We must admit, even though winter’s chill just officially set in, we’ve been daydreaming of jetting off to the tropics for a while now. We sat down with ELLE.com Editor Sydney Wasserman to fulfill our island craving with her take on all things Resort.

Rue La La: What trends from this season’s Resort collections are you most excited about?
Sydney: I love the idea of mixing different prints in one bold outfit. It takes a keen eye to be able to clash prints without looking like a clown, but when done right, it’s so chic. I also like the look of a high-waisted short suit - it gives off the air of a high-powered jetsetter. And I can’t forget this season’s color craze: neons.

Rue La La: How have Resort collections evolved over the past several years?
Sydney: Resort has certainly become a predominant season with its own story and look. I think Michael Kors summed it up best when he observed that while Spring and Fall set the trends, Resort is the wardrobe that will be in a woman’s closet.

Rue La La: What are the must-packs when you travel somewhere tropical?
Sydney: An oversized towel for beach lounging, a canvas utility bag to withstand sand, and a great pair of sunglasses.

Rue La La: Describe your perfect, over-the-top Resort ensemble.
Sydney: A floor-brushing, sheer blush draped dress (the maxi is here in a big way this season), a chic tote bag, graphic polka dotted heels (think playful, color-popping platforms), and, of course, a turban.

Rue La La: Walk us through what’s always in your beach bag.
Sydney: A good book, an iPod with plenty of battery life, delicious-smelling sunscreen, Havaianas flip-flops in case the ocean floor is rocky, a hand-painted parasol, a silk scarf for a creative head wrap or in case it gets chilly, and moist towelettes to freshen up after a day of sand and surf.

Rue La La: Resort wear is all about wanderlust – if you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
Sydney: I’m dying to go to Argentina and Turkey. I’m not the most adventurous traveler, but those are the top two on my list at the moment.

Rue La La: You made your film styling debut on the set of Sex and the City 2. Give us the juicy details.
Sydney: I was brought on to get in touch with the VIP departments of different brands, so we could pull sample clothes for the actors. I also researched global accessories markets to introduce the extraordinary Pat Field to new designers around the world.

Rue La La: How did you get inspired?
Sydney: Pat and the co-costume designer Molly Rogers scored amazing finds from vintage shops in Miami – spectacular pieces from mid-century and the late 60s and early 70s. These made me really excited to get working. Plus, a movie with that many scenes and backdrops calls for a the-more-the-merrier attitude, so our warehouse was stuffed with racks and racks of different types of outfits.

Rue La La: The cast of Sex and the City 2 travels to Morocco in the movie – what did you have in mind while helping dress the foursome for this adventure?
Sydney: Color. Molly Rogers found these exquisitely decorated umbrellas – complete with pom poms and dangling coins – that set the tone. Morocco is such a richly colorful country, so we really got to indulge in all things vibrant. Also, kaftans, turbans, and vintage robes – who could ask for more?

Our ELLE Editor’s Selections: Resort Boutique opens Wednesday, December 22 at 11AM ET.