Image credit: Pinterest
This year my hopes of a sunny holiday abroad were quickly abandoned after the cancellation of flights and countries becoming off-limits. So, a summer staycation was very much high on the agenda. In fact, the last few years we have been opting for more staycations which have been so much fun. (Last year we were lucky to escape to picturesque coastal Devon) Although with any UK breaks the weather can be unpredictable so, there are certain points to take into account when it comes to packing a staycation wardrobe. It's especially a lot more tricky for us women with curves when many of us are conscious about certain parts of our body or finding clothes that we will feel comfortable wearing.
Here's a photo of me in beautiful Clovelly in Devon last year. It was overcast that day with little sunshine. This outfit was really comfortable and I am glad I wore these comfy Adidas trainers as there was a long walk back all the way to the top.
This year we will be visiting Cornwall so, it got me thinking about creating a staycation wardrobe for women with curves. Now, I am not talking about any size in particular - this example wardrobe could work for most body shapes, although I have tried my best in selecting items that can be bought in a range of different sizes. I have put together a capsule wardrobe that will mix and match to create multiple outfit options and be adaptable to the ever-changing weather conditions. Checkout my personal stylist tips. Here's how you can start...
PLAN YOUR WARDROBE
Planning a capsule wardrobe is key, and will avoid any frustration in choosing what to wear. Check the weather before you do anything then you can plan your wardrobe accordingly. Start off by selecting a few base colours that you love. I have chosen four colours; red, blue, white and black. A selection of key colours will ensure every item will match even if you decide to create completely different outfit combinations. Next, think about all the places you will visit while you are on your staycation. Will you be having a few chilled out days on the beach, an adventurous day hiking or a day trip to a local market town? With all this in mind, you can start planning individual outfits for every activity.
With the unpredictable British weather in mind, I think it's very important to have a good selection of key layering pieces and basics. This could be a selection of short and 3/4 T-shirts, a denim jacket, cardigan, kimono, lightweight jacket or rain mac. My staycation in Devon saw the weather change daily. One day it was sunny and the next it was raining. So, my longline denim jacket came in very handy and on the warmer days I wore a kimono. These layering pieces are also great if you want to hide your bum and hips as they skim your shape and elongate the body.
KEY PIECES
With the unpredictable British weather in mind, I think it's very important to have a good selection of key layering pieces and basics. This could be a selection of short and 3/4 T-shirts, a denim jacket, cardigan, kimono, lightweight jacket or rain mac. My staycation in Devon saw the weather change daily. One day it was sunny and the next it was raining. So, my longline denim jacket came in very handy and on the warmer days I wore a Kimono. These layering pieces are also great if you want to hide your bum and hips as they skim your shape and elongate the body.
CAPSULE WARDROBE
I have based this capsule wardrobe tailored to my personal style, shape and the current warm/cool weather. If you are hiking on your staycation then you will need to add suitable hiking footwear. A good pair of trainers will be perfect for general walking and will ensure comfort. This example of a small holiday capsule wardrobe will give you a great idea of what kind of outfits you can wear and adapt to your own personal staycation. You can also see how all these colours work so well together. See below my outfit ideas and styling notes.
STAYCATION TRAVELLING OUTFIT
A pair of wide-leg jersey trousers are great for comfort and will help balance a curvy shape. The white T-shirt and denim jacket are great basics. The silver leather crossbody with the rainbow strap adds a fun pop of colour to this simple outfit.
This whole look is perfect to wear when I set off on my holiday.
T-shirt, M&S, click here
Wide Leg Trousers, John Lewis, click here
Trainers, