Fashion Guru in the Essex Enquirer
July Fashion Feature - July Issue
Holiday Essentials
So summer has arrived, you’ve booked your flights and you’re off on a well-deserved holiday. But holiday packing can be tricky - what should you pack in your suitcase and what should you leave at home? Here are my tips for summer holiday essentials.
Swimwear is of course the biggest must-have, but be sure to stick to a few simple rules. If you’re on the shorter side, sticking to high-leg bikini bottoms and avoiding hipster ones will lengthen your legs and make you appear taller. Try Topshop and New Look at Lakeside for a wide range of stunning swimwear.
If you have a big chest, invest in a good-quality bikini and make sure you get one that is correctly sized. Avoid triangle-shaped string bikinis as they won’t give your chest the support it needs – go for an underwired style with more fabric. If you have a small chest, you can carry off the ubiquitous triangle bikini, but if you want to try something different then why not go for a bandeau-style one?
Stretchmarks can cause endless worry on the beach so if you want to cover up, you’ll be pleased to know that there are some seriously sexy swimming costumes around this season. Debenhams at Lakeside has a fantastic selection – try Red Herring, Star by Julien McDonald and J by Jasper Conran – or check out Kylie’s collection for H&M. If that’s still a bit too risqué for your liking, cover up with some denim shorts over your cossie and accessorise with a trilby and some funky sunglasses.
My other absolute holiday must-have is a great tunic or kaftan, which is incredibly versatile and can be dressed up or down – particularly if you go for one made from silk or jersey. Monsoon at Lakeside has a fantastic selection of tunics that can be worn over a bikini as a beach cover-up or with jeans and heels for sunset cocktails. And Warehouse has a fantastic colour palette at the moment – corals and yellows will sparkle on darker skin, while paler skins can carry off jungle-green shades beautifully.
If you’re curvy, go for a bias-cut tunic as this will cling to your curves more which will give you shape and make you look sexy. Don’t make the mistake of trying to cover up with a large tunic as this will only swamp you and make you look larger.
A pair of white linen trousers is another must-buy; they’ll go with virtually everything in your wardrobe. It’s worth investing the money in a more expensive pair, because not only will they hang better but they’ll last you for years. You can wear them on the beach, for hot nights out or for some sun-drenched sightseeing. Marks and Spencer at Lakeside do some fantastic linen trousers which are partly made from synthetic fibres so that they don’t crease as much as normal linen trousers.
Avoid layering when you’re on holiday, and stick to simple separates instead. Go for pretty camisoles during the day, and take them into the night by dressing them up with some jewellery or a sequinned waistcoat for some extra sparkle.
When it comes to accessories, a hat is a great way to cover up in the burning sun. Avoid cowboy hats, which have been done to death, and go instead for a straw trilby. This will work equally well with either short or long hair, and it’s easy to pack in a suitcase – try one from Warehouse at Lakeside. A wide-brimmed hat is a good alternative to the trilby – team with a maxi dress for a relaxed holiday look.
You can save on packing and avoid the need to colour co-ordinate everything in your wardrobe by taking metallic or tan accessories, as these will go with everything. When it comes to shoes, wedge sandals are ideal for holiday – head to Dune or Faith at Lakeside for a wide array. If you need flat shoes for the daytime, go for some jewelled or metallic flip-flops or ballet pumps.
For more advice on holiday essentials, or to book a free personal shopping session with me, call 01708 869 933 or visit www.lakeside.uk.com.< Back
