Welcome to Same Same But Different. As Gen Z and millennial fashion commerce editors, respectively, we know a thing or two about shopping—for all ages, and especially our demographics. As we find the best products for you, we can’t help but do a little shopping for ourselves and build our personal (age-appropriate) wish lists. And now, we’re sharing them with you. Ahead, check out what’s in our hearts and in our carts lately.
Dale Chong: Despite not having any trips planned for the foreseeable future—more specifically, trips to a warm-weather destination featuring me and a body of water—I find myself browsing through my favorite fashion retailers anyway. My virtual shopping cart has been teeming with pieces that were meant to be seen by fellow travelers, or even star as an extra in someone else’s sightseeing photos. TL;DR; mentally, I’m in Fiji. With that in mind, I’m putting together a summer vacation wish list. Are you with me?
Meg Donohue: Hell yes. I love resortwear. Give me bikini tops and a pair of cut-offs any day! A classic string swim set is my go-to, but everyone needs a strapless option. Blackbough does some really fun prints and styles; I’m a fan of this ruffled bottom in particular. And blame it on my affinity for Baywatch reruns, but I wholeheartedly believe in the power of a one-piece. Hunza G’s classic black suit is my choice pick. As we saunter up to our imaginary swim-up bar, what are you wearing—and ordering? It’s a strawberry daiquiri for me.
DC: First of all, my order: a spicy mezcal margarita—period. Okay, maybe some salty tortilla chips on the side…
MD: Adding queso to the list. I don’t care if it’s a mess waiting to happen.
DC: As for what I’m wearing, I have a few options I’ll be packing in my carry-on suitcase. A mainstay for me this season has been a classic triangle string bikini from Reina Olga; it’s cheeky and fun—plus really good for my small bust. (I’m a 32A, and this top makes me feel extra confident on pool days.) When I’m not planning to work on my tan (or might need a little more coverage), I opt for this minimalist set from MIKOH. I’ve worn it on a boat with a cute sun hat, and it’s been perfect. And finally, like you, I adore a chic one-piece swimsuit, like this one from Solid & Striped or—for a more glamorous setting—Christopher Esber. Throw on a pair of linen pants or a dress, and you’re ready for wherever the day may take you. What are you sporting after your time in the sun?
MD: When I’m on holiday (as the Brits say), I am a casual soul. Anywhere I can be barefoot, I’m happy. So, jean shorts and a beaded anklet will suffice for most of my days. But it’s hard to top the romanticism of showering after a day of sun and surf, putting on a new dress, and going to a nice dinner. Getting ready never hits harder than it does on vacation. If I do opt for full glam, I have a soft spot for Cult Gaia’s designs. The open back and pearly straps on this knit dress epitomize resortwear. What about you?
DC: I’m not going to lie, I am probably the most casual when I’m on a vacation. Who am I seeing other than my loved ones?! To your point, there is definitely something to be said about wearing something that would otherwise be out of place back home, like this beaded miniskirt that shimmers with every step.
I’d top it off with a linen button-down shirt and jewelry so I’m cool and comfortable yet still polished. And finally, some boat shoes—I wore block heels on a boat not too long ago, and let me assure you, that was a struggle.
MD: Get me on a boat ASAP, please! Until next time, enjoy the remaining days of summer.
Meg (she/her) is the associate fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com, where she specializes in shopping stories spanning the fashion, home, and lifestyle categories. Over the past three years, she has devoted countless hours to researching brands, testing hundreds (maybe even thousands!) of products, and deep-diving into market and consumer trends. Her favorite job responsibilities consist of co-writing the monthly series Same Same But Different and curating the fashion market for ELLE Escapes. Meg graduated magna cum laude from the Missouri School of Journalism with an emphasis on magazine editing. In 2020, one of her feature stories in the service article category was recognized by the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. The year prior, the Society of Professional Journalists named voxmagazine.com “Best Affiliated Magazine” in its Mark of Excellence Awards, when she was on staff. Meg’s stories have appeared on Cosmopolitan, Town & Country, Harper’s Bazaar, and Good Housekeeping, among many other outlets. Her personal passions include travel, buffalo sauce, and gardening. You can find her in New York, where she lives, or on Instagram, where she also lives. She will never stop hoping for a One Direction reunion tour.
Dale Arden Chong is the senior fashion commerce editor at ELLE.com, where she edits and reports on the latest trends, labels, and designers in the fashion space to bring you the best items that will elevate your wardrobe. With a passion for great sartorial stories and getting dressed (as well as a knack for nerding out over the details), she has a robust knowledge of high-quality design, construction, and materials based on testing hundreds of products over her eight-plus years in the industry. So, if you ask her for a shopping recommendation, she’ll give you five picks plus her honest, unfiltered opinions. Outside of the style world, her hobbies include cooking, playing tennis, ceramics, and watching BTS dance videos on YouTube, among other things. Follow her on Instagram at @dalearden.