Article by Nicky Hambleton-Jones’ Style Team
No matter what your age, if you are hitting the beach or lounging poolside this summer then what to wear will be uppermost in your mind. The trouble is when you are fifty and older all sorts of doubts enter due to lifestyle and body changes. It doesn’t matter if it’s your arms, midriff or backside you are worrying about, choose the right look for you and you’ll enjoy the sunshine and views regardless.
Preparing the basics
Preparing the basics, laying the foundation for your summer look is key to boosting confidence. A manicure, pedicure, wax, eyelash and eyebrow tint plus a self tan will all perk you up before you put your bikini or swimsuit on. The great range of self tanners and body summer glow lotions banish pale skin and prevent the need to sun yourself unnecessarily.
Beach or poolside isn’t all about showing off flesh
Once you are buffed to perfection you need to add your summer holiday beachwear. Beach or poolside isn’t all about showing off flesh. These days kaftans, maxi dresses and skirts are the essential supplement to your swimwear. If you’ve got good legs but feel a bit more concerned about arms and body then a short kaftan or wrap will work depending on the time of day. Choose a sheer or cotton kaftan in the heat of the day.
And for evening a more glamorous wrap will allow you to carry on showing off your legs. This one is from a vintage website. Selecting a vintage item can guarantee you a more individual look. Black floral wrap top from a selection at Shop Curious.
If you feel self conscious on the first few days then a longer kaftan will give you added coverage but choose something bright and colourful.
Banish all upper arm and body worries
This wonderful glamorous number will banish all upper arm and body worries.
If you are concerned about your legs and stomach area then sarongs and maxi skirts will provide cover to these areas. Monsoon, the M&S holiday shop and Toast all have a great selection of sarongs and maxi skirts for the beach. Don’t be tempted to wear shorts when you can have a feminine floaty number or a bold print to wear.
The same goes for the maxi dress, the high street and designers are awash with maxi dresses in block colours and bold prints. These hide a multitude of concerns but free you to enjoy wandering around or sitting in a café whilst being on trend.
Swimsuits and bikinis are designed to work well for all body shapes
When it comes to swimwear both swimsuits and bikinis are designed to work well for all body shapes. To get the fit right with a bikini make sure you support your bust properly as this elongates the body and choose fuller briefs rather than skimpy ones that tie at the side unless you’ve got good legs and a slim hip area.
The M&S ruched underwired bikini top comes in back sizes 32 to 40 and cup sizes B to F. Or the Crossover V-necked bikini which offers the same range of choice in bust size.
Teem this with the ruched hipster bikini bottoms or mix and match as you please. Remember there are no matching rules anymore when it comes to bikinis.
If you find the perfect fit on top you can always select the bottoms from another store and in a different colour. To make it simpler choose a black or white bikini top and add an array of colour on your bottom half.
Swimsuits are no longer the second choice when it comes to beach wear due to great colours and prints with tummy toning and waist creating help.
Accessories for the beach
But looking fabulous at fifty on the beach doesn’t stop with your swimwear and any cover ups! Adding accessories will add instant detail and glamour to any outfit. The great thing about beach wear is there is little of it so adding earrings, a necklace and bracelets won’t be overdoing it.
Accessorize, M&S and Dorothy Perkins have a wonderful selection. This multi sequin bangle form Dorothy Perkins adds instant glitz to swimwear.
This season tribal accessories and gold are hot high street favourites. Less glitzy but nicely dramatic is this chunky necklace from Accessorize
Get some of this seasons gladiator flats, metallic flip flops or a pair of espadrilles for your perfectly pedicured feet. For your head add a floppy hat from Zara or a wide brimmed hat.
Think Jane Birkin and grab yourself a beach basket to put your holiday book and sunglasses in. Finally add a smile, lean back and relax you are on holiday!
Product images are from M&S unless otherwise specified
Related posts:
- Grankinis? Women over 50 DO wear bikinis
- How to Choose the Best Swimwear for your Shape in your 50s
- Top Tips to Travel Light and Still Look Fabulous- 12 items can create 60 outfits!
- Do you dread going bare legged in summer? Help is at hand!
- Helen Mirren voted ‘best body’ in her 60s.
