Fashion

Bold Cut Outs and Brilliant Colors Dominate Summer Vineyard S le

BY BRYNA JEAN-MARIE

Celebrity fashion stylist and costume designer Pamela Watson was fresh from a production of The Best Man: Final Chapters when UPTOWN grabbed her to get the skinny on summer Vineyard style. She is always fly. From dramatic wide-leg linen pants with a white T-shirt, to a free-flowing, sultry sundress punctuated with sky-high espadrilles, this committed beach beauty keeps it chic. Her family has been coming to the Vineyard for years, and she sees how fashion morphs to suit the golden-brown masses each summer, as well as recognizing that some seasonal pieces stand the test of time. “Fashion is a very big part of our Vineyard experience,” says Watson. “We pack for the parties and bring our brightest and best outfits. We love to see each other sun-kissed and sexy. Our personal style is how we bring our flair to the island. August in the Vineyard is our Hamptons or our French Riviera. We want to have a wonderful time and celebrate in style. We play hard and look amazing while we do it.”

Summer 2022 offers a mix of cool cut outs and daring slasher looks, with a balance of crocheted cover-ups, vibrant colors and bathing suit ensembles that flow from a day at the beach to an evening of dinner and dancing. Watson explains that tying a regular sarong around your waste has an upgrade this season. “Designers have been mixing ready to wear with beachwear,” she says. “So you might have a bikini top and a MIDI skirt or cotton pants in the same pattern, with a shirt that goes over it. It’s all about the fluidity of being able to seamlessly combine beachwear and street wear.

She adds that this summer, “We’ll see things like sexy dresses of all different weights. Crochet, raffia, and all of those nostalgic kinds of summer knit fabrics are in trend that you can wear as a bikini top or a maxi dress. And they are also being seen in accessories like handbags.”

If you are a bit bolder and want to show off your beach body, the slasher dress is your go-to. “It’s a lot more body and skin to be seen,” says Watson. “If you are daring and have what it takes to pull it off, go for it. It’s a head turner, let me just say that.” On the other end of options are long, flowing dresses in bright and sherbet colorways. And these colors also add a bold accent to any look. “Vibrant sherbet colors like pistachio, strawberry, lilac, lemon and tangerine. And you can wear them in

PHOTO CREDIT: LESHA REED

Allyson Bennett, Tereska James and Pamela Watson.

a monochromatic look when your entire ensemble is the same color, head to toe. Or wearing several of those colors at once to make more of a bold statement.”

Some beach days call for a glamorous vibe. Watson says to not be afraid to bring sequins to the shore. Using this bold expression instantly boosts your beach look. “Although we always think of beach clothing as a shabby chic, muted and keep it simple look, you can also take those silhouettes and bump it up a little with some sequins during the day. Why not embellish your look for a fabulous beachwear day.”

Bandanas—worn like a pirate, not our beloved Tupac—are here to add a dash of color and flair to your hair. “Take a beautiful silk head scarf and tie it bandana style to give the perfect solution for the not-so-great beach hair day or those flyaway hair days. Make sure that it’s silky and has really good pattern.” Tracey Smith, talent producer and celebrity-influencer connector, who is “everywhere you want to be,” has always been on the cutting edge of fashion. She looks forward to her annual trips to the Vineyard and having fun with fashion. “I’m typically all about having fun, so my fashion is an extension of how I feel and how I want people to feel when they’re around me,” she says. She always knows how to blend classic and trending pieces for an elegant and playful look. “What I wear makes me feel sexy. Some of this season’s looks are about embracing your body. I’m a little heavier than I normally am but I still feel sexy when I show my favorite parts of my body.”

Ultimately, it’s about your own personal style. Whether you go with the trends or keep it classic, it’s about feeling confident in your skin. “There is no pressure to look a certain way because we have effortless style,” says Watson. “As we reconnect with friends and family and step out to the events, we paint the picture of stylish people having a good time and loving life with a resort style of luxury.”