My rule is, if a color isn’t in your everyday wardrobe, don’t start wearing it in your swimwear. Therefore, my bikinis are in shades of charcoal grey, chocolate brown, black and a sprinkling of gold and burnt orange (just like everything in my closet). Against my skin tone anything else, like a bright pink bikini, makes me look like my two-year-old redheaded niece. But she can pull anything off. Trust me.
The perfect protection is the perfect hat. Period. It is a must when you are on the water- whether reading or lounging on the beach with a great, wide-brimmed hat; making sand castles or cocktailing in the wooden Chris Craft with a straw cowboy hat- you’ll not only be saving your scalp and crows feet but you’ll also look amazing. The only exception to this rule is when you’re driving the ski boat for the day- in which case you’ll lose your hat when anyone older than ten is skiing.
As your kids grow and become more self-sufficient the lines become blurred between your family beach vacation wardrobe and that of your girls’ weekend getaway to Santa Monica. As I write this article on Spring Break in Cozumel, however, I just got the thumbs down on my long, sheer,crocheted pants by two of my three kids (the other one is still asleep). They were a hit in South Beach…
A long-sleeved, white linen shirt is essential- worn open over your swim suit or tied over a pair of cut-off shorts. Besides the linen shirt there are so many other great options to cover up (besides the dated, strapless/elastic mini dress), integrating thicker straps with beading or interesting details (wooden or jeweled). This is a great way to dress up your look without having to wear (and lose) jewelry. There are amazing sheer options as well- which give you an element of modesty without losing the intrigue. A new favorite is a moderately fitted cream-colored, long-sleeved crocheted cover up. Over a charcoal grey bikini with my simple tortoise cuff bracelet it is the perfect coverage for negotiating an upcoming parasailing excursion for my 12-year old son. Wish me luck.