Weekend with colleagues in Miami - what to wear?!!

[Emo76]

I am due to go away for 2 nights in Miami for a global work shindig and I am panicking re clothes. I am hoping to keep packing to a minimum, need to dress for flight, 2 nights out (bearing in mind I want to look nice but am not "on the pull"), daytime meetings (smart casual) and possibly some sunbathing (hopeful...)

I'm 5ft9, size 14, legs are my best feature and tummy and bingo wings my worst at present. Not exactly excited at the thought of revealing my non-bikini ready body to the world but hey-ho. I am more of classic taste than fashion forward.

Any suggestions, particularly swim wear which isn't cut for teenagers, would be much appreciated. Am hoping to stick to a carry on bag. Happy to spend a bit (a dress which can be dressed up and down?), ladies I am in your hands!!

Are you wanting a bikini or cossie?

Maxi dress?? Although you probably want to get the legs out! Do you do patterns or plain?

Swimwear wise I'm trying to save up for a Miraclesuit swimming costume. The website here is American but my local underwear shop has them, so you should be able to find them. They are expensive, but really good.

Not sure how formal the flight is (iyswim - will it be a jolly group of work friends or a bit like a school sports day when all the teachers turned up in tracksuits and no-one knew what to do) but I always take some nice tracksuit bottoms (soft yoga pant type things) and some cashmere bedsocks and change into them. I did it flying back from Bermuda in the middle of two strangers (got changed in the loos, obviously) - the man next to me commented how odd it was and the woman on my other side told me I was a genius and she'd be doing it in future. Also means that then your "flight outfit" could double as a meeting outfit, because you wouldn't have been sat in it for hours on end (I never want to wear stuff I've flown in when I'm away, it just feels all grotty).

Can't help with the other stuff, sorry!

DVF?

Quite cool for a shaping cossie.

Not too teeny for a bikini!

This FC dress could be quite fabulous - can be dressed up or down. Am going to have a good hunt for you in order to live the Miami weekend vicariously!

Nice dress Red!

Also this, maybe a tad over-priced, Heidi Klein number.

Hi NY! Lovely, isn't it?

Can be of no assistance with bikinis/costumes although I know the Boden retro looking polka dot ones are well spoken of. Think theyhave a swimwear sale ATM too.

Depending on how much you want to spend this Tibi dress is gorgeous and would get your legs working. Also this Vanessa Bruno number is rather lovely.

I knew I could count on you guys! That FC dress is my fave so far - will definitely give it a go. I am not very brave with patterns but keeping an open mind. Thanks too for the bikini + flight ideas , keep them coming!

Oo Miami, lucky you! I had a weeks holiday there 2 years ago, and loved it, and the Mojito's! There were lots of girls in maxi dresses even then, def get one of those. Anytime to shop when you are there?

I love this site although have never bought from it. I like this swimsuit and think it would also look good in UK - maybe a bit boring for Miami actually. Think bright - really vibrant!
I was expecting some seriously amazing bodies everywhere on the beach but not so. However, at night, it was seriously glam and I felt a bit underdressed.

Emo, I am jelous beyond belief.

I have nothing else to add.

Get some swimwear you feel really good about yourself in, as Miami is full of pneumatic-chested twigs. If you can bear a cossie instead of a bikini, Seaspray ones are a new discovery for me and really flattering for seen-better-days tums and for boob upliftage. Not as frumpy looking as pic suggests, either.

Bring layers, as Miami weather is very changeable. Zara has some lovely light summer knitwear at the moment - I recently got a couple of cardis in neutral colours (light grey, oatmeal, navy) which go with almost anything.

I'd go for a few simple dresses that can be dressed down with sandals/flip flops and big shades, or up with heels and jewellery. Again, look in Zara.

Maybe a maxi dress if you must (not a fan myself, but if there is anywhere you can wear one, Miami would be the pace).

Treat yourself to fabulous sunglasses and a spray tan and you will fit right in

Take nothing with you except empty bags. Skip the function and go crazy in the outlets and local malls (I bought six dresses in an hour there last weekend - $50 apiece and each one a perfect fit).

Have fun - it's hot, humid and tropical outdoors, and indoors of course freezing because of A/C :D

ha DonaAna I don't think I can get away with that but great idea!!
Had a quick look in some shops today, FC dress a bit poncho like in RL on me, haven't looked properly at swimwear yet, will keep you posted. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Just saw this lovely dress and thought of you. Shame about the other FC dress. Will keep hunting.

Ok, over my envy now!

For workwear, what about these trousers

this could be a good top for daytime - have seen it in RL and it's lovely, very light and cool.

formal top for meetings.

Evenings - agree on a maxi, although I am still a virgin in that department so not much use. However, this is beautiful as is this Bec which I think would really suit your colouring.

mrscb linked to this website for great swimwear the other day.