Beach holiday style ideas for 50-somethings

[Twonewcats]

Hello, going on a beach/sun holiday for the first time in years.
I'm early 50s, size 14-16, carry the weight around my middle, and need some clothing and beachwear advice/suggestions on how to feel confident instead of frumpy, please 🙏

Eg casual but smart clothes for eating out; beachwear and cover ups; nice summery accessories. That kind of thing. I cannot walk in heels, so flats/wedges appropriate, please 😆

Thanks so much!

What sites have you looked at already?

Lots of high street places. I guess the issue is I have no idea what would be flattering and want to wear something that might be a bit more "out there"

What do you mean by ‘out there’? My advice would be stick to natural fabrics and avoid florals but you can risk some brighter colours on holiday. What colouring and height are you?

Out there - just something not particularly bland.

I'm 5ft 6, blonde

can i ask where you normally shop or how you would describe your normal style. I’m 55 and off to Portugal - Lisbon and then the coast so I’m planning my wardrobe now. I think it’s easier to plan if you have a sense of your style first.

This is what I was getting at as we see so many of these threads then they say oh I don't like this, I don't like that.

@OPhow much do you want to spend ? Are we talking Primark cost , M and S or John Lewis type cost?

Eg 3 similar looks . 3 price ranges.

Really need an idea of budget and vaguely what you like and don't like. I could, for example suggest Toast, but I could be miles out.

Love all of these 😍
I just don't know what styles and shapes of clothes would flatter or suit my round belly 🙈
I've spent 2 yrs caring for my mum, and she passed away a few months ago, but in the meantime I've put on weight and feel frumpy. So I'd like to emerge from all that!

Budget - The bulk of it would be Next sort of prices.

I love the look of shorts, summer floaty trousers and maxi skirts, but feel that they just make me look like a big blob

Thanks 😊

You need to try some things on . A quick look at Next threw these up. I love a dress - think they are so much easier than separates. There's loads under Summer Dresses.

M&S has a nice beachwear section. They do high waisted bikini bottoms that hold you in a bit, could wear with a printed bikini or tankini top, they don't need to match. Also have a good range of beach cover ups, sundresses and oversized long shirts in fine cotton fabric.

Also have a look on Vinted.

Well I think if you find a couple of hero pieces it might give you a direction colour wise. I don’t particularly buy expensive holiday clothes but in your position where you don’t feel your best I might splash out on a couple of bits that make me feel my most confident and then supplement from there. Im not a floaty boho dresser myself but the shape of these were good. The olain green is Mint Velvet but the other 2 are Monsoon. Monsoon has a few in different prints and currently have 20% off. . They also had some Indian print wide legged trousers that could be good over a swimsuit or with a resort shirt. Keep the accessories neutral like this bag from Tu. I also found the white dress in Tu.

Last year I found a really great swimsuit for £18 from Tu that has really held up well for swimming ( I don’t generally shop from there but it’s been good ) This M&S suit looks good and you could add some white linen bits. The black t shirt dress is Tu. This takes it in a more graphic direction but you could add a couple of embroidered / print tops to make it more boho.

I liked these print trousers and the shorts from Tu. And now I will stop 🥴

https://everbyx.com/search?q=moondust+grey&_pos=1&_psq=grey&_ss=e&_v=1.0

Have a look at the Ever by X dress that you can wear many ways. I have one in a pale pearly grey colour ( very soft ) that I’ll be selling.

I agree with PP about monsoon. They have some lovely beachwear. Accessorize also have a good range. I can highly recommend this style of swimsuit. I have it in white ( now sold out). It’s incredibly flattering and comfortable.
https://www.accessorize.com/uk/halter-neck-shaping-one-piece-swimsuit-black-35010250001.html

Lightweight tunics/ kaftans look good on holiday and skim over lumps and bumps. Can be worn as beachwear in the day and dressed up in the evening.
Next have a good choice and Aspiga have some lovely cotton ones, but they are a bit ££
https://www.next.co.uk/style/su879843/h97789
https://www.aspiga.com/collections/kaftans-sarongs
https://www.monsoon.co.uk/search/?q=Kaftan&prefn1=department&prefv1=Women

I tend to stick to a small colour pallet ( white, gold and blue). It makes things easier, as you can mix and match.

Hi Op, I am roughly the same size and shape as you, I hear you with the beach wear !
I want to look good and confident but still feel relaxed, so here are my tips (hope they help)
Shorts - I always think tricky unless you are a teenager or tall and willowy. So try and buy loose shapes (on the leg), not tight and not bulky fabric. Whilst I normally avoid denim as I look like a scout leader , I do have some white denim shorts that end mid thigh that look ok once I have a bit of a tan. I also have dark khaki and navy. I don’t tend to pair with sleeveless or strappy, as it makes me feel like a Brit on tour- so I usually wear my shorts with a linen shirt or a pretty top. It balances better I feel. https://www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-high-waisted-chino-shorts/p/clp60779416?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share
www.marksandspencer.com/cotton-rich-chino-shorts/p/clp23069786?intid=mobile_app_pdp_share
Dresses - always a winner. I prefer a shirt style and not too baggy, otherwise I look like a potato. Patterned helps to slim. I also love Broderie Anglais dresses as cotton or s comfy and looks interesting texture.
Skirts. I love a wrap skirt in linen that ties on the hip, covers tummy and can be worn with swimsuit or strappy top. I also have a jersey maxi skirt which is lovely and swishy. This one is above budget but to give you an idea share.google/WUmAm9RfAac2AkBaq
Tops. I am not a fan of just plain t shirts (unless pure white or black), so invest in some gorgeous tops that are cotton or linen that you can pair with white jeans, bleached jeans, navy shorts etc.
keep to a colour theme and look and don’t forget cycling short type
pants to avoid chub rub under the dresses! Hope this helps?

Also, sparkly or metallic sandals / flip flops can really make an outfit.
https://www.accessorize.com/uk/woven-metallic-leather-slide-sandals-gold-44500790021.html
https://www.matalan.co.uk/p/womens-footwear-shoes/gold-wide-fit-weave-strap-mule-sandals/17431617/
Nice, but ££
https://laidbacklondon.com/collections/maasai-sandals-flats
https://www.aspiga.com/products/silver-embellished-heel-sandal-silver-tan

Love all of these 😍
I will try things on, but I'm really critical of myself when I'm in a bright changing room! So will order some things and try on at home, I think. Thanks so much

Thanks. I hadn't even considered M&S for some reason. I had a quick look, and definitely saw some things I like x

Oh, now, this is stunning. Will be heading to Tu later to see what they have. Thanks!

This is gorgeous. It looks like it is the softest, comfiest fabric too

Beautiful colours.
The Next kaftan shape looks like it'd be good for my shape - cinched under the bust and skims over the tummy 😍

That's great advice, thank you.
Looking like a Scout leader made me laugh 😆😆 I hear you!!

Thanks so much! I do love a sparkly flat sandal 😍😍