What to wear on holiday in the heat when you're 50

[AlisonBakersdaughter]

Am going on holiday later in the year to Spain with some girlfriends. Not done this since in my 20s and haven't got a clue what to wear during the day.

Usually wear any old tat comfy cover up smock type stuff when away with DP, but want to make an effort and look good. I'm tall and slim but not one for exposing the flesh/legs.

Its just a package holiday in a nice hotel - nothing fancy. Guidance please.

I am a little older, but on a recent, tropical, holiday wore bikinis, linen shirts with cotton shorts, linen shirt and long, silk trousers, silk tops and shorts or silk or cotton dresses.
Footwear was either nothing or suede fitflops.

I am 56 and last year in Crete I wore a bikini by the pool/at the beach, long shorts with sleeveless tops or sundresses when sightseeing/exploring and maxi dresses in the evening. I covered up my bikini with a strappy sundress.

I am tall and slim and my arms aren't too bad. My thighs aren't great so I cover them up when out and about.

52, tall and slim. Prefer dresses, Great Plains often do lovely linen A line shifts, Boden often have good ones. Tend to stick to neutrals dressed up with jewellery and nice sandals. Still do bikinis but have a few long linen shirts so I don't frighten people in beach tavernas.

I'm 52, average height and slim . I go to the Med in July so it's very hot . I also prefer dresses

I wear a bikini , factor 60 and a sundress in the day and a slightly smarter dress /nice necklace at night

Same as Nepotism basically

I like the idea of linen and silk separates but they are too high maintenance for me #lazy

Urban outfitters of all places did fantastic bikinis last summer. They are fifties style (high waisted) and cover all the stretchy bits.
Apart from that wore maxi dresses, if needed with bits layers over/a long tube skirt, vest top and flip-flops. Am 49, tall, slimish but had lots of children/stretchmarks on tummy.

I like dresses and skirts on holiday. Shorts don't suit me, and i equate cropped trousers with my mother.

I like above the knee length or a little longer. Wear with supergas or birkenstocks.

So pretty casual, but not slobby ?

I got a great below-the-knee shirtdress from Wrap, or maybe Poetry – one of those slightly floaty and overpriced online shops, anyway.

Light cotton, nice chic neutral colours, long sleeves, simple shape. Good to wear with bare legs when appropriate or cotton leggings or loose trousers if it's cooler or you're somewhere where you want to cover up more.

It was in the sale though –can't afford those places full price.

A good fitting swimsuit and a sarong are your friend for the beach and pool. I carefully unwrap when I'm on the lounger (and in the pool obvs), and then wrap as soon as I need to go anywhere!

I usually go to Greece and none of the women under 80 wear a swim suit. Which is a shame as my tummy isn't what it was and I coudl do with a bit of support /cover up

Anyone know what the custom is in Spain re bikini / swimsuit ?

Literally just back from a cruise- while I'm a bit younger the demographic of the other holidaymakers made me think a lot about my future wardrobe.

Probably the most important thing imo is getting a decent fitting and supportive bra, strapless bra and bikini/swimsuit top. You can be wearing the nicest and most stylish clothes in the world but if the basics aren't there it just won't be right. Honestly, 70% of the women I saw I wanted to direct to statisticallychallenged for an intervention. Also please do not stray into the realms of clear bra straps for they are the devil's work.

One women who always looked immaculate (but obtainable immaculate) wore big hats, sunglasses, plain linen shift dresses and flat gold strappy sandles. Nothing she wore was particularly expensive but her outfits were somehow greater than the sum of their parts style-wise

"I usually go to Greece and none of the women under 80 wear a swim suit"

That was certainly the case in Crete last year and in Italy each time I have been, and in Croatia.

" Nothing she wore was particularly expensive but her outfits were somehow greater than the sum of their parts style-wise "

This is what I aspire to

wear what you like, no age limits.

boardshorts (choose your length) are good for swimming and beach as they dry quickly and provide more sun protection. Don't wear anything underneath. You can leave the beach in them or go to lunch without feeling overexposed. I've never had the legs for a bikini and also don't like swimming in bikini bottoms, too unstable.

Bikini top with rash vest for swimming. Take it off and go in the shade after swims,then reapply sun scream.

enjoy!