Beach/Pool cover ups

[Yorkshiremum80]

I need help, we have an AI beach holiday every year and I always feel like I miss the mark with my pool cover up and I don't know why. What can I take that I can pop over my bikini to go for lunch etc, that looks swish and stylish. I always feel like I'm a mess compared to others

Ahh amazing! I think the kaftans with the adjustable waists, which are the ones I go for so the only style I can speak to on their shop, are "one size". I put that in quotes because I know there is nothing that can TRULY be one size, but I would say they are pretty much the closest thing to it because they're totally adjustable.

I did go retro one year and went for a seventies-style zip front beach dress in fine white towelling, complete with a hood. It looked cute and was surprisingly comfortable!

'Because viscose is based on the natural raw material cellulose, it has similarly good climate-regulating properties to the natural fibers cotton or wool. It is very absorbent and can absorb up to 400 percent of its own weight in moisture. At the same time, the fabric does not appear wet but has a cooling effect'
I've never had a problem wearing viscose....add polyester to the mix though and now you're talking sweaty!

OP you mentioned emphasising your waist.
I use one of those wide elasticated belts with beads (small beads strung on thin elastic but the belt itself is wide). Choose a neutral colour or a colour matching your beach sandals and put it on over any loose coverup you are using. It instantly lifts the outfit.
One of my beach covers ups is a dress with one shoulder tied up with a string, it has a grecian vibe to it when I use my beaded belt. The dress is 4 sizes too big for me, hence why I use the belt, to give it shape and drape. I always get compliments with this combination and it is the easiest styling I ever did in my life. Plonk the dress over my head, step into the belt and no thinking involved. Do it backwards e we hen I return to my sun-lounger. The folds also cover any potential bloating if you overindulge at lunch.

I don’t know what it is about viscose but I don’t like it against my skin at all. My understanding is that despite its natural raw beginnings it goes through a lot more chemical stages to make it wearable. Maybe I’ve worn badly (excessively) processed viscose 🤷🏻‍♀️

Would you wear a crochet dress? This one is lovely and you could wear it here undone over a cami with jeans too?

I just bought one of these (very cool
black and white print) only £8 in the sale what’s more - I am very happy with viscose so really pleased you highlighted this one!

Please could you link to this belt?

I have some elastic belts from Amazon which are very useful and would be interested in getting another.

@BadSkiingMum I've got 1 of those in navy from JL. Really like it and it's a bit different!

@BadSkiingMum I bought mine on holidays but have seen similar in random clothes boutiques in the UK.
I'm sure they must exist in lots of places but I can't find an online shop specific to this type of belt.

I just looked to find an online shop but didn't find anything just yet.

I have a coral one to go with my swimwear (which I only buy in shades of coral to mix and match over the years and saves me thinking of new combinations) and I also have on in a deep rich tan colour because all my beach holiday footwear is that colour (again collected over the years and saves me having to think of colour combinations).

You want one without a buckle, just elastic bands all the way around covered in beads, it fits all sizes. Technically it's made of cheap thin elastic and cheap plastic small beads. But it does a marvellous job and pulls everything together with zero effort.

My googling just now took me to this as the closest match to give you an idea what I mean, but the quality of the beads here looks better than what I have:

https://www.etsy.com/listing/1721427658/stretchy-wide-belt-natural-beads-1980s?showsolddoutdetail=1&ref=nlaalisting_details

Thanks @Branster. That’s really interesting as I have never seen a belt in quite that style before. It has a flattering look, though I would be a bit worried that my hips would be too big and beads would go flying!

These are the belts I use from Amazon. Very useful, though check the sizing carefully as I think the smaller sizes are very small. I have a white one for summer dresses, plus red and navy for wearing with trousers. Fits through belt loops no problem.

Syuer Women Stretchy Skinny belt: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07VWDHPD9?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

I have lots of stretchy woven belts too, I buy a bigger size than I need so everything isn’t popping out above and below, it just gives definition.
https://amzn.eu/d/hSCDmsN

Useful! Would you go for the bigger size if my waist is on 35 inches? Size 14. I never like to have lots of extra belt flapping around!

Ooh I like those @BadSkiingMum, looks very useful.
The ones I use have loads of stretch. I think they'd be a bit loose on a tiny waist but should fit loads of sizes up. I
don't know about anyone else, but I go all in at mealtime during a holiday so I want all the hiding I can find to cover a bloated tummy. A wide belt and lots of fabric (artfully- in my head but probably not in reality) hanging above it and folds underneath gives me that illusion of a waist without the inevitable protuberance.

I caved and bought the black and gold Monsoon one and, like the OP, I love it. It's more than I would usually spend on this kind of thing but I figured it would last me for ever more! Thanks to the PP who sent a link to it. Got mine from Next online.

It's lovely isn't it. I cant wait to wear it

@Yorkshiremum80 I was worried it might be a bit short but think the models must have a good few inches on me so it's fine. More excited to wear this than any proper holiday clothes I might have bought🤣.

Same 😄