As odd as it may feel in the frigid winter months gripping much of the country, January is peak shopping time for resort wear. But what, exactly, is included in this elusive fashion category? Well, simply put, resort wear describes the vacation clothing that’s made for showing off at luxury getaways or on stylish cruises. Remember when those were excursions that didn’t inspire fears of quarantine and extended isolation?

Of course, within this category, there are degrees of elegance, as well as practicality. And, while the old rules of fashion dictated differences between daytime and evening outfits, each of which needed to adhere to certain formality levels, it’s now 2022. So all of those ‘rules’ can get thrown out the window.

Still, resort wear can and should find its way into that closet. Except, when shopping nowadays, it’s more important to seek out vacation clothes that can work on or off the beach. And, with that goal in mind, here are the best resort wear finds from Amazon fashion. They top the list for smart January purchases because, once the vacation is over, they can work double closet duty, getting a second life as work dresses and party clothes.

A staple of resort wear is the long, luxurious maxi dress. Its extra long hemline is meant to drag dreamily along sandy shores, flapping effortlessly in the breeze to create instant photo magic. At home, however, a longer hemline can feel overly formal for many occasions. And that’s why this ZESICA women’s halter dress from Amazon is a smart piece of resort wear in which to invest. 

First of all, the sky-high slit feels like a fun and flirty detail ideal for party clothes on any continent. At the same time, the elegant neckline avoids showing off too much skin, which could work for vacation clothing, but wouldn’t fly at home on the party circuit. Finally, the black background and simple-yet-vivid floral print would work well indoors and out, meaning this piece can transition perfectly to the home closet once the need for vacation clothing is complete.

Let’s face it. Finding work dresses can be challenging, especially ones that are pretty, fun and appropriate for almost any office dress code. Even more challenging? Finding pretty resort wear that will be office-appropriate once vacation ends. 

While the task is daunting, Amazon fashion once again rises to the challenge with this perfect bohemian wrap dress, also by ZESICA. Fun, flirty details like a ruffled sleeve and swinging A-line skirt make this dress perfect for frolicking in the sunshine on vacation. 

Then, after the return home, key details make it a perfect piece to transition into women’s work clothing. First, there’s the length. While the dress hits slightly above the knee, the hemline isn’t shockingly short-styled with tall boots, or even pumps and opaque tights, it’s perfectly fine to wear into most office environments. Or, for remote workers, that vibrant print would really make a statement on a Zoom call—no virtual background needed here!

Next, there’s the color options. While the bold red style pictured here should fly in most settings, the dress also comes in seven other colorways, with more conservative options coming in mint, green or navy blue. 

Of course, the deep vee neckline could make waves in certain work settings—although, as vacation clothing goes, it offers just the right peek of skin to stay on the classy side of sexy—but there’s an easy fix for that concern. Simply slip a lacy cami underneath the dress, and the dress becomes universally appropriate women’s work clothing.

If double duty vacation clothing doesn’t suffice, how about this Amazon fashion find that can work in three different settings? The dress in question—this Floerns off-the-shoulder boho A-line dress—can live up to that tall order for several important reasons. 

As vacation clothing, the pretty print, mid-thigh height slit and off-the-shoulder neckline make it the perfect piece to wear for long, celebratory nights at the resort. Ready to make it a party dress? Just swap gladiator sandals for high-heels (think Stuart Weitzman nudist style) and the festivities can begin. 

But what about making this skin-baring dress office worthy? While some may think it can’t be done, styling an off-the-shoulder dress for work is actually fairly simple. Just add a fitted blazer, tall boots and a pair of opaque tights for good measure, and the beach maxi becomes a work dress ready to stand up to dropping winter temperatures on the home front. 

Now, already, these three-in-one styling tips should feel pretty exciting. After all, they offer so many ways to wear one high-quality yet affordable Amazon fashion find. But get ready for those excitement levels to rise. Because here’s another piece that can work on vacation, at a party or behind a desk or Zoom camera: it’s the Bohemian Floral Printed Wrap V Neck Maxi, also by Zesica and also available from Amazon fashion.

Here’s the style story for this ultra-feminine piece of resort wear. Unlike the off-the-shoulder dress, this style’s ruffled short sleeves are already office appropriate, so there’s no need to worry about wraps or blazers. Though, given the lower neckline, a camisole liner may once again be necessary.

Heading to a party? Add glam accessories—think a statement necklace, stacked bracelets, or some dazzling diamond studs paired with a sky-high pony—and this dress goes from beach to full-on glam in a heartbeat. 

Of course, to keep it firmly in resort wear territory, not much needs to be added. Given the eye-catching silhouette—the high split! The ruffled sleeves! That wrap dress, belt tie, asymmetric neckline combo!—accessories should be minimal, if any are even necessary. In fact, for the perfect vacay styling, lean into the boho vibes and rock this number with beachy waves, bare feet, and sweet oversized sunnies for a look that will rack up the hearts on Insta.

What do you look for in resort wear? Have you had any luck rocking vacation clothing as party or work dresses? Comment below!