Joanne Hegarty: My bottom line on getaway dressing

 ‘No bums at breakfast’ has recently become a fashion mantra of mine. It was born when I was lucky enough to go on a week’s sun holiday to soak up some badly needed vitamin D. I always endeavour to live in the moment but when the days are cold, dark and stormy, we all need a little help.

Unsurprisingly, travel websites are reporting more people searching for holidays. So whether you are hitting the slopes, planning a city adventure or dreaming about reading a novel with sand between your toes (I recommend My Friend Anna by Rachel DeLoache Williams), it’s never too early to start planning your getaway wardrobe.

We stayed in a resort hotel where I enjoyed the feeling of being part of a little international village, floating inside a holiday bubble. You spot the same faces at the breakfast buffet every morning, nodding hellos over the fresh mango slices, while simultaneously indulging in some serious people-watching. Here are the tips I picked up…

Call me square but… I don’t think anyone should come to breakfast in something that doesn’t cover one’s derrière. Even if your swimwear is designer and you have legs like Cindy Crawford, nobody but nobody wants to see bum at breakfast. 

A floaty holiday kimono is… an excellent fuss-free throw-on. And by adding a couple of your favourite pieces of jewellery, you look like you wake up fabulous every darn morning. 

A white shirt always looks chic… and can be worn open over a slip dress and slides, over swimwear as a cover-up, out for dinner with floaty trousers or tucked into a high-waist skirt with gold jewellery.

I rarely wear heels on a beach getaway… and instead look for a stylish pair (or two) of flats – one statement and one simple that can be mixed and matched with the contents of my suitcase. 

Do wear big sunglasses to breakfast…  the bigger the better. They cover a multitude of sins, prevent sun squints and look fabulous with everything.

In terms of handbags, I take a basket type for the beach and a couple of small smarter favourites. Big leather bags tend to look cumbersome on holiday. 

And I like to bring a wardrobe souvenir home with me: a piece of jewellery or a dress that holds holiday memories in its seams.

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