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Sunday, 1 June 2014

Beachwear that doesn't dare to bare

Are you sick of reading about how to emulate Gisele’s beach style in the Sunday supplements? The endless pages of tiny two pieces and barely-there sarongs? Fear not, it may feel like an itsy-bitsy bikini is your only option but for those of us who don’t quite fall into the bronzed Amazonian goddess category, it is possible to cover up without resorting to Nigella’s infamous burkini look.

Versatile and easy to wear, kaftans should be a staple of anyone’s holiday wardrobe. This laid back take on a beach cover up by Melissa Odabash comes in a gorgeous shade of mint green as well as summery lemon yellow, perfect for the walk to and from the beach and it’ll spare your blushes if you decide to grab lunch at a beachside restaurant. Kaftans needn’t just be a convenient way of covering up any wobbly bits you’d rather not share with the world though, on the contrary some of this season’s styles will take you from sun lounger to cocktail bar without missing a beat. Setting the bar high are Raishma, with this beautifully beaded yellow and grey number and this vibrant printed kaftan featuring Swarovski stone work. Just swap the flip flops for a pair of heels and you’ll feel transformed!

If you’re going to be sightseeing, it’s easy to get caught out by the sun. The last thing you want is to come home looking like you’ve been taking style tips from a lobster. A simple peasant top is perfect for day time excursions and will protect your shoulders, these light and bright styles from Melissa Obabash look great with tailored shorts or Capri pants. Or for a slightly smarter look, this sky blue tunic dress and white crochet maxi dress will avoid any unsightly tan lines and you won’t feel like you need to change when the sun goes down. Just don’t forget your hat – nothing is worth the agony of attempting to shower with a burnt scalp! Even avoiding hat hair. I love these Elton John Foundation hats, which wouldn’t look out of place at Wimbledon or Lord’s. An added bonus is that you’ll not only be dodging a sunburn bullet but also helping to raise money for the Elton John Aids Foundation.

Finally, what has to be my new favourite accompaniment for any outfit, this ultra soft draped cardigan by Charli which can be worn loose and flowing during the evening, tied up above your waist on the beach or any which way you darn well like! I challenge you to find an outfit or colour it won’t go with.

So, this summer it isn’t all about acres of flesh and body flaunting, in fact if you agree with the Italians who recently issued a set of rules for Russian tourists including ‘no tiny bikinis with high heels’ – covering up is de rigeur these days. And let’s face it, mosquito bites and at least a hint of pink are inevitable – you may as well be prepared.



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