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!

@MorphingintoMargo please could you tell me which shop the coastal over 50 collection is from please? I looked at your other links but could not find it.😀

Hi, that’s just a screenshot of my Pinterest board. I purchased a similar pair of linen trousers from Boden (years ago!). My stripe linen cami from M&S last year, but I’ve seen the same sort of thing on the high street. Nobody’s child do a brighter version.
https://www.johnlewis.com/nobodys-child-elizabeth-scarlett-stanley-linen-rich-stripe-sun-top-blue/p115205651

@RedDiamond … the rest of the board is a mixture of monsoon (swimsuit), Lara ethnics (blue dress), Reiss ( metallic top and linen shorts) and a lovely Greek Archaic Kori dress, that I got for a bargain on Vinted.

You defintely could purchase this all on Vinted if you wanted.

I would suggest to start by looking at a few shops / websites to see if there’s anything in particular that grabs you - Next online can be good in that they stock many other brands, but it can be a bit overwhelming! Also M&S, John Lewis. Just take a picture of the things you like to start with and see if it gives an idea of your preferred colours or style.

Ideally you want to put together a bit of a capsule with 2-3 neutral colours plus a couple of patterned pieces that co-ordinate, or a brighter co-ordinating colour. You’ll need some basic pieces (eg the linen/cotton trousers, shorts, shirt, plain vest tops), plus a couple of more interesting items from the pieces you’ve identified from your initial look around .

I know you were asking for ideas of actual items, but you need to find what suits you, and you don’t want to get a suitcase full of items in disparate patterns and styles that can’t be worn together.

This is really useful, thanks so much. That's a good way to approach it all, and it hadn't occurred to me to think about gathering photos of them all and seeing what would work together. Thanks 😍

Agree with the idea of a limited colour palette. I tried that recently after years of buying random things. Now have the basics (shorts, linen shirts, plain cotton midi skirt, linen trousers) in navy, beige and chambray blue. Everything mixes and matches and I feel so much more " put together". Add some statement jewellery, a large straw tote, the odd brightly coloured maxi and some sparkly sandals...and you're good to go!
Just pick colours that "pop" on you, or get advice from a good friend, or even a personal shopper service like JL.

Thank you. I bet it's less stressful too, having various items that work together