Beach Chic

And just like that, the sea breeze blows away the London humidity & out comes the beach wear.

Beach Chic has arrived. For anyone living in a city, the true escape that travel provides is invaluable. It offers a break from the noisy and often overwhelming pace of life in London. This change includes embracing a more relaxed style of dressing. The chiffon cover-up mentioned above is vintage and adorned with stylish beads and intricate details.

A colourful wrap that can be worn as a sarong or used as a cover-up is essential. I prefer uplifting colours, especially pastels and prints, as they are easy to mix and match with various outfits. This way, you can effortlessly transition from a day at the beach to an outing at the amusement arcade. especially pastels & prints. Easy to mix & match with outfits that take you from that first splash to the amusement arcade.

Worn as a scarf around damp hair, it adds a touch of elegance. Minimal jewellery adds a touch of sparkle to the essential classic aviator sunglasses, creating a look that is both classy and effortlessly chic. As I glance around, I notice some women are dressed in just thongs, while others are fully adorned in dresses, hiding under umbrellas. Despite this variety, it’s impossible to escape the fact that we still judge and compare ourselves to one another.

Shorts paired with a tan are my go-to for summer. I prefer a flattering length that includes pockets. The striped ones I mentioned earlier are men’s swimming trunks from H&M. I've had them for years, and they dry almost instantly. I receive so many compliments on them. Keeping it simple is key; the idea is to blend in, be happy, and feel good and comfortable in what you wear.

Essential sea-proof shoes are a must for me. However, I wouldn't wear them in London, as rubber shoes are never flattering! Unfortunately, with pebble beaches, I have to swallow my fashion pride and focus on my new pedicure. One of my pet peeves is having unkempt nails. I make sure to keep my toes painted all year round, paying extra attention during the summer months. I've never understood the appeal of fake nails; I tried them once and vowed never to do it again.

Swimsuit style is important. I prefer as much coverage as possible. A fancy print like the Flamingo design can almost resemble a vest and adds visual interest. The saying "less is more" has never been more applicable. When trying on a swimsuit, take your time. If you're unsure, take it home to consider and return it later if needed. Think about your purpose: Are you buying it to relax on the beach or to swim and walk around the pool? Remember that swimsuits get wet and can shift while you move, so choose wisely. Be aware.

Over the years, my wardrobe has evolved to reflect my lifestyle. In the past, every summer I would buy a new bikini while travelling around Greece or Spain, enjoying shopping at local markets and picking up a variety of colourful, midriff-baring pieces. It’s a personal choice, but I believe in the principle of if in doubt, leave it out.

If I'm not dragging my basket, I always pack a bright, joyfully uplifting tote. I make sure to bring everything I need: towels, magazines, food, and lotion. The bigger the tote, the better; when I hit the beach, I'm prepared to stay for hours.

The essential protection I need is an oil, not a cream, and preferably a spray that dries quickly. I have an almost olive complexion that turns a deep brown starting in July. On the plus side, I can add just a splash of lipstick and wear sunglasses, which means I don’t have to use any other makeup. Any foundation in the summer heat tends to become shiny, so I embrace a healthy glow instead. However, using a good serum at night is a must.

The beach offers time to daydream, recharge & reflect without the distraction of phones or social media.

Absolutely fabulous.