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Original poster

How to look expensive on a beach holiday?

77 replies

Askinvillarblues · 26/02/2022 11:06

Yes, I know this is ridiculous and no one will be looking at me or care where I buy my clothes from, but I’m remembering the ‘how to look expensive’ threads from a few of years ago and wondering how to translate those idea for a fancy beach holiday with friends who have much bigger budgets than I do. I have decent bikinis/swimsuits that I’m comfortable in, but I’d like to invest in a couple of things that could give the rest of my clothes a bit of a ‘lift’ so the overall look is more pulled together, e.g. a beautiful beach bag to replace my cheap one that’s covered in sun cream stains 🙈. Any of you stylish people have any good ideas? Please and thank you.

OP posts:
Original poster
Askinvillarblues · 26/02/2022 19:35

Oh this is great, thank you so much! Loving all the links and inspiration 😁 I agree with one of the PPs that I don’t want to get ‘copies’ of more expensive things as such, as the people I’m going with will more than likely have the real deal, and I don’t want to feel like a poor relation trying to pretend I’m something I’m not. I don’t mind getting one or two more interesting bits that will lift my look, and then will keep everything else quite simple so it won’t matter that it’s not high end. Does that make sense?

OP posts:
Inmypjsagain · 26/02/2022 19:38

Yes makes total sense!

This thread has made me want to shop and book a beach holiday!!! ✈️ 🏝 🍹 very envious of you OP

JW13 · 26/02/2022 19:47

Totally agree with not buying copies.

A simple straw bag like the Loewe one without the logo is lovely (although the Loewe one is on my wish list Blush). I got mine from a local shop in Ibiza for €20 and I know somebody who bought lovely ones in France.

These Zara sandals are similar to the YSL ones without being too copy-cat if you know what I mean:

https://www.zara.com/gb/en/share/-p12606910.html?utmcampaign=productShare&utmmmedium=mobilesharinggiOS&utmsource=reddsocialmovil&v1=144405418

I have the YSL ones and they are really comfortable but like these too.

Also I've found some good beachwear on Zara / H&M - a simple cotton sundress and white linen shirt are classics and don't need to be expensive.

slipperyeel · 26/02/2022 21:15

@Inmypjsagain

www.asos.com/prd/22046442?acquisitionsource=pasteboard Dune sandals

]] Straw bag. Mango do a lovely one but it’s out of stock.

That straw bag is a great find, love the look of that.

I think black looks really classy in summer. A black cotton or linen sun dress with tan or metallic sandals, straw or pale coloured leather bag, delicate jewellery and a copy of Bonjour Tristesse. Done.

HippeePrincess · 26/02/2022 22:20

A fresh gel manicure & pedicure, waterproof mascara, subtle tan, sunglasses, beachy wavey hair with a wide brim floppy hat looks casually expensive in my opinion.

ChickenStripper · 27/02/2022 00:50

A silk kaftan to the beach 😂😂😂😂😂😂

ChickenStripper · 27/02/2022 00:56

You might one to try one of these which can be useful in a variety of ways - beach/poo or dress cover up.

onehundredstars.co.uk/collections/mid-length-kimonos

ChickenStripper · 27/02/2022 00:56

Not POO 😂 Pool obvs.

EachandEveryone · 27/02/2022 04:37

I always find linen quite thick when I’m somewhere really hot. I’m watching this as I’m going to a wedding in Jamaica this year and I’ve never been before.

Those Dune sandals the link didn’t work there is a good ASOS sale on for sandals at the moment

Tryingtogetitright · 27/02/2022 07:38

I had similar thoughts! Am going away with a friend for 3 days in Lanzarote - first time abroad in 7 years!
Popped to TK Maxx yesterday am now sorted!
Gottex swimsuit £25
Havaianas £13 a pair (love the fabric ones!)
DKNY towel £15
Bag £15

Have 2 dresses from Matalan last summer and will add sunglasses and hat.

Not sure I'll look expensive but hoping I'll look put together and coordinated! Will paint toenails coral.

Have fun shopping!

Tryingtogetitright · 27/02/2022 07:40

Photo of haul!

How to look expensive on a beach holiday?
kimbyy · 27/02/2022 07:42

I honestly think looking expensive on a beach is pretty much only achievable if you're rich.

You need an all round glow, delicate jewellery that your not bothered about losing or tarnishing. Eres swimsuit, K Jacques sandals, etc

kimbyy · 27/02/2022 07:44

Straw bag of some sort.

kimbyy · 27/02/2022 07:47

However you can still look nice & stylish but I would avoid copying designer items.

Odoreida · 27/02/2022 07:55

I borrowed a long white shirt-style cover-up from a friend on a beach holiday recently and felt like a queen! It was simple thin soft cotton, ankle-length so not trailing in sand. Wore it with yellow suede sandals, dark blue bikini and plain straw hat. Totally comfortable and classic.

weaselwords · 27/02/2022 08:50

Brand alley have got a lot of sunglasses and some kaftans. No straw bags, though.

Inmypjsagain · 27/02/2022 09:19

@EachandEveryone sorry you’re right about the dune sandal link, www.dunelondon.com/loupe-smart-slider-sandals-tan-0079504510016511.html?glCountry=GB&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2buIzsaf9gIVCuztCh0BWAPaEAQYASABEgJW1_D_BwE here’s the working link 😊

Inmypjsagain · 27/02/2022 09:23

@JW13 I have those Zara shoes in tan from last year, I really like them, comfy! I wanted to try them pre buying the YSL sliders. Have they worn well? I have the Hermes oran and they have got comfier with time and worn really well- wondering if the YSL is similar, or, if for the price, it’s worth me getting another pair of Hermes.

ChickenStripper · 27/02/2022 09:28

I can see this is going the same way as the "crisp white shirt what to wear on a plane" thread 😂

uggmum · 27/02/2022 09:30

I would buy a couple of nice beach cover-ups. Tk maxx had some nice ones yesterday.
Etsy have some gorgeous beach bags. Go for something different.
I also have a lovely hamnam towel that I got in St Tropez in a big sale. (It's a posh French brand that I got ridiculously cheap) Looks totally classy on my lounger.
Add a few bits of bohemian jewellery and you're good to go.

CrimbleCrumble1 · 27/02/2022 09:41

My friend is rich and her look is Ted Baker swimwear and matching cover ups, lots of jewellery that didn’t look over the top, stunning figure, year round tan, lots of different bags some of which have pom-poms on, healed wedges, chanel lip gloss. On anyone else it may look too much but on her it’s great.

Martinisarebetterdirty · 27/02/2022 10:27

@Inmypjsagain would you mind saying what the Hermes sandals fit is like please? I don’t have very narrow feet so if they are slim fit I don’t want to waste my time on them. Thank you!
I always like Elizabeth Hurley Beach items, there are some really good sales and her kaftans are gorgeous.