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The Lazy Girl’s Ultimate Guide to Resort Wear

August 29, 2016 by Jean Holy Smithereens 11 Comments

Confession time: About 70% of my wardrobe consists of beach wear. Kaftans, cover ups, one-piece, two-piece, rashies…

If someone were to dissect my wardrobe, they’d think I was living somewhere tropical like Queensland or even Asia. And not freezing Canberra! (Maybe its my coping mechanism to dealing with the cold).

Well most of the places I go to are resort / island destinations so it only makes sense that I would have a number of resort wear.

And while I’m quite honoured to get asked often what swimwear or kaftan I’m wearing, I also feel a little bit guilty.

Because one of the reasons the main reason why I love wearing them boils down to…

Laziness.

Lazy days in the Maldives. In a JETS One-piece swimwear
Lazy days in the Maldives. In a JETS One-piece swimwear

So I decided to create the Holy Smithereens’ Ultimate Guide to Resort Wear (Lazy Girls edition)

Holy Smithereens Resort Wear Guide
Holy Smithereens Resort Wear Guide

Lazy Girl =  stylish with minimal effort and time.

1.) The Long Kaftan

Camilla Kaftan UAE Desert
Wearing a Camilla Kaftan in a Middle East Desert Resort

As a number one rule, kaftans are a lazy girl’s best friend. First of all, kaftans (especially long ones) feel so damn good. They are breezy, airy, and you end up looking feminine without even trying. It’s like showing up to a party in pajamas and being complimented for it.

Second, a kaftan is the answer to most lazy girls’ dilemma:

Skipped a workout? Kaftan it!

Had an extra plate of dessert last night? Kaftan it!

Planning to have an extra plate of dessert tonight? Kaftan it!

Lazy days in Abu Dhabi
Lazy days in Abu Dhabi
Kaftan-ing it in Dubai
Kaftan-ing it in Dubai

Want to look instantly tall? Kaftan it!

Well obviously, the taller one is, the better one looks in a kaftan. But for not-so-tall (and not-so-short either) lazy girls like me, there’s hope. Depending on your body type, long kaftans also tend to give an illusion that you are taller.

My favourite type of long kaftan is the round neck:

Camilla Round Neck Kaftan - worn in a desert in the Middle East
Camilla Round Neck Kaftan – worn in a desert in the Middle East

The round neck allows a lot of flexibility and allows the kaftan to be worn many different styles (off-shoulder, one-shoulder, strapless, etc).

Round Neck Kaftan by Camilla - my favourite style
Round Neck Power of Prayer Kaftan by Camilla – my favourite style

For long kaftans, I just love Camilla. I purchase mine direct from their website but I find that some online stockists often have Camilla kaftans on sale.

Wearing the Round Neck Kaftan Off-Shoulder style
Wearing the Round Neck Kaftan Off-Shoulder style

Another brand that I love which is more affordable than Camilla (but almost as stylish – you have to really pick the right print) is INOA Fashions (IG: @inoafashions) which is where I got my animal print long round-neck kaftan from.

And because I can’t be bothered bringing accessories / jewellery when I’m in resorts, kaftans give you that image of being dressed up with minimal to zero accessories.

Now there are downsides to the long kaftan as well.

Because of the length, long kaftans are better suited for just “lounging” and not for when you are planning to be active.

Also, if the kaftan is extra long or falls off your shoulders, it can make you look frumpy and shorter than you are.

So my second favourite thing to wear is…..

2.) The Short Kaftan

The short kaftan! Easily another favourite! Playing around in the Maldives
The short kaftan! Easily another favourite! Playing around in the Maldives

The short kaftan is perfect for when the lazy girl wants to be active. Long kaftans can also look too formal at times, so during the day time, short kaftans are a great option.

The short kaftan allows mobility
The short kaftan allows mobility

I prefer wearing short kaftans when you need to be on-the-go it is very light and airy.

