What to wear to look 'effortlessly' stylish on beach holiday with friends?

[Styleseeker]

I'm going on my first sun/sea/sangria type holiday in decades with a group of friends - all of whom always seem to be well put together - and really want to exude a look of someone who doesn't break out in heat rash and get sunburn walking past an oven. We'll be going to the pool/beach mostly, but also talk of beach clubs. Then restaurants and bars and general wandering around.

I'm 40, tall, not at all happy with my thighs/bum so they need to be covered as much as possible. I mostly wear maxi and longer midi dresses, like the fit of Me & Em and Boden (though less so in recent years). I also have blue/purple/transparent pale skin (not that nice porcelain white), though I do tend to just embrace the pale as it's the only packaging I've got! I'm happy with bold colour.

Please can someone give me a packing list??!

I've done some shopping already and got these for the pool/beach -

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/porto-v-neck-swimsuit-cobalt-honeycomb/sty-s0140-bbl?cat=C1S22_G17

https://www.boden.co.uk/en-gb/maxi-empire-beach-kaftan-festival-pink-geometric-swirl/sty-d0456-pnk?cat=C1S22_G4

I'll probably just live in my Saltwater sandals (tan) or flip-flops.

I also have these dresses too -

www.meandem.com/cheesecloth-shirred-halterneck-maxi-dress-black

www.meandem.com/sleeveless-tiered-slub-maxi-dress-electric-blue

Nice purchases!

What have you got in the way of jewellery to go with those dresses?

And a smallish cross body bag - maybe tan? For outings.

You'll want at least 1 more cover up and swimsuit/bikini.(how long is the holiday?) For the coverup something lightweight that you can rinse out.

I always think those wearing a long white shirt as a cover always looks stylish, add a belt and it’s pretty effortless

You have a great holiday wardrobe, don’t forget some gorgeous bold jewellery, a big hat and a kaftan / cover up. I would also pack an evening clutch bag.

I’m a big fan of Me+Em cotton dresses on holiday.
Have you got any stylish coverups? Heidi Klein or Melissa Odabash (sales or Brand Alley) are lovely
I agree with white shirt too, M&S, and also tan crossbody
Tan flats, big sunglasses, neutral straw hat and a straw beach bag are my beach holiday essentials

this is good as a pool cover up / lunch (too thin and see through to be a proper dress)

You sound like doesmybumlook40 on Instagram will be right up your street, she does good links of what she's bought, and is currently showing off holiday looks on a cruise

I haven’t even thought about jewellery yet! I usually wear silver or gold hoops and have a few small chains, but definitely need to invest in some statement pieces.

A tan crossbody bag would be ideal, will have a look.

We’re going for 5 days so don’t need too much.

I absolutely love that look, but unfortunately between my skin tone and feeling self-conscious about my legs it would never work for me.

Lovely things so far!
This M&S beach coverup is really good: https://www.marksandspencer.com/pure-cotton-collarless-beach-cover-up-shirt/p/clp60581853?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share
If you have time to wait for delivery then Free People have lots of relaxed beachy dresses that will also suit bars.

Good call on the evening bag, I hadn’t thought of that. I’ve a perfect black and gold clutch that doesn’t take up too much room and works well as a crossbody.

I took a look at those brand suggestions and they’re ideal, thanks!

I’m going to look at straw beach bags now, the only one I have is the giant hold-all I use with my kids and that’s definitely not the look I’m going for 😄

That shirt is lovely, love the bright colours (I can’t wear white).

Amazing thanks a million - have given her a follow

I'd make the evening bag cross body so you can dance snd not be holding it.
I'd definitely get another swimsuit and another kaftan. Plus a lightweight jacket that's a bit smart for evenings, in case it's chilly and if you end up eating somewhere a bit dressy.
And a lbd for clubbing
I'd probably stick to comfy tan leather sandals or sliders for the day and sone nice metallic ones for evening

I love the shirred ME + EM dress - looks long enough for me (5'10")! Less a fan of the Boden dress though.
I'm a big fan of stylish kaftans. I've bought two like this for a Spanish holiday - goes from shop to beach to restaurant. It's from Etsy.

Stick to two base colours (white or cream and a black or navy). And then two colours you like and suit you.
Everything you pack should be able to mix and match. Stay clear of lots of prints, take one or two prints that stick to the colours you've chosen.
Take plain shoes, tan, black, silver or gold.
I find planning outfits for the evening in advance helps and take a pic laid out on your bed before leaving. Day time clothes just mix and match.
Don't be afraid to wear basics twice, life black thick strap vest tops.

I have that and I wafted around Italy in it very stylishly

white linen shirt to wear over bikinis with flip flops, big tote bag and sunnies. That’s all you will need for the poolside.

would a spray tan be an option?

i wouldn’t wear white as the sun cream will discolour it….

I'm just back from holidays and used the collared version of this cover up from M&S a lot - I got it on Vinted for £15 (is £25 at m&s) and they had quite a few for sale on there when I was looking. Would really recommend. Also wore these clogs almost every night - not too high and went with everything: these

I love your choices. I especially love the colorful geometric caftan, normally don’t like those but that pattern/color palette is so fun.

Saw these coverups/shirt dresses on Amazon a while back:
https://www.amazon.com/Ladyful-Womens-Cotton-Summer-Shirtdress/dp/B0C73V2TN8/ref=sr_1_54?crid=20V8TK2W0PADO&keywords=Ladyful%2Bcoverup&qid=1690482215&sprefix=ladyful%2Bcoverup%2Caps%2C127&sr=8-54&th=1&psc=1

This is adorable!

The petal pink is so pretty, I think I’m going to get this. I am shamelessly following this thread 😂

Sorry, I took too long to write my message and missed that you said no white - plus about 3 other people posted the same shirt!
Nobody's Child do lovely dresses - I got this Fearne Cotton one which I loved wearing - not for everyone but they have loads and lots of them are in the sale at the moment - here. I really like this one too: this

Loving this thread thank you all!