Style tips: Resortwear

If you are lucky enough to be escaping winter for a week in the sun, read on. If not, avert your eyes (or read on and plan for the long summer holidays instead). Packing for a holiday in the sun in the middle of winter is not the same as heading off for your usual summer jaunts. It's a little more challenging, but with a much bigger pay-off.

Resortwear

Look forwardIf you already know the vibe of the resort or beach you are staying at, you're off to a good start.
Otherwise, ask around, check the resort website or concierge - there's nothing worse than discovering the primo restaurant is "men in jackets" or gorgeous dress-ups and you miss out. You may be going to super sun, but you do need to pack something warm as an evening cover-up.
Check, too, whether the rooms provide robes, irons, even hairdryers, so you can save yourself space in the suitcase (more room for shopping). A library or business centre means you don't need to lug more books or your laptop (or you could just travel with your iPad, sigh).
Then all you need to do is wax, pedicure, pick up a stash of your favourite magazines, start applying the fake tan and you're ready to rock.
Pack smart
Everyone has their favourite resort look. For some it's as simple as a spectacular swimsuit, sarong and flash sandals. For longer stays or ones that involve sightseeing, add a few more pieces: a great little dress or two (something flirty and pretty, a lean tank that can be dressed up or down or double as a tunic, and maybe one of this season's khaki shirt dresses that can also act as a trench ).
A stunning kaftan is on-trend - it smacks of Morocco in the 60s - in a drifty maxi or shortened as a beach cover-up (keep to super-sheer, silky fabrics to minimise bulk).
A smart T-shirt (the French stripe is good) or tank is a must, as are well-cut shorts (leave the daggy, baggy ones at home, think dressy and as well-fitting as a good pair of jeans).
Pants can be crisp Capri-style (white if you can carry it off) or a softer palazzo-style. And finally, add embellished flat sandals, ballet flats and a pair of stunning heeled sandals for nights. This is the time to play with the hot colours and boho-style prints on offer - you're not at the office now.

Block out
It's tempting to bask in the sun's rays when you haven't seen them for so long, but really, you know better.
Start building up the fake tan a couple of weeks before you leave so you have a warm base. Slather sunblock on your face and body. Keep the sunglasses big and bold, the hat shady and limit your time in the noon-day sun. If you're spending time in the water, use waterproof products and reapply frequently. You'll still come back tanned, relaxed and ready to make it through to spring. Lucky you.
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