Short kaftans that are sheer can also double as a cover-up, so they are great to wear when going on boat trips or island hopping.

Wearing the Fire Kaftan by I-Allure in Bali
Wearing the Fire Kaftan by I-Allure in Bali

Most of my short kaftans are from Australian brand iAllure Beach & Resort wear.

What I like about iAllure is that they change their collections every now and then so there are always new designs to choose from.

chilling in an i-Allure kaftan in the Maldives
chilling in an i-Allure kaftan in the Maldives
Wearing an i-Allure short kaftan in the middle east
Wearing an i-Allure short kaftan in the middle east

The only thing that I don’t like about sheer short kaftans is if you intend to wear them as casual wear (and not as a cover up for swimwear), you need to wear a tank slip underneath, and this tends to bunch up so you need to re-adjust every now and then.

3.) The bikini

Baku Bikini in the Maldives
Baku Bikini in the Maldives

My number one rule when choosing bikini styles is that they MUST stay on even after jumping in the water and stay put when snorkelling or shallow free diving.

My two favourite brands are JETS and Baku, both Australian brands ( Not biased, but Aussie brands are the best in resort / beach wear, and I have tried a LOT.)

Most of JETS bikinis also have a sort of adhesive like lining on the bikini tops so it really stays put.

Jets Papaya Bikini in the Maldives
Jets Papaya Bikini in the Maldives
Underwater in the Maldives wearing JETS bikini
Underwater in the Maldives wearing JETS bikini

I’m not too particular about styles but I tend to avoid thin straps. JETS and Baku both have really secure straps / clasps that keep every thing in place.

I also like moulded cups as they provide coverage and support while being low maintenance. I just can’t be bothered with removable cups. The washing dilema, etc. Didn’t I tell you I’m lazy?

JETS bikini in the Maldives
JETS bikini in the Maldives

And because I am lazy even when it comes to swimwear shopping (I hate trying on swimwear!), I tend to stick to one (or two at most) brands, and because I know how their sizes fit, order them online. 100% of the time, this works perfectly.

4.) The One-Piece

JETS One Piece in the Middle East
JETS One Piece in the Middle East

Fortunately for me, one piece suits have been dominating the stylish resort-ista’s wardrobe the past couple of years. Don’t get me wrong, I love bikinis too but sometimes I can’t be bothered to “hold it in” all the time.

Wearing a JETS One Piece in the Maldives
Wearing a JETS One Piece in the Maldives

The one piece swimwear is my best friend whenever I’ve had too much dessert the previous night or skipped a workout or two. Although nowadays I find that there’s a whole lot more stylish one piece suits, that even on the rare “good-bod-days”, I reach out for the one piece over the bikini.

It is wise to take advantage of the One Piece's rising popularity
It is wise to take advantage of the One Piece’s rising popularity

5.) The Cover-Up

Cover-ups: Multipurpose
Cover-ups: Multipurpose. Cover up by I-Allure Kaftans
The cover up: It's necessary. Skirt by JETS
The cover up: It’s necessary. Skirt by JETS

The cover-up is just as necessary as swimwear itself, in my opinion. Not only do they serve their main purpose of covering you up, but they also add a flair and make your swimwear look more dressed up than usual. I find them really helpful after a swim, and I’ve dried off a little bit and want to head to the resort restaurant for lunch or snack, but don’t have time to go to my room to change.

6.) That Floppy Hat

That floppy hat: perfect for sunny days
That floppy hat: perfect for sunny days

They sometimes call that hat the “Instagrammer’s Hat” because almost every female traveller you see on Instagram will have that floppy hat shot.

Call it what you will, but I find this hat necessary for resort destinations. For one, well…it’s sunny! And I don’t know about you but I rarely wear makeup when I’m in a resort destination. Along with big resort sunnies, the hat will give you that look of being put together without any dab of makeup.

And most recently, I found another use for the hat when I’ve basked in the water far too long and couldn’t be bothered to re-apply sunscreen on my face.

