FRENCH DESIGNER SIMON JACQUEMUS MADE HAWAIʻI the backdrop of his Le Splash SS22 collection runway show this past spring. Using mostly local models, some of which had been plucked from the surf just two days prior, they wore a collection which began in a swath of neutrals and exploded into a rainbow of vibrant blues, pinks and lime. Summer style created for Hawai‘i had arrived. Like Jacquemus, many summer collections celebrated vacation style. Last autumn when the spring/summer 2022 shows made their debut, I was tentative that these looks would be worn on any actual getaway, but regardless, it was exciting to see such forward-thinking optimism. Happily, designers got it right and with high summer upon us, beach ready dressing isago.

Skin-baring trends that so many designers championed lent themselves perfectly to beachside dressing. The biggest trend of the season was without doubt the bra top. Maryam Nassir Zadeh showed how anyone can work this look when a curvy model walked the runway wearing a simple black bra top under a loose shirt paired with classic chinos. A lilac butterfly bra top from the Blumarine show was pure joy and by far the most photographed piece of the season. But the vibrant pink ensemble consisting of a wraparound bra top, satin skirt and butterfly adorned shoes — finished off with a holiday-ready headscarf and oversized rose-colored sunglasses — was the true winner for me.

Feeling more demure, there are plenty of seaside looks to discover. In spring, I helped facilitate a Neiman Marcus and Etro presentation at the Outrigger Canoe Club. Etro’s sophisticated, indie-inspired collection in citrus tones and classic Etro prints included loose pants, crochet tops and chiffon dresses. Guests were left giddy with the promise of summer travel and carefree beach days.

The halcyon days of a summer getaway were present on many a spring-summer runway in celebration of our newfound freedom. Only this season doesn’t wait for vacation to begin; this is a constant way of dressing. And the best part is that we in Hawai‘i never need to suffer the holiday blues and pack these looks away.

Kim Smith has been a professional wardrobe stylist in Honolulu since 2004. Born a true Londoner, Smith had a successful career in public relations in the fashion industry in London for more than eight years before moving to Hawai‘i in 2002. Smith’s work spans a vast array of magazines, retailers and television as well as working with individual clients on their specific style needs. See her work at kimsmithstyle.com.