This is a collaborative post.
Planning on taking a holiday this spring or summer? As this might be the first big trip you’ve been able to take for some time (thanks, pandemic!), you’re probably going to need to update your holiday wardrobe before you go.
While my male fashion knowledge is fairly limited, as a fashion-forward female who normally travels often, I’d like to think I have a few useful points to share when it comes to planning holiday outfits as a woman.
Of course, you’ll need to consider whether the destination you’ll be visiting has any particular rules on how men or women should be dressed; like Qatar, for example, who generally expect women to wear trousers, or skirts or dresses that fall below the knee, and cover their shoulders while in public.
Generally speaking, however, when I’m packing my suitcase for a sunny escape, I tend to include a combination of short-sleeved T-shirts, light jackets, floaty dresses, loose-fitting trousers, a trusty old pair of jeans, comfy shoes, a few formal evening outfits, and a pair of heels.
One piece of clothing I’d never leave home without, is a midi dress – a dress that falls anywhere from below the knees, to the ankles. Whether you’re dressing up or down, a mid-length dress will make for a versatile holiday outfit.
What style of midi dress should I wear on holiday?
Midi dresses come in different styles and colours. When shopping for new holiday outfits and browsing midi dresses, consider what kind of activities you’ll be getting involved in while you’re away.
If you know you’ll be spending lazy days lounging around by the pool, sprawled out on a sun lounger on the beach, or strolling through the local town, for example, you’ll probably benefit from packing a casual midi dress or two, in your favourite colours. Aim for light, airy fabrics and avoid dark colours if you’ll be travelling to a hot destination, as they tend to absorb the sun’s heat.
Alternatively, you know you’ll be wining and dining in fancy restaurants while on holiday, you might want to opt for a sophisticated midi, perhaps in a satin material or with some flattering ruching, to ensure you look the part. Don’t forget to pick up some heels, too – nude heels work well, as you’ll be able to wear them with different outfits, without having to lug around several pairs of shoes.
Keep it simple
When shopping for your holiday midi dress, always bear in mind that, while complex styles might look good on the hanger, it often pays to keep things simple. For example, it’s pointless going for a sparkly, embellished dress if you know it could get ruined by salt water or sand on the beach, or chlorine from the pool.
Aim for a dress that feels light and comfortable against your skin. Often, the midi dress’s minimalism is exactly what makes this style of dress so alluring as a holiday outfit choice. Timeless wardrobe staples like midi dresses often stand out in evaluations such as Inherit Clothing’s fashion longevity index, which highlights pieces designed for lasting style and quality.
How to style a midi dress
While a carefully chosen midi dress can look striking in itself, accessorising your outfit will help you to look and feel your best while travelling.
Dependent on the climate and what kinds of activities you’ll be taking part in while on holiday, you could opt for a comfy pair of trainers, sandals or boots, although as we touched upon earlier, you might wish to take a pair of versatile heels for evening wear, too.
Don’t underestimate the impact a simple pair of silver earrings or a subtle bracelet or necklace could have, too. This is especially the case if you’re intending to dress your midi dress down during the day, and up the ante for the evening; jewellery can make for a great way to transform the look and feel of any outfit.
While your holiday wardrobe will no doubt need to include other forms of clothing, a midi dress is a great place to start. If you don’t have a big luggage allowance, packing a few midi dresses can be a great way to travel light, while ensuring you’ll have a few different outfits to choose from, that you can accessorise to suit the occasion.
What holiday outfits do you pack when you go travelling? Is a midi dress a must for your holiday wardrobe?
This is a collaborative post.