The lazy girl's face protection
The lazy girl’s face protection

So there you go, my lazy edition guide to resortwear.

Do you love resortwear as well? What are your favourites??

 


—

Disclaimer: JETS has provided me with a couple of the bikinis above. But I have long been a loyal customer and been purchasing their swimwear regularly.

I-Allure has provided me with the short kaftans, but my opinions and thoughts of them are my own.

All other items I have purchased independently.
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Filed Under: Luxury Travel, Travel Gear or Wear, Travel Reviews, Travel Style, Travels

About Jean Holy Smithereens

Jean is a lover of luxury travel and adventure, always looking for that "Holy Smithereens"-inducing moment on her travels. Follow the blog and other social media pages of Holy Smithereens to get the ultimate travel ideas for the luxurious adventurer!

Comments

  1. Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella says

    August 31, 2016 at 12:10 am

    I know so many who swear by kaftans but I have yet to master wearing one. They just don’t suit me at all! You look fantastic in one though!

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      September 10, 2016 at 1:20 pm

      Lorraine, thanks so much 🙂 Kaftans can be tricky sometimes but if you already look good in swimwear (as you do), no need for kaftan! As i mainly use it for cover up 😉

      Reply
  2. Paula McInerney says

    August 31, 2016 at 12:51 am

    You look amazing as always. I have to find the correct kaftan for me, and will have a look at these that you recommend. Take care lovely lady.

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      September 10, 2016 at 1:19 pm

      Thanks so much Paula! I’m sure all kaftans are correct for you, you carry clothes so well!

      Reply
  3. Seana - Hello Sydney Kids says

    August 31, 2016 at 2:21 am

    Hello, I so need a long kaftan… must get a grip and finally try one for the coming summer. I wear a wraparound stretchy skirt cover thinggy almost all the time when at the beach. It hides my very podgby legs, which no-one wants to see and means I am happy and safe to spend hours in the sun. Love that. Also love a rashy so I can stay out all day in the sun.

    Floppy hats are lovely too and I have one, from the canver Council, which can pack well and still look OK. Winner.

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      September 10, 2016 at 1:19 pm

      Hi Seana, a long square kaftan is really so helpful and very versatile. They can be used as a skirt cover as well. I forgot about the rashy! But should have that on my upcoming ‘Galapagos must-haves’

      Reply
  4. Francois says

    September 6, 2016 at 3:39 am

    Hi Jean,
    You are so lucky living in this gorgeous part of the world! Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, French Polynesia, Indonesia… With such a neighborhood, I can easily understand that your wardrobe mostly consists in beachwear :))
    Please continue your fantastic beach pictures and worldwide resorts reviews!!
    Best,
    Francois

    Reply
    • Jean Holy Smithereens says

      September 10, 2016 at 1:17 pm

      Thank you Francois! What you said is so refreshing. I needed to hear it. Normally, I gripe how far away I am from all the ‘buzz’ places – Europe / America / South America. But now that you said it, I do realise I’ve taken for granted how close I am to those places.
      I’d still love to live in Europe one day though 🙂

      Reply
  5. Sammie @ The Annoyed Thyroid says

    September 7, 2016 at 2:33 am

    Oh you look fabulous in all of these – if I looked as good as you in resort wear, I would wear it all the time!

    Reply
  6. Grace Miller says

    October 12, 2016 at 6:53 am

    your collection is really awesome. these dresses are really pretty and good to get impressive look.

    Reply
  7. Ray says

    October 4, 2018 at 8:42 am

    Aloha~ Jean
    Where Does One Truly Begin!? Lol
    From One Great Destination, To All Of Your Lovely Picks For Swimwear!
    Your Definitely The 007 Of International Travel!

    Thank You For The Many GORGEOUS Views… Especially The Most INCREDIBLE, Tahiti~~
    Your Such A Beauty… Full Of The Spirit Of Aloha~

    Reply

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