A Style Influencer Shares Their Favorite Vacation Looks

My style has always been a little out of the box. When it comes to clothing, I firmly believe we should shop in whatever section of the store we want and try on whatever jumps out to us. For me, that means striking statement pieces, bold colors, prints, and clothing with unique cuts and fits.

If I look at myself in the mirror in the morning and feel incredible in an outfit, I know I’m about to have the best day — I love that clothing can hold so much power. If you like it, wear it. Forget about what’s trending and what’s “out of fashion.” If something brings you joy, then do yourself a favor and WEAR IT.

When I go on vacation, I love to pack some key statement pieces, as well as practical items that have versatility and can be worn in a multitude of ways. Here are some of my faves from my recent winter getaway to Mexico! 

Arid Landscapes With a Side of Lavender

Absolutely NOTHING in this world brings me more joy than items of clothing that match perfectly! To me, these lavender boots paired with this cropped button up lavender cardigan is everything.

Recently, I’ve been incorporating more color into my wardrobe — and these pieces suit my skin-tone so beautifully. I also created this makeup look to compliment the outfit. I love how it all came together with the stunning desert location in the background.

Lush Palettes by the Pool

Say what you want about the cut-out trend, I absolutely LIVE for it! When I go out, or want to look like the goddess within, a body hugging outfit that shows off some skin makes me feel beyond ethereal.

I got this outfit in Mexico City, and the pants matched the Baja California Sur palm trees to a tee — it would have been rude not to capture these images.

I used to look at things on the hanger and say “I could never wear that” or “that’s not for me” but that mindset has since shifted to “I can’t wait to wear that” and “that’s so me.”

It's a mindset that's allowed me to be more experimental, which has been so fun. Exploring your style should be about self discovery, connecting with yourself, and expressing the most authentic version of yourself.

Textured Travel Essentials

(Omar wearing the Waffle Henley Top and Waffle Short in Soft Brown)

If you’re not rocking the most comfortable loungewear when you travel, then are you okay? This new Waffle Loungewear set is now a go-to that will be coming with me everywhere I go.

The texture of the fabric feels so soft on the skin, fits like a dream, and is the most gorgeous color. I’m beyond obsessed.

Desert Nights and Kaleidoscopic Prints  

Typically, when I travel, I’ll pack a more versatile outerwear piece — something neutral that will go with everything. This jacket I got in Toronto, however, just had to come with me.

I’m so drawn to psychedelic prints at the moment, they’re beyond fun and a great representation of my personality. Did it keep me warm on cool desert nights? No, but wow does it look stunning.

Being on TikTok for the past 2 years, my biggest inspiration comes from other creators. Finding a community of people of online has helped me connect with my gender identity and to embrace my own personal style.

Painting the Town in Gilded Mesh 

Remember what I said about a body hugging piece of clothing that makes me feel ethereal? This one takes the cake. A gold and brown mesh body top so sheer you see all my tattoos? A thousand times yes!

I paired this top with my go-to black faux leather pants with gold hard wear detailing, creating this makeup look to tie it all together and hit the town. I love curating a makeup palette that best highlights elements from my outfit. 

Wardrobe Staples With a View

I spent a stupid amount of money on this crochet coverup when I was in Positano in September, but it's an item I cherish beyond compare. I wore this at the beach over my swim shorts throughout the winter in Mexico, layered it over a tank with high waisted pants, and wore it open for a relaxed (yet chic) look while lounging around.

This outfit against the backdrop of the pink rooftop of our Airbnb made for my favorite shoot of trip. My beloved wide brim hat from Lack of Color also comes everywhere with me.

I’ve learnt how to pack my clothes in and around it so it doesn’t lose its shape in my suitcase — it's amazing for days when my hair is being a little insane and looks beautiful with every outfit. It's a true staple of my wardrobe.

Keeping it Crochet in Cabo

Whenever I travel, I really enjoy picking pieces that will compliment the location I’ll be in. What’s more Cabo than a sage green crochet top with blush pink embroidered blossoms?

I have two styling categories when it comes to vacations: comfortable/practical and bold/striking. This means I have a bunch of cute tops, tanks, shorts, and pants that can be worn everyday, mixed and matched easily, and look great with everything.

I also pack pieces I know will only be worn once or twice for a special part of the trip, when I want that extra elevation and flare. I ended up wearing this top a lot. It was perfect for warm evenings (literally because of all the holes). That ocean breeze sure did wonders.

Omar Ahmed is a Toronto-based style influencer who spreads queer joy and exudes genderless beauty. All featured images are courtesy of Omar.