Summer after summer, many of us return to our favorite holiday destinations. Designers, it seems, are no different and consistently go back to certain locations for inspiration.

Matthew Williamson is a tireless fan of the colors and rich embellishment of India, while Dolce & Gabbana favor voluptuous and sensual retro Italian styles.

For American designer Michael Kors, the slick uniform of holiday resorts provides an endless source of ideas. Mr. Kors has built his fashion empire around the clean but chic preppy look and often takes his cue from the vacation styles of the past.

The book “American Style,” by Kelly Killoren Bensimon, sheds some light on Mr. Kors’s influences – it’s alook at the country’s well-known taste-makers, past and present.

Featured in the book is Lilly Pulitzer, one of the best-loved designers during the 1960s; her slightly eccentric “Palm Beach” style has become hugely influential for designers such as Mr. Kors and is set to be one of the most popular looks of the summer.

Ms. Pulitzer applied swirling prints and vibrant florals to clean silhouettes, such as A-line shift dresses. The summer collection from L.A.-based designer Trina Turk is in a similar vein, with pretty prints on sundresses, camisoles, jackets, and skirts.

In Mr. Kors’s current collection, there are crisp cropped trousers in plain colors, bold graphic floral prints, striped knits, neat wicker bucket bags, and sexy but simple flat sandals.

Despite the bold prints, this modern Palm Beach look is kept clean by combining very simple shapes: a pair of printed capri pants with a matching colorful cashmere sweater or a pretty patterned shift dress accessorized with basics, such as a plain wicker bag, canvas sun-hat, and flat thong sandals.

It’s an extremely stress-free way of dressing and one that looks incredibly pulled together and chic without being overly complicated or too self-consciously fashionable. It is ludicrously simple to imitate, even on a budget.

Well-cut basics provide the foundation of this look; go for Aline shifts in bold colors, sharply cut trousers, or capri pants. There’s a preppy twist to the look, too, with classic polo shirts and chunky knitwear for cooler days and evenings. Add a bold accessory or two: Look out for Miu Miu’s patterned Alice bands or tie a Pucci silk scarf neatly around your neck. With a bit of imagination, you could almost be in Florida.