How To Plan (And Dress) For A Staycation

First and foremost, let’s define staycation so we’re all on the same page. A staycation is a vacation where you don’t go anywhere. You use your vacation time from work and you stay at home. In a pre-pandemic world you may have explored areas near your house or the closest large city, perhaps even booking a hotel in the city for the weekend. In 2020, a staycation generally means barely leaving your house. (Don’t worry, there’s still lots you can do at home!)

The number one thing to do on a vacation is...RELAX! This is your time to unwind. Turn off your alarm, set that out-of-office reply and act like you’re out of town. Let’s dive in to those fun staycation activities and what to wear for each. (Yes, you’re at home, but that doesn’t mean you have to stick to you normal around-the-house attire!)

Start your staycation off refreshed by taking a well-deserved nap. (Who cares if you already slept in.) With the rush of the workweek and household demands of the weekend, the art of napping is a rare thing these days. So when it gets to be afternoon, curl up on the couch, the bed, a pile of blankets—it doesn’t matter—and take a nap. Who knows, maybe you’ll dream of your next great adventure.

There’s no need to get all dolled up for nap time. If your clothes aren’t clean, change into something comfy. Otherwise, grab a pillow and blanket and get ready for dreamland.

Necktie Boxer Briefs

What’s your go-to vacation drink? Mai tai, margarita, pina colada? During your staycation try making your favorite cocktail from scratch at home. There are a ton of recipes and videos online. Look over a few and get started. And hey, who cares if it’s only noon. You’re on vacation.

You’re going all out with this drink, so have some fun with your look. Did you whip up a fruity drink? Wear a fun tropical-themed tie. Did you learn how to make a sophisticated cocktail? Then it’s definitely time to put on a slick black tie. Dress like you would if you were sitting at the bar on vacation.

Lahaina Floral Cotton Narrow Necktie

Since you won’t be lounging poolside this summer, bring the pool to you. You don’t need to be a kid to use an inflatable pool. Rectangular inflatable pools are large enough for adults to sit down, spread out and unwind. Look for a pool roughly 120-inches long. This time of year, your local hardware store usually has them but they’re available online, too. Tip: Hose water is COLD. Find a sunny spot in the morning to inflate the pool and fill ‘er up. After a morning in the sun the water will be significantly warmer.

Don’t just dip your toes in. Now is the time to get some use out of that vacay bathing suit. Other things to bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat.

When you rush home from work, who has the time or energy to cook a big meal? Take advantage of your free time and plan out a full course dinner. Make something you’d normally only order from a restaurant and take culinary inspiration from your canceled vacation destination. Look up recipes from where you were supposed to be headed or simply incorporate the local cuisine. Whatever you decide, don’t forget dessert!

Right before you sit down to dinner, go get changed into something nice. We’re talking suit and tie nice. Imagine you’re on vacation and this is your splurge meal. Think white tablecloth restaurant. You’d be dressing up for that meal, and you should be for this one, too. It’s going to be a meal to remember so go on and dress to the nines. When you post a picture of your dinner plate online, add a selfie too.

Silver Elite Striped Slim Necktie

You’re don’t have to go to a campsite for a refreshing night of sleep under the stars. If you’re lucky enough to have a backyard, take advantage of it. Grab a tent, get it set up and move on in for the night. Even if you’re not normally the camping type, this is a fun activity that gets you out of the house for the night. (When’s the last night that happened?!) Bonus: In the morning, it’s a really short trip home.

This one is pretty obvious. You’re going to be sleeping, so pjs will do. Be sure to check the weather though. If the temperatures are expected to drop you might want to bring a hoodie and socks.

Men's Camping Socks

You don’t have to completely stay at home on your staycation. Find an outdoor location you’ve never been to before and explore it. A park, forest preserve, arboretum. Spend the day walking, hiking, running, riding your bike and get some much-needed fresh air. But don’t forget water, sunscreen and bug spray. All essentials when you’re heading into nature.

Dress to move on this activity. Think a t-shirt, running shorts or joggers and sneakers. Make sure you bring a face mask with, too. You might not need it if you’re hiking alone in the woods, but it’s still important to wear a face mask when other people are around. (Some parks and arboretums may require face masks for entrance.)

Gray Face Mask With Filter Pocket

There you have it, a fun-filled week of stylish staycation activities. Enjoy your trip!

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