first ever beach holiday - what to wear?

[PlumBear]

Going to Antigua in June for 12 days for what is my first ever real beach holiday-what on earth do I take, apart from bikinis? All sorted for sunglasses and sandals, but bit clueless on the clothing Only 5ft, so maxis are a no go. Would I melt in a denim mini and vest? In my mid 20s and relativelyfashion conscious

I am too old to advise a 20 yr old, but don't buy into that rubbish that one item can be worn to the beach and the party. It will be full of sand and feel filthy! Take your best gear, you will want to look great in the evenings if you are fashion conscious.

Kaftans are what you need.

A simple white one will look good for the beach and if you add a belt and some Sandels can be worn shopping and eating etc.

In fact I would just get an assortment of colours and just add accessories.

You might need a wrap for the evening. You will probably feel cold if you have been out in the sun all day.

I'd avoid mini skirts for the beach as low sun loungers tend to risk views up skirts. A pair of mini shorts and a sarong are great, and as someone else said take some nicer evening things as you want a full change after a beach day.. a pair of long linen trousers can work for night and balance out a little evening top. Also if you like them bandeau/tube tops are great for hot days and look great at night with some jewellery?

Like the idea of white kaftan dressed up with heels and belt. Am thinking lots of dresses, as I cba with skirt and top combos. Trying to find some nice cotton ones but the high street is filled with flammable shite as usual. Is a sarong a good idea? Or am I buying into the whole - wear it 29 ways and turn it into a hammock - crap?

I live in Dubai for 4 years and when not pregnant my staples were...

Haviana flip flops
Little shorts
Vest, lots of colours. You can later them and get a different look. Not the skin tight ones though, anything too fitted will
Make you sweat big time!
Ankle skimming jeans in red or a bright colour, add a simple white t and you will be bang on trend.
Sarong will be useful even just to walk to pool or beach.
Hat
Wrap dresses, easy to throw on.

Shit, so many mistakes in my last post I phone and crying baby is not a good combo...

Coloured jeans sound good-I have a pair of blue polka dot ones which I love, but was worried would be too hot. Guess I could wear them in the evening though. Love the idea of short shorts, but am very thunderous of thigh not to keen on the longer styles either.

Plum check out net a porter beach/ holiday section. Of you click on the 'outfit' tab at the top you can see how the outfits look. I always use it for inspiration

Have a great holiday by the way

Thanks will def have a look although only for inspiration as DH and I have just bankrupted ourselves paying for the holiday

A someone else said, kaftans for day, over your bikini, going for breakfast, etc. Dresses for night. I have a few linen shift dresses which I find ideal. Linen does crease but in the Caribbean the creases drop out.

A denim skirt and a few little tops are good for going out sight seeing.

Take a sarong for just getting up and wandering on the beach, also comes in useful if you've had a bit too much sun on your shoulders or feet etc. and one little wrap or a light cardi if you want something for round your shoulders in the evening.

Don't forget mozzie spray. You will need it in June.

Avon skin so soft is great for mozzies,I lived in the Central America for 2 years and it was brilliant.