I don’t know whether it’s because of the sudden burst of hot weather in the UK or simply because it’s holiday season but Summer clothes are now disappearing from the shops so I’m writing this ‘what to pack for a hot beach holiday’ with some urgency.
In Friday’s post we took a fantasy trip to the Brittany coastline for a breezy holiday with unpredictable weather. Today we’re jetting off a little further so we need to pack for a hot beach holiday. We had a holiday like this last year in Turkey when the temperatures reached above 40°C every day. It isn’t easy to look chic and relaxed in searing heat.
So join me – I’m going to take you to a villa close to the sea but with a pool in the garden too. Our day will be dictated by the excesses of the heat. We’ll spend our mornings outside maybe with a trip to the market or a dip in the sea and the torpid afternoons relaxing with a book in the shade. Later on we’ll watch the sun disappear behind the mountains from a rooftop restaurant and relax with a cocktail or two.
What to pack for a hot beach holiday
It is simply a matter of personal choice whether you wear a bikini, a tankini or a swimsuit. The only consideration, as I mentioned in Friday’s post, is the proportion of your torso in relation to your legs. If you have a long torso and shorter legs like I do, go for a bikini or tankini to avoid looking dumpy. If you have longer legs then you’ll look great in a one piece. It’s as simple as that.
Having said that, today I’m featuring a one piece because it is the only piece of swimwear (other than the bikini I featured last week) that I have ordered this season and kept (everything else has gone back) so again this is a personal recommendation. I think it works against my usual theory because of the slightly higher neckline and the fact that the cut of the leg is high (but not too high) which has a lengthening effect.
Simple beach dress – great for popping over your swimsuit for lunch. It’s loose so it won’t stick uncomfortably to your sun cream and it also has Coolfresh technology. A great price, it’s available in lots of colours.
Tan and rose gold slides – these are a great price for leather so stock is low but they would look lovely with shorts or a dress too
Simple, good value beach bag with inner pocket and stripy cotton lining … and the essential ‘on trend’ pompoms!
These have to be some of the best value, high UV protection sunglasses that you can buy and now they have 25% off all their styles. They come with a great case too.
Packable fedora, simply roll it up and pop it in the tube – go for the small for a lady and if you have a very small head, there are others to choose from.
Hammam towels are so much easier to pack than ordinary towels as they take up so little space plus they’re much more chic.
A loose cotton shirt looks lovely over a swimsuit but you don’t need to spend a fortune. Simply buy a small, extra long one for men – most importantly they’re non iron so you can wash it when you rinse out your swimsuit and it will look fresh the next day.
Classic slim gold Havaianas always seem to make your feet look dainty
If you like to linger on the beach for cocktails this very reasonable jumpsuit would work really well with the swimsuit, you could dress it up for evenings too
What to wear on tropically hot days
Jersey dress – this has a slight sleeve for people who like to cover the tops of their arms. With its subtle tiled print it makes me think of Moorish castles. 25% off at the moment
The very definition of a cotton sundress, the right jewellery will keep it looking fresh and modern. 25% off at the moment.
Blue cotton dress with pink trim – order this in long unless you’re petite. 25% off at the moment
Maxi dress – a great price for a simple throw on
Simple white linen dress with tie neck – also available in khaki and black. Very chic.
Grecian blue dress – I know I featured this as a beach cover up in my last post but I’ve now had it delivered and you can dress it up too – size down though.
Striped dress – adding gold jewellery gives this a change of mood from French style to mediterranean chic
An unusual strappy dress with a pleated centre panel
This striped dress is above the knee, a lightweight cotton
I have this murano glass necklace, you can see me wearing it further down the post. If you have blue or grey eyes it does something magical to them
A simple rose gold toned torque is very versatile and looks great with a slight tan
These murano glass earrings match the necklace but are quite large so they’re great for this year’s statement earring trend. They’re available for both pierced and non pierced ears.
What to wear for hot summer nights
Gold metallic linen top – this has been back in stock this week, remember to size up and be quick
Flowy blue maxi skirt – relaxed and versatile
Relaxed black trousers – with stretch so they’re good for travelling in too
Falkirk wrap cami – these are fab quality for the price, they’re made from heavy satin so they don’t look like cheap lingerie
Maida cami – such a gorgeous colour, you could continue to wear these tops at home with a blazer and jeans
Chic Tropezienne style sandal, very Inés de la Fressange
I’m including these wedges on reader Nicola’s recommendation – they went down well when she mentioned them in the comments (also available in pink, black and tan)
I hope you’ve enjoyed our exotic jaunt – still no clues as to where we’re going on our holiday, it’s getting harder and harder not to let it slip.
Baukjen sale
Other summer posts you may have missed
What to wear for a holiday by the sea
Simple t-shirts with the luxe factor
Simple summer broderie collection
Chic sandals that won’t hurt your feet