Fashion does not exist in a vacuum. Terms like "jet-setters," "fashionistas," "socialites" and "the most beautiful people in the world" are often synonymous because, believe it or not, updating a wardrobe for every season and every occasion requires a lot of money. Not that it is evil, but having loads of money is inherently available to only a certain class of individuals, and, logically, designers market to that demographic. Resort wear is a phenomenon that embodies this truth. Luxury-oriented men and women need different clothes (obviously) when they are on spring break. They can't just wear the same drab $1,000 pieces they sport around Midtown in the spring or the Hamptons in summer. Resort wear, often labeled "cruise wear," is what designers make every spring, specifically designed and constructed to meet the needs of any fashionable spring-breaker in the market.

Designers love to make something as simple as a one-piece swimsuit or men's trunks into an artistic competition. This is a wonderful phenomenon.. Do you remember the swimsuit Halle Berry wore in the James Bond movie Die Another Day, the orange one with the white "belt"? That was Donatella's creation, and a very well-conceived one. For men, too, designer swimwear is a hot commodity and can even be made-to-measure to best flatter a man who is awkwardly large or even a bit soft around the edges.

Cruise wear is a beauty this season, with its bright colors and creative edges gracing both the runway and the Atlantis resort on Paradise Island. This season, we have seen top designers take exciting new dares. Despite the danger, this is absolutely imperative, because no one wants to be seen at the Cite d'Azur wearing something at all resembling last season's styles.

But cruise wear is not just something to be purchased from high-end boutiques in Europe and worn at the most exclusive of vacation hotspots. If you are going away this coming week, there are many different things to consider for travel.

First, what to wear on the plane: There are certain items that make air travel easier (a challenge that faced Project Runway contestants just last season). The most important consideration to undertake is comfort. I find temperatures on planes to be almost always unbearably hot, so I believe that layering is key. Jackets, blazers and zip-ups that can be removed easily but also conveniently stored are always better than boarding a plane in a T-shirt or a heavy winter coat. Also, sunglasses are as much a pragmatic accessory as a fashion statement. The fact that weather can change within just a few hours and even more drastically across regions of the world makes sunglasses a must. Since there are great views to behold from the heights of an airplane, it would be a shame to close the window because of a little sunlight.

And at the destination: There are some simple rules to follow in order to not appear like a sloppy American tourist. Colors are essential; bright colors belong nowhere more than the cruise ship, beach or poolside. This opportunity presents itself in swimsuits, short-sleeved sport shirts, polos, tank tops and flip-flops. As I often try to impress on my readers, clothing is emotional: Wear bright colors on vacation, and you will be happy.