Rocking the resort look | Audi Hamilton Island Race Week | Net-A-Porter niceties

Celebrities, sailors and well-heeled shoppers are part and parcel of Audi Hamilton Island Race Week every August, checking out the latest premium motors, pearls and designer threads. Much sought after last year was Lupe Puerta, Net-A-Porter.com’s global head of personal shopping. Susan Skelly quizzed her on how to rock the resort look.

Lupe Puerta, global head of personal shopping for Net-a-Porter. Photo Belinda Rolland

1.    How do you define resort chic?

Resort chic is as much about the attitude as it is the clothes. Keep it simple – mix and match prints and include some texture and neutrals as these are also key. Fluid, effortless and relaxed styling is what you’re aiming for.

 2.    Which designers are doing it especially well right now?

Talitha for prints, embroidery and breezy silhouettes. I love that each piece is produced by artisans in Randhawa’s New Delhi atelier. The crochet, lace and scallop detailing across Miguelina’s designs are beautiful and Emilo Pucci and Roberto Cavalli are always associated with resort, as they focus on incredible movement and apply stunning prints onto amazing silk fabrics. Michael Lo Sordo is great for resort – his designs exude elegance and sophistication.

 3.    What’s the secret of getting the resort look right?

Always wear something you feel confident in. Channel your own sense of style – if you prefer pants then opt for a wide leg pair rather than a maxi dress. When clashing prints, pick items that have at least one colour in common – you don’t want your outfit to be too much of a mismatch. Lastly, ensure your whole look feels resort appropriate – your hair and makeup should err on the natural side so you look just as graceful as your ensemble does.

Resort wear making a splash on Qualia’s Pebble Beach at Audi Hamilton Island Race Week. Photo Belinda Rolland

 4.    What are the must-have accessories to make it work?

Statement jewellery is a must – look to designs by Arme De L’Amour and Maria Black. An oversized clutch is a great transitional piece that will take you from day to night. Invest in a timeless pair of sunglasses – I love Linda Farrow’s rose gold cat eye pair. Stylish flats that can be worn day and night are essential – opt for Ancient Greek Sandals’ understated designs and Manebi espadrilles for fun prints. Finally, a sun hat. For classic straw Panama designs look to Sensi Studio, for a chic wide-brim style, I recommend Melissa Odabash’s Jemima woven ivory design.

 5.    And for guys?

For me, it’s all in the shoes. Mr Porter’s style director Dan May has suggested that a brown loafer has better off-duty appeal – and I couldn’t agree more! Wear without socks and pair with a navy blazer and stone coloured chinos.

 6.    Your own favourite resort outfit?

I adore floaty maxi dresses – the movement makes me feel so elegant. I’ll pair this with flat sandals – usually an embellished or metallic pair so they look chic for day and evening, a beautiful clutch and standout jewellery. I’ll complete my look with soft makeup and loose, toussled hair.

The maxi dress reigns as queen of the resort-wear runway. Photo Belinda Rolland

 First published Qantas The Australian Way October 2014

Your turn: The piece of clothing no holiday would be without?