Popular destinations ranging from Ibiza to the humid climes of Miami each have their own distinct version of pool party attire. From plunging one-pieces to demure sarong and tailored crop top ensembles, we'll take you on a style tour of locations where the pool party fashion stakes rise right alongside the mercury.
Ibiza's brand of boho-luxe
When you hear “Ibiza,” beachside parties likely spring to mind. Home to some of the best DJ events, you can indulge in its hypnotic atmosphere from noon until dawn while mingling with an international jet-setter crowd. The world's unofficial clubbing capital, Ibiza’s carefree atmosphere lends itself especially well to bohemian-luxe pool party attire.
As you sip rum cocktails and take in the island's thumping Balearic beats, a bodysuit, dreamy maxi skirt from Roberto Cavalli’s Spring/Summer '17 Resort collection and lace-up espadrille wedges are all solid style go-to's. Striking the perfect balance between poolside nonchalance and evening elegance, floor length skirts and dresses offer ease of movement for dancing and lounging comfortably.
It's perfectly acceptable in Ibiza to wear your swimsuit to breakfast, especially since breakfast will most likely take place well past noon. Luckily, there's no shortage of statement swimwear to choose from, ranging from skin-baring bikinis in geometric prints to a one piece with ultra high cut thighs for a Baywatch-like spin if you dare. Bolder is better in Ibiza, which is where the bright and textured designs of travel-inspired lines like Kiini come into play. Kiini's crochet trim pieces feature contrast stitching in primaries and pastels, with one shoulder tops and swimsuits that look equally good with wwide-legged linen trousers as they do on their own.
Standout footwear that's still sensible enough for all night dancing provides a final flourish to pool party outfits in Ibiza. Wedged espadrilles with buckle detailing, a modest heel and fashioned in textured materials like suede recall a '70s fashion sensibility and provide a stable base for hopping from one beachside club to the next.
Las Vegas' sultry party style
Some memories that are well worth keeping after a weekend of indulging in Vegas' famed hotel pool parties, like recollections of the eye catching ensemble you'll no doubt don for one of the city's soirées. In Vegas, pool party outfits are decidedly more risqué — think swimwear with the deepest of plunging necklines and boundary-pushing cheeky bottoms.
When deciding what to wear to a pool party like the ones at MGM Grand’s Wet Republic, take note of the strict dress code. To get into the hottest pool parties in town, women are often required to wear a swimsuit with a cover-up or sarong, and are encouraged to wear heels. Here, the more outrageous the outfit the better, though it's possible to pare things down for a look that's just flamboyant enough to hold its own among the ostentatious masses.
A Vegas-appropriate, cute pool party outfit might feature a requisite splash of animal print. Whether cheetah, leopard, zebra or another wildly patterned swimsuit, the powerful fashion statement is often found on cut-out one pieces with low backs, or bikini separates. If you're in search of a two-piece that's slightly less wild, consider pairing an animal print top with a solid complimentary bottom for balance.
If the desert's unyielding heat is a little too scorching, cover up with a logo-emblazoned sarong like those offered up by Moschino, or a crocheted dress from the brand’s Resort '17 collection. When it comes to toting around essentials like your ID and a brightly colored lipstick, a mini cross-body bag with dazzling hardware — like those from Balenciaga or Valentino — is practical and won't weigh down your radiant Vegas look.
Miami's humid hedonism
It’s almost always pool party season in Miami, and lush, tropical looks are the ideal choice for decadent events that usually last all night long. When considering what to wear to a pool party in Miami, look for fabrics inspired by the vivid energy of the Caribbean. Pineapple print motifs like the ones featured in Giamba’s Resort '17 collection pair well with bralette-style bikini tops for a playful look.
For something more casual in between parties, a statement bikini in one of Mara Hoffman's signature prints, which range from pastel star patterns to abstract geo looks, complement a white shirt dress. Or take inspiration from Dries Van Noten's Spring/Summer '12 show, where lush jungle photos shot by James Reeve were screen-printed onto Bermuda shorts and bell-sleeved dresses.
Valentino’s Tropical Dream collection for Resort '17 offered plenty of accessories inspiration for complementing a Miami pool party look. Black satin slides from the presentation featured palm leaf and hibiscus motifs, or, you might reach for the season's pearl pineapple earrings to add a bit of playfulness to a solid color swimsuit from a label like La Perla.
Borrowing inspiration from island elegance and wild all-nighters alike will allow you to curate a daring pool party ensemble that's over-the-top yet polished. No matter where you may travel for your poolside affair, walking the line between refined and racy will certainly turn heads.