Melody’ shoulder frill bikini, AU$250 (approx. $195), Zimmermann
If your bikini is this tiny, don’t feel you have to go for bright colours or wild prints too. The shape is statement enough.
10. The Spangly Cocktail Dress
Lens dress, AU$649 (approx. US$500) by Ginger & Smart
Amp it up for sunset drinks in a sequinned cocktail dress. There’s no such thing as being overdressed when you’re channelling Carnival!
All dressed up with nowhere to go? We suggest Greece, the Maldives or Thailand for your glamorous new wardrobe.