Where to shop/look for holiday clothes.

[GiniCooper]

Ok, it's a long time since we've been on a sun holiday.
We are planning (fingers and toes crossed) to go this year.

I won't need 'going out' clothes as such. Maybe some dresses that can double up for day or night just dinner.

I know what I don't need, not what I do.
So, 3 kids under 6. Family/beachy holiday.
What are the must haves for me.

(Size 10 short arse!)

Some well fitting swimming costumes (I like bikinis and think they can often be much more flattering than one pieces, even when one thinks one doesn't have the "perfect" body).

Shorts, mid thigh, not too tight, not too loose. Cotton Ts and vest tops. Sundress. Sandals/flip flops/Birkies.

Try to get colours that all go together so you can mix and match (lay everything out before you go and create a few outfits, then try to swap things around to make sure they all work together). Natural fabrics as much as possible (cotton, linen). Because of sun cream staining, sweating, outdoorsy lifestyle, I try not to spend too much on summer clothes, as they tend to get trashed more quickly.

If you find a T style that works for you, buy in a few different colours.

Oh and shops: why not start with Asos?

I'm away in March. So far, most of my holiday wardrobe has come from Very, ASOS, HoF and Next.

I also bought a very cute cotton summer dress from Etsy and there are some cheap and cheerful sarongs on eBay which I am eyeing up.

I just need a couple of vests from New Look and another pair of denim shorts and I will be set.

Sorry, I didn't reply.
I forgot I started this!

Thanks for the recommendations.

I really need to look. Mix and match is the way to go.
I have to be careful with shorts, will have to try on rather than online. My thighs are the biggest part of me and depending on where the shorts come down to I can look fine or thunder thighs!

Agree that it's not always worth spending much on holiday clothes. Primark, Tesco and Dorothy Perkins have been good shops for me. I have a couple of Whitestuff skirts which I prefer to shorts but I only wear them on holiday so they are lasting well. Also agree about bikinis - I am 49 with a very average figure but I prefer them on holiday (abroad) as most ladies wear them and I actually feel less noticeable on the beach! I bought a couple of little skirts that match my swimwear last summer in Spain, and I felt much more comfortable with the tops of my legs covered. In the evenings, I like long linen trousers to protect me from bites. You really don't need much if the climate is reliable. Another thing to bear in mind is luggage and wardrobe space. We stayed in caravans when the DC were young and the storage space was minimal. Most of my clothes stayed in the suitcase and was unworn.