Complete holiday wardrobe needed!

[OohMrDarcy]

So I'm going on holiday in August - first proper 'plane, hot' type holiday in years - and I bleddy can't wait!

However - I am in need of an entire wardrobe! I have been consistently losing weight since september so none of my summery clothes from last year fit already - let alone then (was approx a 22 )

Currently wearing 16/18, thinking by August I'll be in a 12/14 (depending on shops / styles etc - for info, its post divorce, self esteem improving, no longer comfort eating, and including 5:2 - so I'm pretty confident the losses will continue, even if they slow as I slim down.

So - what do I need for a week holiday somewhere rather hot?! There will be one 'posh' meal out in the evening, some exploring, and lots of beach / pool type stuff

hit me with ideas - I'll be back over the coming months as I get it sorted! At the mo I'm in the coming up with a plan / buying suitcase / accessories stage aka all the easy stuff where my size doesn't matter

[ppandj]

Maxi dresses are my go-to for holidays. Depending how dressy you like to be they can be dressed up with jewellery or worn pretty plain during the day. I usually wear for a night or two then use as a daytime outfit over swimwear. Not the best for proper exploring maybe.

Well done for your weight loss!

[CakeNinja]

I bought these trousers last year for those holiday evenings where it's cooling down (and I seem to feel much cooler if I've been in the sun all day) and I got so much stick for them it was unreal
I didn't care though, navy best top and pink Havaina flip flops - sorted me out a couple of evenings.
They are the most comfortable trousers I've ever owned and I'm looking forward to getting them on again this summer!

[PurpleTreeFrog]

CakeNinja you forgot the picture/link

[CakeNinja]

Sorry, here's a pic of the trousers.

[PurpleTreeFrog]

My holiday wardrobe consists of wafty lightweight dresses and loose fitting skirts (I still like 'gypsy'/boho style skirts for these type of holidays even though theyre so 2005), vest tops, and thin floaty scarves or sarongs as cover up for my pale skin which burns easily! Oh and depending on climate, maybe one thin cardigan for any breezy or chilly evenings.

[PurpleTreeFrog]

Oh, and for me, comfy sandals for walking lots are a must (not heels or wedges...)

[PurpleTreeFrog]

Try Matalan or TK Maxx if you're on a budget :)

[merrygoround51]

Where are you going.

If its camping then lots of shorts and tshirts
If you are in a fancy port type resort then more pretty dresses,

[OohMrDarcy]

I think maxi dresses in the evening would be nice, though if I'm right and the losses continue... I'd like to be able to show off my legs a bit so maybe not best for in the day?

Those trousers look really comfy, not sure they are my style for going out - but could do me a couple of evenings staying in the apartment no problems!

I'd really like to look 'stylish' whatever that really means, my entire relationship / marriage slowly eroded all my self esteem and its just coming back, and I'm looking after myself again - regular hair cuts / eyebrow threading etc.... I just want to look and feel fabulous! on a micro budget

[OohMrDarcy]

ooh got a couple of cross posts there - sorry!

I can't really do proper heels so would go wedges in the evening, but yes want some comfy but pretty sandals for in the day!

Its gibraltar, staying in an apartment with pool (camping is what I normally do!)

[nilbyname]

3 bikinis- Boden have some
Lovely ones- get mix and match styles

I love midi length t-shirt material racer back dresses. I get min from h and m. Wear with Birkenstocks and hat in the day over swim wear to lunch, or with wedges and some Jewlerry for the eve. I have white/grey mar and navy. I think these Are a more up to date take on the ever present maxi dress.

Shorts- 2 pairs. I like gap or Boden or cut off jeans. Wear with a gypsey/peasant type blouse.

Tops- 3, one silky camisole top, one peasant blouse, one oversized plain t- shirt

Flip flops, wedges, Birkenstocks
Couple of statement prices of Jewlerry
Sun hat
Oversized cotton scarf
Pair of light cotton ankle grazer skinnies, denim jacket and one light cotton long sleeve top to travel in.
2 vests to sleep in.
Sarong

[nilbyname]

All of the above should work together And be a proper "capsule" wardrobe. All my luggage space is saved for the kids now and all their crud!

[nilbyname]

Look in the sales rack now for cool jewellery for your hols.

I like h and m for jersey basics and some of their swim wear too. But check the sizing as it is bonkers!

[OohMrDarcy]

Is this this sort of thing you mean by the dress description?

www2.hm.com/en_gb/productpage.0191073001.html

[nilbyname]

Yes exactly!

[OohMrDarcy]

Looks lovely and comfy for beach trips definitely!

[amarmai]

you are in luck,op! the new nightime is daytime pyjama style is perfect for hot holidays . I bought several pairs of PJs a couple of years ago by expensive makes -nautica, ralph Lauren,- but not expensive in this section-and have been wearing the pants and tops separately with tshirts and camis in the summer with no one questioning ! Check out the pj section in any large store .

[DianaT1969]

You could look at some aspirational beachwear websites, such as Miguelina and then find similar pieces but with a normal price tag.
Perhaps wait until closer to the holiday before buying swimwear as you could get it in your correct bust size then - bound to change if you're losing weight. Well done on that. It has inspired me to get sorted.

