I’m having a thing about… Beach ‘outfits’

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: Chambray dress, Marks & Spencer (sold out online, but in sale so might be in store. Try this one)  | Chambray midi skirt, Eileen Fisher | Maxi kaftan, Boden| Clutch bag, Accessorize (last season, try this one) | Striped, tasselled sandals, Boden | Pom pom denim dress, Monsoon (last season, try this) | Porcelain print dress (below), & Other Stories

While in Greece last week, I tried something I have never done before – and that’s stick to a colour palette.

The neatly stacked piles in the image above are the basis of what I took – a mixture of blue, white, denim along with some pom pom accessories for colour and texture.

As a fashion editor, you’d think I would be the world’s best packer, but the reality is I really don’t like being without my ‘stuff.’

But – revelation alert – sticking to a theme not only makes it easier, but also provides limitless (well, you know what I mean) beach outfit options.

I don’t know about you, but as I get older, I am thoroughly enjoying the idea of the beach ‘outfit’ – something that will look great as you go down to breakfast, work around the pool or on the beach and then look chic when you decide to head off for a bite to eat for lunch.

Things I like in my beach outfit:  A structured swimsuit in a classic shade of black, navy or a print version of the two | A loose fit, cotton maxi dress or wide leg trousers | Classic cotton shirt or tunic that you can throw on over your cossie or shorts | A brilliant straw bag | Statement sandals | Great sunglasses.

I lived in the blue and white maxi shirt dress from Boden that you can see in the bottom right of my picture (and check it out on me here) – it’s so comfy and you could even double it up as an evening dress if you want to pack light.

Here are two beach outfit inspirations for you – one based around the black SeaSpray costume I have (so comfy, so flattering) and one around the blue ‘Sorrento’ swimsuit from Boden I also wore a lot.

Swimsuit, SeaSpray Swimwear | Maxi dress, H&M | Beach clutch bag, Mango | Sunglasses, D&G at ASOS | Eliza Gran straw bag, pre-order at Edit58 here | Metallic espadrilles, ASOS

Sorrento swimsuit, Boden | Straw bag, Eileen Fisher | Ikat print trousers, J Crew | Silver Arizonas, Birkenstocks at & Other Stories | Polka dot straw hat, Jigsaw | Broderie tunic, The White Company | Sunglasses, & Other Stories

• & other stories

• accessorize

• arizona birkenstocks

• Asos

• beach outfits

• boden

• classic swimsuit

• edit 58

• eileen fisher

• eliza gran straw bag

• H&M

• J Crew

• mango

• Marks & Spencer

• monsoon

• silver birkenstocks

• sunglasses

• swimsuit

• the white commpany