What do you pack for a holiday in the sun?

[waterbabyabroad]

We're off to Mexico for two weeks iin April and I could use some good ideas on what to pack and where to buy it. I really need a few nice tops or dresses for evenings but the shops don't seem to have full summer stock out yet. So where do you buy your nice holiday clothes (and how many do you take with you)?

I would take about 7-8 evening style tops, 5 pairs of shorts, 2 long linens trousers, 1 pair of jeans and about 5 beach/day style vests/t-shirts. I might take a maxi dress if I'm feeling fancy schmancy.
3 pairs of shoes - I take 1 pair Birkenstocks, 1 flip flops, 1 pair converse or similar. Not forgetting 2 swimsuits.

I buy my clothes from Next mostly but then I'm a size 18 and don't have a massive selection of shops to choose from.

I'm always on the prowl for a good beach cover- up as on a beach holiday, particularly with DCs that's what you need, something along the lines of these but nicer. Next have a good selection of beachwear and also some nice shorts and linen trousers in at the minute, but sadly their websites being a bit slow so it's impossible to show you what I mean.

I don't wear shorts. I look like Lofty from It Ain't Half Hot Mum if I do. We're going to Italy in June. I'm wondering what else to wear instead.

Gnash, my john lewis link didn't work, but managed to get the Next ones which are actually nicer and cheaper : www.next.co.uk/shop/gender-women-productaffiliation-swimwear/category-kaftans.

Iklboo - they have there in a number of colours: www.next.co.uk/x536130s8#894175x53 as a stylish alternative to shorts.

I like Zalando.com for holiday clothes

I never bother with jeans in hot places as I find them uncomfortable. I found chinos more comfortable for flying.

Oh they're really nice! Thank you. I can see a payday treat coming on

Ilkboo you're very welcome, I have to admit to being quite impressed by what Next had in today for summer. I don't shop there often but it avoided going into town. They didn't have many summer clothes, but overall the quality seemed good.

I quite like the kaftans actually. Can anyone suggest a good place to look at for dresses? Don't think I suit maxi dresses really so looking for something a bit shorter. Will also have a look at Zalando, thanks NoArmani.

I always take long cotton jersey dresses to wear in the evening ,(mainly because mosquitoes love me), and a couple of lightweight wraps (pashmina style ) that can double as sarongs . a couple of bikinis, a couple of beach kaftans, and 2 or 3 pairs of Accessorize flip flops ( cheap and glitzy) . I dont bother with shorts and tshirts any more and travel in a short cotton jersey dress whic I can also wear on holiday .

Thats it really . They are easy to pack are cool and dont mind if they look a bit crumpled.. last year I took 6 long dresses for a two week holiday . ,

I have dresses from fat face, boden and monsoon.. if you dont want to spend ££S a good place to look this time of year is ebay .

Also for swimwear bargains and really nice kaftans and beach dresses check out one of my favourite sites lazeme

Dorothy Perkins do Jersey maxi dresses and skirts that are great for hot weather. Pack light and very comfortable. I usually have a couple of pairs of wide legged linen trousers too. I travel in and wear Birkenstocks for the entirety!!

5 beach dresses and bikinis- Peacock, Very catalogue
7 evening outfits . Combo of dresses from Apricot and a couple of skirts and tops.
Favourite khaki shorts with a few vest tops from Very catalogue for sightseeing/ jungle trips.
Sparkly flip flops, a couple of pairs of sandals, walking comfy sole sandals from Next.
Loads of scrunchies and assecories and then don't wear them!
Comfy shortie pj's from Tesco.

check weather forecasts, what are you going to be doing mostly beach/pool/ reading or sightseeing or shopping etc

going to hot places would avoid jeans and go for wide leg linen trousers much cooler and maybe couple pair of shorts, I like long wrap skirts too

a top for every day less if taking several dresses

2 lots of swimwear plus sarong/ kaftan

whatever you are doing 1 pair of comfy shoes you can walk in all day, flip/flops or sandals 1 pair of smarter shoes /sandals for evenings

if you like dresses take a few and a cardigan/ pashmina in case cooler at night

www.whitestuff.com/mobile/kaftans-and-tunics-dept1000014_pg1/

Whitestuff for tunics or Kaftans.
If you live in a city with a large asian population like London, Manchester, Leicester or Birmingham then head to the sari shops. As they will sell pashminas & kaftans much more cheaply than in a mainstream shop.

I'd take a strappy or strapless playsuit with legs for evenings and shorts-style for daytime.

lots of shorts/vest tops.

Monsoon has lots of maxi dresses suitable for holidays.

I take three bikini's, saress'es of which I have many, they don't need ironing and can be hand washed and dry by the morning. Very flattering for my figure.

I don't wear shorts either. I prefer a sarong, not the sheer sort, cotton ones as they are better for covering up when walking around.

I take several pairs of fit flops, the ornate styles as they are so comfortable.

Mainly I take cotton dresses.

OP - I don't know about now but Monsoon a few years ago had a couple of maxi dresses for women of 5 ft 4 and 5 ft 5.

I remember I asked (didn't buy!) and tried on, after asking the sales assistant for not long ones, and they were fine... just not for me.

Joy the store has a few nice cotton dresses. not cheap but very nice, yellow striped, pineapple print etc.

2 week holiday in the sun, I travel in cropped cargo pants, vest top and lightweight denim jacket and travel home in the same with a fresh vest!

4 bikinis and two beach dresses
4 pairs of denim shorts and assorted vest tops
6 or 7 going out dresses, some are maxis, some sundresses from ASOS
Beach flip flops, sparkly flip flops and heels which never get worn
Some bag, belt, watch and jewellery combos

and I'm done! The toiletries are another story!!