The Ultimate Holiday Style List
As I’m starting to pack for my holiday (only 2 more days to go!!!), I’m writing list after list of what to pack and what to buy and I’ve been making a mental note of what essentials I’ll need to help me achieve poolside style success. I’ve managed to narrow it down to just 10 items, instead of the 30 I started off with, and I consider these as the basics you’ll need for looking and feeling stylish throughout your holiday.
1 Kimono
I adore these! They are perfect for wearing over a bikini when you’re at the poolside or making a trip to the bar. Add a skinny belt in a metallic colour to give definition to your waist.
Kimono, £29.99 River Island, Belt, £9.99 River Island
2 Cool cotton dress
I saw this in the window of River Island the other day and just had to try it on. The soft cotton makes it wearable in the heat and the silhouette will flatter most body shapes. It’s also a style of dress that will remain stylish for many summers to come, a definite investment piece!
White cotton dress, £49.99 River Island
3 Platforms
I think a lot of ladies will opt for wedges for their holiday style but I’m a huge fan of platforms. Get a touch of 70s glamour by wearing them by the pool or as you wander around the local village. The best thing about wearing heels with your swimsuit or bikini is they will give better definition to your legs when you’re strutting up and down the poolside.
Blue floral platforms, down to £17.00 online at Dorothy Perkins
4 Sunglasses
The Karen Walker style glasses are very on-trend for this summer, my favourites are the small round frames and you can pick up a pair from H&M at a fraction of the price.
Sunglasses, £4.99 H&M
5 Slinky shorts
I have to be honest; I’m taking a stand against the denim super short shorts. Instead, I’m opting for these silky numbers from Topshop. With a touch of 70s chic they’re an absolute must for this summer and the soft fabric will help keep you cool in the heat. Love the lace trimming too!
Shorts £30.00, Topshop
6 The perfect swimsuit or bikini
Hopefully you’ll have already read my post on what bikinis to wear for your body shape, and if not, here’s a link http://noreen-elizabeth-styling.blogspot.com/2011/06/holiday-style-post-1-of-3.html
7 A cover-up
If you’re looking for a cover-up and would prefer to stay away from a kaftan or sarong, I’d recommend this little number from H&M. It’s small and light enough to tuck away in your beach bag and does the job of covering-up perfectly. With a defined waistband in the middle it’s also going to create a feminine silhouette.
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Blue cover-up dress, £14.99 H&M
8 Beach bag
I’ve found it quite difficult this year to find the right beach bag but recently I spotted this one in H&M and knew it would be ideal for my holiday. It’s big enough to fit everything in, should I choose to take a heap load of stuff to the beach, but it’s also practical and it looks pretty too. I just love the colours, they’re so fresh!
Bag, £7.99 H&M
9 Hat
The big floppy sun hats are huge this summer. I’m devoted to the classic black and white striped ones, I even used one on a photo shoot on Sunday, but I’ve also found this style from Accessorize.
Striped beach hat, £20 Accessorize
10 Perfect pout
I don’t wear a lot of make-up on holiday but I always like to wear a bit of colour on my lips especially during the day around the pool. I especially like to wear something bold like this ‘Indian Pink’ lip liner from Rimmel. It’s cheap as chips, the colour is stunning and it lasts all day! Instead of wearing a lipstick over the top I’ll use the liner as a base on my lips then add a touch of gloss over the top for the perfect pout.
Rimmel lip liner available at Boots
xx