what to wear for water sports/beach relaxed holiday

[givemeaclue]

Going on a water sports holiday, i don't want to be mutton dressed as lamb trying to look like a cool surfer (I am 40) but neither do I want to look like a frump, any recommendations - I am a size 12 and short. I'd like some trendy shorts (but not hot pants or 'tailored' shorts), a nice dress, swimsuit etc

please lend me your fashion sense

I'd go for denim knee length shorts and some nice vest tops from warehouse/oasis and a handful of t shirt dresses for daytime (Zara usually very good for this sort of thing a few here (maybe not the first one...)

Knee length shorts, denim or linen mix.
Plain Ts, maybe with button details up front (prefer Ts to vests so I don;t burn my shoulders).
Easy on/off sandals like Birkies
Looser cotton tops
Throw on kaftany type dress for beach, prettier one for evening

Look at White Stuff, Fatface, Mistral (google, unless you are in SW) and Manta Ray at Debenhams for inspiration, but don't get everything from one place or you'll look like and advert. You might like Sea Salt and Saltwater too (google).

I'm also 40 and quite outdoorsy.

watching with interest as I am also 40 and going on same type of holiday in the UK during May half term.

Second vote for Sea Salt. Their stuff is lovely quality but I do find their skirts a bit of a frumpy length so always get them shortened. Am currently coveting this knit .

I don't like denim knee length shorts. Was considering packing some regular cotton shorts like this style and wearing with vest tops/long sleeve tees, hoody or cardis.

Will probably end up wearing more cotton skirts than shorts (always feel like a cub scout leader in shorts...) like this one or this one both of which look good with Converse and a tee but which could be dressed up a little more for evening.

I never have problems packing for summer hols overseas - mostly due to weather related issues :)

oh and coloured skinny jeans as my "must pack" item. Make me feel summery but also keep me warm when the wind is blowing a gale of the Atlantic!

It depends where it is tbh - what you'll need in the UK is v different to say, Greece in August!

For a dress, last year in Greece I had a couple of vest style dresses (but with a waist) from Topshop - borrowed from dd's friend! Denim shorts would be v uncomfortable if the weather is hot.

Get some board shorts, and a sun-proof rash vest for the actual watersports if you are going to the Med.

Duh! ColonelBrandon is correct. Of course it depends where you are going. I saw "watersports/cool surfer" and assumed Cornwall or Devon.

I can recommend this dress. I am 40 and intend to wear it with a cardigan/scarf/over jeggings until it's warm enough!

Warehouse jean shorts

Try H&M, Warehouse, Monsoon for vests and Ts to wear with them.

Get a pair of Birkenstocks. And a pair of pumps.

Boden tunic in sea green

pair of slim fit dark denim jeans - These are my fail safe item that I always pack.

cardigan in a neutral colour

OOOO I like all those suggestions, thank you all so much

yes its mediterranean not cornwall, although also going to cornwall later in year so will need to get stuff that can cover both

great ideas thank you

GMAC, where are you going? Is it a Neilson or Sun sail beachclub holiday?
Lots of cossies as you'll spend a lot of time with the same group of people (if that matters to you). I windsurfed las time we went, so took an old pair of shorts and a t-shirt and 'sacrificed' them wearing them on the water for the 2 weeks.

Then I had lots of shorts and t-shirts for breakfast and lunch, a couple of cotton dresses to chuck on over the cossie if mooching around the beach, plus some more dressy but not too eveningy things for dinner.

Tbh, I wouldn't worry about the muttonous aspect - most of the women on these holidays are - how can I put this - frumpy, and I know which I'd rather be!

But boardshorts and rash vest are probably more sensible than ordinary ones - I surprised myself and shocked the DCs by getting back on a board, having stated I had no intention of doing any such thing!

Darling have got some lovely summer dresses

Panache swimwear is really nice - v.v flattering...

WWWY yes neilsons

Lorrie - thanks for the links I love that panache swimwear and in fact lots of things on the simply beach website

thanks all for the advice, I have made a list and am going shopping next bank hols weekend and done some on line as well

cheers personal shoppers!