Look Resort-Chic On Your Next Warm Weather Holiday

By Sharmin Musca on November 22, 2013 in Arts

Photo: Sharmin Musca

I can’t think of many better places to be writing this piece than on a sunlounger beside our resort pool in Fiji during Fiji Fashion Week.

Read on if you’re ready to look resort-chic on your next warm weather holiday. You’ll need mostly lightweight summery pieces so take a full fashion arsenal. Even with all the paraphernalia that accompanies travelling with children (if you have any), you will still come in under the draconian baggage limits. When shopping for your trip, keep an eye out for current resorts trends including colours such as classic white or any shade of blue and jewel tones. Also prevalent are tropical palm prints and bohemian embroidered pieces.

Here are a few of the fashion must-haves you should pack:

1. Cover-ups should transition well from beach or poolside to bar, and be flexible enough to kick on through mid-afternoon margaritas, shopping or even dinner. Opt for a lightweight, chic sundress or elegant maxi and keep accessories to a minimum as your golden tan and flowing beach tresses will be more than enough. No matter how sheer, it is advisable to choose a thigh covering lightweight dress or printed kaftan if visiting a bar with woven bar stools to avoid walking out with the backs of your thighs looking like those belonging to Mischa Barton.

2. Sunglasses. Aviators are flattering on pretty much everyone and I love a gold-toned frame. For a more classic, retro look try a Jackie O inspired frame or subtle cat eye style.

3. Leave your black one-piece at home. I know some people use their black one-piece as a cloaking device to hide as much flesh as possible, but take note: resort swimwear is all about tropical prints, rich jewel tones and pastels this season. In a sea of colour and print you and your black one-piece will stand out, not blend in.

4. Jewellery. Keep it simple and go for ethnic and bohemian feels like tribal earrings or a leather or snakeskin cuff. Alternatively, wear a striking, ‘statement’ necklace to add boho flair to a simple dress or maxi.

5. Take a versatile chambray shirt. You can wear it on the plane and also use it for layering over a dress or maxi (sleeves rolled up and either buttons open or tied at the ribcage) for those cooler evenings.

Oh, and don’t forget to pack some good fashion mags. With Australian Grazia now gone the new Elle is my favourite.

On the streets this month I met:

Name: Lauren
Occupation: Website merchandiser for stylerunner.com
Lives: Paddington
Fave Item This Season: Givenchy nightingale tote.
Street Style: Lauren wears a dress from Zara, Windsor Smith shoes, Ellery sunglasses and a bag by Sybil & Johnny.

Name: Jo
Occupation: Student
Lives: Kensington
Fave Item This Season: A chiffon shirt from Don’t Ask Amanda.
Street Style: Jo wears a hat by Milana, t-shirt and shoes from Sportsgirl, denim shorts from Glebe Markets and her grandmother’s vintage bag.