A Very Miami Gift Guide: Vacationwear They’ll Actually Wear

Nov 4

3 min read

Ola Azul brings the holiday gifting inspiration for the Miami friend whose winter wardrobe still requires a bikini.

In Miami, holiday dressing comes with a few local adjustments. Sequins? Absolutely. Sweaters? Perhaps indoors, where the air-conditioning is apparently preparing us for an expedition to Antarctica. But for the friend spending December somewhere between a pool chair, a boat invitation and a flight to St. Barths, the gift assignment is clear: something fabulous to wear in the sunshine. Enter Ola Azul, the swimwear and resortwear brand rooted in Medellín, Colombia.

With bold prints, swimwear and coordinating resort looks for women and men, the brand fits a very Miami

approach to getting dressed: the water may be the destination, but the outfit is part of the plan.

For the Friend Who Treats the Pool Deck Like an Entrance

You know her. She says she’s “just stopping by the pool,” then arrives with oversized sunglasses, earrings and a beach bag that deserves its own seat.

A statement swimsuit belongs on her gift list.

Look for a print that suits her personality and a silhouette similar to the ones she already loves. Swimwear is personal, and even the most adventurous dresser may have strong opinions about coverage.

The surprise should be the gift. Let’s leave unexpected wardrobe exposure out of the holiday festivities.

From Biscayne Bay to “We’re Grabbing a Late Lunch”

A boat day in Miami has a way of developing additional chapters.

First, you’re cruising Biscayne Bay. Then someone suggests lunch. Then lunch becomes sunset drinks, and suddenly the group chat is discussing dinner while you’re still holding your beach bag. This is where a little resortwear strategy earns its place.

Ola Azul’s assortment includes pareos, dresses, pants, and kimonos and kaftans, plus coordinating sets. Think of them as pieces to build an outfit around: a cover-up for an easy waterfront lunch, or a resort look styled with sandals and jewelry for the evening. olaazulsw.com

Check the restaurant’s dress code, of course. “I came from a yacht” is an explanation, not a universal admission policy.

His Boat-Day Uniform Could Use a Holiday Upgrade

We need to discuss the man who has very specific opinions about engines, watches and dinner reservations, yet packs the same tired swim shorts for every getaway.

Sir. The boat has had more updates than your beach wardrobe.

Ola Azul’s men’s swimwear and resort sets offer a gifting direction for the guy ready to introduce a little personality into his vacation rotation.

Choose according to his style: bold prints for the enthusiastic dresser, something more restrained for the man still negotiating his relationship with color.

And if you’re shopping for a couple, aim for complementary looks.

They can look good together without dressing like the official ambassadors of their honeymoon.

For the Miami Girl Who’s Somehow Always Leaving Miami

She lives where other people vacation. Naturally, she needs a vacation. Cartagena this month.

The Bahamas next. A “quick little trip” that somehow requires three dinner outfits and a dedicated swimwear lineup.

For her, gift pieces that work with what’s already in her suitcase. A coordinating set can take some thought out of getting dressed; a pareo can bring a fresh look to a favorite swimsuit.

Add a luggage tag and a note: “For wherever you’re going instead of answering the group chat.”