You should NEVER do super high fashion or couture on the beach! It screams, "I am newly affluent and desperate to fit in!" I remember reading an article about what one beautiful old money Hampton's veteran said about a Russian girl that showed up with a friend in head-to-toe Hermès at a beach picnic, "She looked ridiculous and didn't fit in at all." Also, the last time my husband and I were on vacation in Nosara, Costa Rica, a couple arrived to the beach-front hotel we were staying at looking like cast members from the set of Dynasty. Quelle Horreur!
WHAT TO WEAR: Simple, easy, classic and understated:
1. Tunics & Kurtas (Roberta Roller Rabbit or Laura Manara)
2. Polo Shirts & Polo Dresses (Lacoste or Johnny-O).
3. Preppy Sandals (Jack Rogers)
4. Boyfriend Roll-Up Shorts (Gap) -- unless you are summering in France. Shorts, like white socks are considered a style faux-pas in France. I would choose casual khaki, navy or white eyelet skirts instead.
5. Beach Cover-ups (Calypso St. Barth)
6. Nautical Swimsuit (J. Crew)
7. Strappy High-Heeled Sandal (Reed Krakoff)
8. White Sleeveless Sheath (Barneys New York)
9. Casual Summer Maxi Dress (Neiman Marcus)
10. White Jeans (Nordstrom)
11. Belted Denim Shirt-dress (Neiman Marcus)
12. Colorful Scarf (Nordstrom)
13. Boat Shoes (Sperry Top Sider, Sebago)
14. Floppy Hat (Echo)
15. Wicker Clutch (Barneys New York)
16. Mosaic Earrings (Maiyet)
I like to keep all of the colors neutral and just add a pop of color with a shoe, scarf, handbag or jewelry. If you are photographed often, how annoying is it to see yourself time and time again sporting the same big, bright patterned dress? "Wearing and tossing" is not for those conscious of their carbon footprint. If you choose a print, go for less vivid colors and a less busy print that can be worn in different ways.
Acceptable colors for warm weather are sea or turquoise blue, coral or orange. A little yellow within some embroidery on a white canvas is also fine, but 100% all yellow is too much. Bretton stripes are acceptable in navy or red; gingham patterns look good in navy, orange/coral or deep purple (almost navy). Many disagree on purple or lavender--this color can go either way.
*You can find almost ANY of the above items (style-wise) at more than one price point--higher or lower.
1. Tunics & Kurtas (Roberta Roller Rabbit or Laura Manara)
2. Polo Shirts & Polo Dresses (Lacoste or Johnny-O).
3. Preppy Sandals (Jack Rogers)
4. Boyfriend Roll-Up Shorts (Gap) -- unless you are summering in France. Shorts, like white socks are considered a style faux-pas in France. I would choose casual khaki, navy or white eyelet skirts instead.
5. Beach Cover-ups (Calypso St. Barth)
6. Nautical Swimsuit (J. Crew)
7. Strappy High-Heeled Sandal (Reed Krakoff)
8. White Sleeveless Sheath (Barneys New York)
9. Casual Summer Maxi Dress (Neiman Marcus)
10. White Jeans (Nordstrom)
11. Belted Denim Shirt-dress (Neiman Marcus)
12. Colorful Scarf (Nordstrom)
13. Boat Shoes (Sperry Top Sider, Sebago)
14. Floppy Hat (Echo)
15. Wicker Clutch (Barneys New York)
16. Mosaic Earrings (Maiyet)
I like to keep all of the colors neutral and just add a pop of color with a shoe, scarf, handbag or jewelry. If you are photographed often, how annoying is it to see yourself time and time again sporting the same big, bright patterned dress? "Wearing and tossing" is not for those conscious of their carbon footprint. If you choose a print, go for less vivid colors and a less busy print that can be worn in different ways.
Acceptable colors for warm weather are sea or turquoise blue, coral or orange. A little yellow within some embroidery on a white canvas is also fine, but 100% all yellow is too much. Bretton stripes are acceptable in navy or red; gingham patterns look good in navy, orange/coral or deep purple (almost navy). Many disagree on purple or lavender--this color can go either way.
*You can find almost ANY of the above items (style-wise) at more than one price point--higher or lower.
