Key essentials for blissful summer holidays

We’re just about to get into the main holiday season and it’s time to update your look for relaxed and stylish days and nights by the sea.

Glam Brits going abroad love a bit of glitz and to show our fashion sense; we also love to show off our new tans with bronzers and highlighters.

Guerlain’s Terracotta range is synonymous with summer and we can get ahead of the game by tanning before the holiday starts with Terracotta Sunless Express Self Tanning Spray, £41. Sometimes our skin looks patchy and uneven after a day in the sun, so a light reflective foundation is a great investment for the evening, and Guerlain Terracotta Joli Teint Foundation, £37, combines the perfection of foundation, the beautiful effect of a skincare product, and the sun kissed radiance of Terracotta. A spritz of the divine Tom Ford Orchid Soleil Eau de Parfum, £55, and we’re good to go.

But what to wear?

Fashion Choices for Summer 2017

On the fashion front, three of the biggest trends this summer are gingham, one shoulder tops and ruffles.  Banana Republic’s gingham skirt, £42.99 (reduced), can be worn at work but also with cool sandals and a cold shoulder top on holiday. It would look great with Ted Baker’s Cropped Bardot Top in Bright Pink, £89. Banana Republic’s black off-shoulder tiered sleeve top, £35, manages to nail two trends and ticks the holiday versatility box (now sold out).

The ruffled skirt trend shows no sign of going away. Maxi skirts are perfect for balmy nights abroad, and Roberto Cavelli’s exotic print maxi skirt is silk so will be wonderful to slip into.  It’s even got a forgiving elasticated waist band so will be good to wear after a few cocktails and Greek meze.

If you’re looking for a show stopper of a dress for the evenings, look no further than this textured red Bardot dress from Ted Baker, £99. On the last night, opt for something diaphanous and white like this stunning Steele Shaee Cape Maxi Dress, £125.94.

How to look great in a bikini 

Ever since Helen Mirren was photographed looking superb in a bikini, cup-sized swimwear has been essential for the over-40s wanting to have her va-va-voom. It will give you the cleavage you'll never get from a soft triangle or bandeau top. Freya, Fantasie and Panache all have stylish cup sized swimwear. Top picks this year are Freya’s Island Girl (below) and Folklore bikinis.  Avoid tan lines with an underwired bandeau style. And you might need to take a ruched swimming costume like this one from Melissa Odabash, £95, for beach aqua aerobics (now sold out).

Kaftans are a great addition to the holiday suitcase. They’re timeless and can be used year after year. Aussie brand Seafolly always has some gorgeous kaftans like this one, fringed stripe kaftan, £70.75.

Slides are still big this summer and ideal for wearing around the swimming pool. The ultra-trendy will veer towards cute furry slides; also trending are slides with bows like the Kaanas Tularosa, £76.90.  These are produced to a traditional design in a small factory in Colombia so they have an interesting back story as well as a great design.

A pair of metallic sandals will go with any of your outfits.  These gold mules from New Look, £15, add a touch of glamour.

Don't forget a hat and bag

Two other key purchases for your holiday idyll?  A sun hat and a beach bag.  Channel your inner Joan Collins with this glam blue and white hat from Phase Eight , £35. Bags with pompoms or tassels are fun and idle for stashing your beach towel, Kindle, sun creams and lunchtime kaftan. Take a look at Jadetribe Multi Tassel Square Fringe Basket Tote, £128.28 (now sold out), or this cute Kayu Pompom Woven Beach Tote Women Straw bag, £128.

This article was written for Obsessory.com

Sharing this post with Not Dead Yet Style 

THIS WEEK ON IS THIS MUTTON?

What I'm taking on holiday: Wednesday

The essential denim skirt: Friday

FOR MORE MUTTON

Don't miss a post -  follow my blog on Bloglovin and receive a weekly email on my updates. You'll love "shoe of the day" on the Is This Mutton? Facebook page. And check out the Is This Mutton? Pinterest boards, including boards on other bloggers in fab outfits plus jewellery, hairstyles and beachwear essentials.