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Beachwear: everything you need for your holiday wardrobe

If you're hitting a hot holiday destination, you'll want to sizzle just as much as the sun! Beachwear can have you looking lounge-ready as you celebrate summer. Choose a flirty sundress that you can easily slip on over your bikini, or go for the classic glamour of a floaty maxi. Of course, there's more to beach clothes than just dresses; you could go for beach trousers, cute denim beach shorts, or even a casual pair of beach overalls. Whatever you choose, keep it casual and relaxed, and you'll have no problem going from the beach to the bar.

The essentials of beachwear for women

The key to beachwear is comfort. You want something you can easily slip on and off, such as beach shirts and tunics, so avoid any garments with fussy fastenings. Jersey fabric is a good choice for dresses, as it's lightweight, wrinkle-free, and means you don't have to bother with zips or buttons. Alternatively, choose a light cotton or a floaty viscose. Linen is also ideal for hot weather; in particular, it makes for great wide-legged trousers, such as Marlene trousers, in a light shade like tan or off-white. Go for light colours if you want to celebrate a summery vibe. This is a great opportunity to experiment with bold, colourful prints that you might never wear in your everyday life, too. Think about practicality: You'll need to pack your beach clothes, so choose garments that won't crease easily in your suitcase, or you risk ruining those all-important holiday snapshots!

Clothing for beyond the shore

Who wants to spend their holiday changing in and out of clothes? Look for beachwear clothing that you can comfortably wear to a bar or restaurant, too. A pair of overalls make a fun, unique alternative to standard beach clothes. You can wear them over a bikini when you're on the sand and add a T-shirt to the ensemble to make it street-friendly. You can also easily turn beach dresses into something a little smarter by adding some accessories. Sling a belt around your waist, or try a long, statement necklace, for a great way of turning your casual, relaxed cover-up into a stylish outfit that looks right at home in upmarket bars. Change your shoes, too. Just going from your flat beach slides to a pair of wedge sandals when you're wearing beachwear is a great way of instantly dressing up your everyday style.