What to wear on holiday?

[nancy75]

I’m going to Italy this summer, staying in quite a swanky looking hotel & probably going to fairly posh restaurants - what do I wear?

I’m generally ok during the day, my problem is going out in the evening, I never seem to look dressed enough.

I would really like some ideas of styles of dress/shoes/bags I should be looking for.
It’s ages away so doesn’t have to be the exact dress, just examples to give me an idea of what I should be wearing, with suitable shoes & bags.

I’m 44, short, size 14 & can’t wear heels.

I’ve had a couple of years of crappy health & have really let myself go, by summer I’m determined to feel better about how I look.

Help me oh stylish ones

What is your colouring? What are your best bits?

Am I beyond help?

Sorry x post there!
Very dark curly hair, olive skin
Not sure I have any best bits at the moment!

This is in the summer. You’re asking now

Do you like your legs? I wear linen type dresses. Just a straw type clutch and some smarter type flip flops. You could take wedges if it’s quite a smart place. 3 or 4 dresses with some different jewellery to ring the changes and you’re sorted!

AnnDaloozier yes it’s for the summer & yes I’m asking now?

This site is beautiful and ethical

www.aspiga.com/

I’ve noticed that the chicer tourists (often the Italians!) wear a lot of neutral, plain fabrics. So maybe go for those with some simple jewellery . Sounds like you have the colouring to carry that off / lucky you!

Thank you ‘Notsureaboutthis’ I haven’t heard of that site before, I will have a proper look.
Legs are fine ( not mini dress but knee down is ok!)

I have a pair of stretch satin 7/8 trousers from M&S (outlet) that I pair with scrappy tops and cardie if needed...wedges because I can't wear heels either and a small bag...any good?? Always think if I have smart shoes and hair/makeup the rest can be simple!

Chic
www.aspiga.com/collections/dresses-3/products/dori-linen-dress-no-pockets-black

What sort of things do you wear during the day/are you planning to wear? Eg if you’re wearing linen/cotton dresses during the day then maybe a different material (something more slinky/evening wear) would be good for night to make you feel dressed up. What make up/hair do you plan for the day? Again something different for the evening so if you’ve got natural make up for day, maybe a nice red lipstick for the evening to make you feel more dressed up?

And add some jewellery, some nice perfume etc. With shoes I think a strappy sexy flat is fine for holidays.

I do tend to wear a lot of white/ beige or black on holiday, once I’ve been in the sun for a day I’m quite tanned so that’s lucky.
I think because I can’t wear heals I always feel under done, and I always seem to have the wrong bag!

However I am not so chic and love this!

www.aspiga.com/collections/dresses-3/products/wrap-frill-midi-dress-leopard-pink-orange

Wedges are your friend then!

A nice raffia clutch works for almost every outfit in summer

I find trousers too hot on holiday - it’s going to be high 30’s. I’m very much a dress wearer.
I haven’t tried wedges - I’ve got a bad back and a buggered Achilles’ tendon so shoes are an issue all the time. I might have to try some wedges on

I love the pink & orange dress, but I’m not brave enough for it!
I’ve taken to blending in to the background in the last few years - I’m not sure how to break out of it.

I would go for tan espradille wedges and a raffia clutch bag. Then they’ll go with everything. Maybe some gold flat sandals too.

It will be hot so I’d avoid trousers. OP some of my best dresses come from the White Company and plain Boden ones. I wear them with a chic belt to bring in the waist plus Russell and Bromley sandals (expensive but you only need one pair in a neutral colour to go with everything). Use a discount code for the white company and boden.. often found on mumsnet.
Examples of dresses you could wear with great jewellery and a nice belt are
www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Button-Shoulder-Cocoon-Dress/p/BSCCD?swatch=Black

www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Narrow-V-Neck-Jersey-Dress-/p/CSCAD?swatch=Black

www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Cotton-Rich-Pocket-Cocoon-Dress/p/PCCCC?swatch=Navy
www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Cotton-Broderie-V-Neck-Shift-Dress/p/BRCVN?swatch=Black
www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/amelie-jersey-dress-black/sty-j0326-bla

It sounds like the pink and orange would be gorgeous on you!

The bright colours do suit me, but I feel like I’m dressing up as someone else ( like a kid in mums high heels)

Oly4- I have got quite a few dresses like that, I think I might even have one of the white company ones. It must be the way I’m wearing them

I find mine look dressed up with statement jewellery, a beautiful leather belt and expensive sandals (like I said Russell and Bromley are a favourite, they won’t have their summer stock in yet).