How to look expensive on a beach holiday?

[Askinvillarblues]

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.

@Inmypjsagain oooh good to know the Zara ones are comfy. So many aren't. I might invest in some tan ones....

The YSL ones are faring pretty well so far although I mainly wear them on holiday and holidays have been few and far between recently.

Have also been debating the Orans. I might need to invest....

Zara have some nice linen shirts for cover ups,

I love these beach bags

midlifechicboutique.com/shop/bags/straw-basket-out-of-office-white/

Oh lovely- more ideas! Thank you! I love that beach bag that’s just been linked 😍. A straw bag is definitely on my list - although how do you stop it getting squashed in transit?! Have spent a happy day browsing all the ideas online and have added probably around £5k worth of stuff to various baskets (and then abandoned them 🤣). Am actually really enjoying having something to look forward to again - although I haven’t actually clicked on buy yet for anything.

My go to is linen and sunglasses.
Plain, no patterns, gold tone jewellery.

Tan leather sandals
White linen
Palest blues
One colour swimsuit or bikini or maybe a stripe
Denim shorts with a long sleeve top
Floaty shirt or kaftan
Understated dark sunglasses
Raffia or heavy cotton bag with leather handles
Smooth skin
High factor sunscreen
Hair neatly tied up or back
Neutral red or dark toes and fingers
Minimalist layered jewellery

Avoid summery prints , bright colours , bling , bright nails or lips , sunburn

Right, have ordered some tan sandals and a straw beach bag. Am very excited for them to arrive! Already have nice sunglasses so will stick with those, and I like the idea of keeping everything very simple - that’s very much my normal style and thinking about it, the things I wear most from my summer wardrobe are simple navy, white and light blues (with some pinks thrown in). I do love bright colours too as they make me feel happy, but will keep them to a minimum 😃 I am SO excited now!

Sounds perfect ! Simple and classy .

I think if bright colours make you happy you shouldn't stop wearing them.

I was more thinking of bright coloured patterns or more than one colour. Sometimes under the sun it can look gaudy.

I hope you have a lovely time and enjoy looking stylish, it sounds daft but if I feel well put together I enjoy myself more because I guess it gives you confidence.

Narrow hips, perfect honey tan...choose your parents wisely.

Clothes wise: Aspiga, Melissa Odabash, lots of white

Belle Lingerie are good for lovely swimwear and beach wear .. on a budget.. its usually 'last years collections'

and TK Maxx are good for Hamman towels, sandals and nice straw bags

I think if you’re slim most things look good don’t they?

I’m surprised at people recommending white for beachwear. Yes it looks good - but how do you stop it being ruined by sun cream discolouration?

My feet are too wide for the lovely tan sandals recommended on here, especially in the heat😕

The Dune loupes come in a wide fit too...

@DSGR

I think if you’re slim most things look good don’t they?

Not really - some of the worst dressed women I know are slim.

Bags

www.next.ie/en/g261082s2/t01837#t01837

www.next.ie/en/style/st878442/M21748#M21748

<a class="break-all" href="https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/soft-straw-bag-zig-zag/sty-a1176-mlt?cat=C1_S2_G700www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/soft-straw-bag-zig-zag/sty-a1176-mlt?cat=C1_S2_G700" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/soft-straw-bag-zig-zag/sty-a1176-mlt?cat=C1_S2_G700www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/soft-straw-bag-zig-zag/sty-a1176-mlt?cat=C1_S2_G700

www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/structured-canvas-tote-bag-rainbow-village/sty-a1143-blu?cat=C1_S2_G1

www.joules.com/Women/Accessories/Wanderer/Technical-Rucksack?size=One-Size&id=216056|NAVY|ONE

Dress/Cover-Up

www.next.ie/en/style/st780100/200357#200357

www.next.ie/en/style/st668579/867141#867141

Navy, black or cream swimwear. No patterns bar the odd sundress (100% cotton or silk)

Black or white beach cover up. Bare feet or flats. Whichever beach bag you really like but gold or neons can look lovely.

Brow and lash tint before you go. Dark red paint on your toe nails. Keep your hands and finger nails well moisturised. Let the sea turn your nails white then apply a clear polish.

Don’t over style your hair in the evening and don’t wear full make up. Tinted moisturiser, blush, bronze, curl your eye lashes. Whatever you fancy on your lips.

Just a few ideas x

How’s it going OP?

This. And sweat, and sand. White is useless for beachwear unless you have access to a washing machine or no luggage limit.

@Inmypjsagain is that bag Ryanair carry-onable?

I was actually surprised looking at Primark last week..... Linen dresses, straw hats and beach bags were all on the mannequin with oversized glasses.... I made a mental note to go back after I've booked our beach holiday.

Urgh fell for a zombie thread!!!

Couldnt agree more with this.

I would channel laid back Mediterranean- white & taupe linen or cotton kaftan, minimal leather flat sandals & a classic marchée basket with longer straps as a beach bag. They look better and better with use.
&other stories do nice sunnies for a good price.