Dressing to head to the pool when you're staying at a luxury resort (or perhaps on-board a 5* cruise liner) takes a little more thought than putting together an outfit for the beach, but it needn't be difficult. After all, fashion should always be fun!
No one wants to rock up to the poolside in denim shorts and flip-flops only to find that every other person is in a kaftan and heels, so we've put together a helpful dressing guide to make sure that when you turn heads at the poolside, it's for the right reason. Here's what to pack when you're headed on holiday to a luxury poolside location.
Swimwear, of course. Take lots!
Poolside lounging at a luxury resort is as much about being seen as it is about relaxing and soaking up the sun. Don't just settle for a standard triangle bikini - this is your opportunity to really show off your sense of style by picking swimwear that makes a statement!
Think glamour and luxury - if it wouldn't look out of place on the pages of Vogue, it won't look out of place here. Certain resorts may have dress code rules, so it's probably best to avoid offensive slogans or anything too revealing, like a thong bikini.
Most people go to the resort swimming pool just to sunbathe or dip their feet in the edge, so take this as the perfect opportunity to buy that beautiful-but-impractical swimwear you've been lusting after. Whether that's an off-shoulder swimsuit or a crochet bikini, who cares if you can't actually swim in it easily?
Add a touch of luxe appeal to your swimwear with intricate detailing, such as the print and strapping combination on the back of this Maldivia swimsuit (Above left. Shop here) and thick, woven details on this waffle-fabric bikini (Above right. Shop here).
Ooze elegance in classic black swimwear with a twist, such as the decadent lace overlay on this Lace Bowknot Sangles bikini (Above left. Shop here), or the complex strapping and panelling on this mesh-detail swimsuit (Above right. Shop here).
Have all eyes on you in something bold and vibrant. Keep the look high-fashion with rich jewel tones and intricate prints, such as this strapless floral swimsuit (Above left. Shop here) or royal blue crochet bikini (Above right. Shop here).
Cover up the glamorous way
It's generally good resort etiquette to cover up when you move away from the pool and surrounding sun-loungers, to order a strawberry daquiri from the nearby bar or head back to your room.
Forget shorts and a tee though. At a luxury resort, a floaty kaftan is practically a must-have! Show off your tanned legs in a hip-length version, or up the wow factor with a full-length one. If you're looking for a bit more coverage, for example to take you straight from poolside to brunch at the resort restaurant, pack eye-catching day wear pieces such as dresses and loose trousers that look laid-back but not too casual.
Look like a million dollars in one of these elegant, kimono-style cover-ups. Swish onto the scene in style in this incredible, botanical print robe (Above left. Shop here), or pack this duck-egg blue cover-up (Above right. Shop here) that doubles as a lightweight evening jacket once you've left the poolside behind.
Turn your poolside look into a chic, lunch-ready outfit in seconds with one of these clothing picks. Pyjama dressing is the new pantsuit, and much more comfortable for those swelteringly hot days! Be sure to pair these wide-fit, printed trousers (Above left. Shop here) with leg-lengthening heels, not flats, for a look that's more chic than casual. Or, opt for a sweet summer dress (Above right. Shop here) which can be dressed up or down.
It's all in the accessories
Don't neglect the finishing touches - the right ones can elevate your outfit from "that's pretty" to "wow, I simply must know where she shops!". In fact, accessories are probably the biggest difference between dressing for the beach and for a luxury resort - no one in their right mind would wear stilettos on the sand, but don't be surprised if you see a few people at the resort wearing a pair!
Aim to pick accessories that make a statement all on their own - a giant, floppy hat for example - but are still cohesive with your overall look. For example, nothing says luxury like a flash of gold, but if you're choosing a gold necklace be sure to stick to gold tones for the sandals and sunnies too.
You might not dream of wearing jewellery to the beach, but at a resort, your pool outfit almost feels unfinished without it. Of course, sunnies are a must and the more unusual the better - we love this season's trend for mirrored sunglasses (Above left. Shop here). Luxury resorts are the perfect place to show off those big, statement pieces like necklaces and earrings, but for a look that's more subtle pack this delicate body chain (Above right. Shop here), to add a touch of extravagance to your bikini or plunge-necked swimsuit.
Don't forget to pack a chic beach towel (Above left. Shop here) - nothing kills your stylish swim look faster than sitting down on a ratty old towel! As for footwear, you'll see guests in both flats and heels but whichever you go for, make sure they're pretty - think metallic or beaded sandals, not plastic flip-flops. Wedges are always a summer favourite (Above right. Shop here), and make your legs look miles long.
If you want to look truly glamorous, you need a floppy, wide-brimmed hat. We love this one (Above left. Shop here) because the cut-out detail is unusual and eye-catching. Finally, don't forget to pack an appropriate scent - we love Kim Kardashian's Gold (Above right. Shop here) which mixes notes of sweet jasmine and violet with a musky, amber base for an opulent summer fragrance.
Check out more swimwear, clothing and accessories from Stanlice to complete your luxury resort packing list - we hope you have a wonderful, relaxing time!