Not looking a state on holiday.

[scarediecat]

How can I look effortless on a hot and sunny holiday?

I saw some ladies last time I went and they just seemed to have it nailed perfectly with black, casual linen style dresses and flats. I however was in a bright pink halter neck, trainers and demin shorts. My hair goes a murky ginger in the sun and I'm fairly pale. Size 14 with weight on belly/hips.

I'm planning to fake tan and maybe put a brown dye on my hair.

Can I have some clothing tips/examples?
Thank you!

Don't dye your hair before a sunny holiday! I dyed my blonde hair mahogany, and it turned ginger in the sun in Barcelona.

I stick to loose dresses in the summer if I can but my god I was on the hottest holiday ever last year and NO ONE looked good and it was too hot to wear a dress. Everyone was just a sweaty mess and there was no way round it.

I always go with minimalist now. No overtly bright colours or patterns. Go for simple plain t-shirts/shirts & sandals with a nice pair of shorts that can be dressed up with a couple of key accessories. Evening normally a maxi dress. If the dress does have a bit of colour or pattern then tone down the accessories. Let the dress me the statement

simple nails & toes. And a good skin care routine so you look naturally glowing. Drink plenty of water

A long linen shirt always works well I find.

I really recommend getting your colours done with house of colour and a style session, it’s so helpful! I pretty much knew what I couldn’t wear (colours, lengths and shapes) but good to have it confirmed that I’m not going mad and legit cannot wear black. They cover everything down to swimwear/underwear, will stop you making poor purchases ever again and always feel good!

I live in a really hot country and wear maxi dresses and sandals and sun dresses and sandals. Hair up so you don’t get sweaty and big sunglasses. Stay away from tight clothing as it makes you sweat.

I'm loving this thread and hope we can keep it going.
I loved Aubrey Plazas Sandro shirts over her bikinis in the White Lotus. Long shirts a big help to those of us who are pale.

On the back of this thread I've ditched my pink "out of office" beach bag for something more understated. I'm quite liking the big square sunglasses but not sure if I'll look a knob.

I don't buy anything tan or beige. It's too close to my pale skin colour.
Stick to plain Navy and white. they look good on freshly tanned skin.
A new white tee every holiday is a must.

I'm loving these tips. Are there any more brands you think I should look at. I quite like Cos / recommended before. I'm mid 40s btw. And on a budget, so mainly Vinted/ eBay/charity shops.

I have swimwear in navy and black but then a bright expensive maxi kaftan nipped in at the waist. Worn with sunglasses and straw hat. Always looks elegant.
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with colour or pattern as long as everything else is plain and you’ve bought the best quality you can afford.
I agree that decent leather sandals and maxi dresses always look effortless

I'm eyeing up a navy Hot Squash maxi for my upcoming holiday.

I'm curvy fat so I need a maxi with shape to it rather than just the trapeze or straight up and down style.

They're expensive but look like they might be worth it for me

I also wear mainly neutrals - navy, khaki, tan/sand, white, cream, etc.

I tend to pair with metallic sandals, usually gold.

Straw bags, I have a large straw tote that was about £20 that I adore.

I do wear more exciting prints but keep this to a couple of dresses that can be worn day or evening as they give me that holiday vibe but I keep everything else toned down when I wear them (I love this one in the pic at the moment).

Like the PP I wear black or navy plain swimwear but usually a print glam kaftan that can be pulled in at the waist (I have the one in the pics from Monsoon for my holiday next month)

Forgot photos...

It's actually this dress from M&S not Hush which was only £39.50. I will wear it with the top couple of buttons open because I've got a hefty bosom so need an open neck to balance out and I replace the little string belt thing with a stretchy woven sand coloured belt to nip the waist in and break up the pattern. I just pair with my casual straw tote shopper (think the kind of thing French people of my imagination take to the local market to pick up fresh baguettes), big sunnies, floppy sun hat and gold flip flops

I've done it again 🤦🏻‍♀️

need more coffee

Not had time to read the whole thread yet but just wanted to ask if anyone has been watching Amanda & Alan's Italian Job? Amanda Holden always looks very chic and pulled together and dressed perfectly for the Sicilian climate. Mix of classic shorts, sundresses, jumpsuits and more bouji bright wafty kaftans.

Also not style but I've just come across this product which looks genius.

Hard to pull off effortless glamour when your beach towel clashes with your outfit and keeps slipping down and all your stuff is jumbled up or you have to keep rooting around in your oversized tote for everything...

I used to buy a lot of linen stuff but it ends up very creased and all saggy and baggy. And I dont need any help in the saggy and baggy direction.

Yeah, I only buy linen mix now.

I feel like 100% linen looks lovely for one hour and then I look like a sad crumpled sack.

I know people say the creasing is just part of the look but I can't get past it.

I also don't have the patience to iron linen.

I use a hand held steamer on holiday or whenever I travel now (in fact I use it at home too to quickly get wardrobe creases out) it was only from Amazon, £23, and means I can refresh things that I've already worn.

@dreamingofsun advice re having colours done is good. It will give you a pallet for your entire wardrobe. Black, white and dark navy, makes pale skin paler. Bright pink will clash with sunburn:). Try teal, turquoise, greens and French navy/soft dark blue.

How do you look good in shorts? I can never get them looking right.

Honestly I think that unless you're blessed with the right legs, shorts rarely look good. Despite living in a hot country, I don't own any shorts at all - I find short dresses look more flattering and tend to be cooler. However, if you want to wear them what I have learnt is longer styles of shorts tend to make legs look shorter so if you're wearing shorts then go short even if you don't like your legs. Size up to avoid them cutting into your legs when you sit down and usually pair them with an oversized shirt.

Cheesecloth or seersucker work best for me. Don't need ironing like linen or plain cotton but very cool and soft

A tip for "chub rub" is to use cyclists anti chafe cream - you can buy it on Amazon - stick deodorant and baby powder works quite well too 😉