I like denim cut off shorts and fit flops, although I appreciate they are not to everyone's taste.
Pool sandals which are more elegant - but you have to tolerate toe posts well
airymary.com/collections/beach-bags/products/beach-shoes-square-gemstone

[GoddessWhoWalksEarthAsWoman]

I did this last year for my first really hot weather holiday in years and managed it in hand luggage only for 2 weeks!!

4x bikinis (accessorise etc.)
4x kaftans (for over bikinis) for going for lunch
4 x havianas slims (navy, pink, silver and gold). No other shoes taken!
5 x thin dresses (boden and topshop bought In late spring as soon as summer stuff came out. Most nice styles were sold out by July)
Sarong from primani
4 cloth bags (various colours)
1 pair of thin patterned wide leg flares (topshop again)
3 x vest tops
1x old thin skirt
1 x cardi for on the plane
1 x big cotton scarf
I think that was it.. Have a great time and well done with the weight loss.

[OohMrDarcy]

ooh thanks for the ideas all! This is ace!

Not sure I'll be up for bikinis... (2 x c-section - current lovely 'apron' as a result though shrinking)

Hand luggage only?! lol sod that - I'll definitely need suitcases, if only for all the shoes and handbags nearly 9 year old DD will want to take

so - in my head at the moment.....

1 x beach towel
big beach bag
At least 2 - possibly 3, or 4 swimwear of some kind... tankinis probably?
couple of those racer back dresses.. .they look fab
couple of kaftans for over swimwear - matching if poss?
sunhat
pretty scarf for evening?
couple of pairs of shorts? denim cut off or something - no idea here - have always had chunky thighs (classic pear when smaller) so no idea what would work - ideas?
couple of vest tops
couple of pretty summer dresses for evenings ?
pair of linen type thin trousers?
thin cardi for evening?
whats a peasant top ? Need some other tops
plus posh outfit for the family meal - may have noticed phase 8 have some gorgeous dresses... will depend on what size I am if I get one though as I'll need to be able to wear more than once at that price!

Shoes wise...
flip flops
wedges
something comfy but not too hot for walking in?

Am I getting there?

[Zorion]

I live in a hot country and I'm getting better at summer dressing. I do a lot of going from work straight to the beach straight to the bar, so I have made most mistakes that it is possible to make and am a size 12. What I have learned is:

• no matter what bra size, underwired and bra-sized bikini tops are better than dress-sized ones.
  
• bottoms that dip down in the middle, or gather at the sides are MUCH more flattering than fold over ones (the Panache Halle bikini for example)
  
• chino shorts are amazing, but the length is crucial, as too long is American Mom camping, and too short is just not pretty! Shorts better than skirts for comfort as they avoid the dreaded chub rub/thigh chafe.
  
• one halterneck and one normal strap bikini to prevent tan lines!
  
• gigi sandals by sam edelman (always on this board!!) are the bees knees. birkenstocks if you like them are very comfy (I like them!)
  
• floaty tops if tight shorts - a lined vests (some on joules' ebay outlet at the moment) or a light blousey thing.
  
• you should have a brightly coloured beaded necklace, turquoise and coral look good in the summer.
  
• shift dresses are a really good shape for hot places, no sweaty clingy bits, no rubbing on sunburn (obviously try not to get sunburnt!) and generally look glamorous with nice shoes but fine to chuck on to go to the market etc.
  
• save money on clothes and spend it on a gel manicure/pedicure - will last the whole holiday and you instantly look/feel better.
  
• a silk kimono - I bought mine years ago and it is the best thing ever. I use it for over swimwear when poolside, in the evening as a cover up over a light summer dress, and with jeans and a strappy top on the plane. Proper kimono styles have armpit holes so you don't get sweaty!
  
• longchamp le pliage massive bag is a great beach bag as it poppers down and can be packed or you can use it as your plane carry on. Mine is fake (sorry) but you can't tell unless size by side - it was very cheap on ebay.
  

I wouldn't bother with an evening scarf, it will be too hot. Kimono better! I'm not a fan of summer trousers but that is because my legs are my good feature so I try not to hide them in the only season that lets me get them out, but I really like the look of them on other people, but with a tighter vest top so as not to look billowy!

[nilbyname]

Have a look at the blog susiesoso. She has nice stuff from the high street that normal people wear. She rocks a good peasant top... Will try and link

thumbs1.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/m2hE9ZH6L2fSKJhCwBFOdaw.jpg

[superbfairywren]

If youre trying to buy on a budget h and m always have good beach coverups and cotton dresses, I imagine the summer stuff will be in the next month or so. Also, sainsburys! I have had some really good quality summer dresses from them in the last couple of years, I also really rate their swimwear.

[jamtartandcustard]

My hot holiday wardrobe consists of:
2 swimsuits
4 shorts
4 tops
Beach coverup
1 flip flops
1 jumper/cardigan
1 pj's
Undies (4 bras 8 knickers for a week)
The towel and backpack for beach (ikea do a foldaway backpack)

And that's it.

[OohMrDarcy]

Ladies what do we think of this dress?

www.phase-eight.com/fcp/product/phase-eight/dresses/corrine-printed-dress/203299351

I doubt I would use it for the holiday meal as would be too hot, but I think I love it... and its on sale - would have to buy in aspirational size, but as I've already lost 3 stone, I think its doable?!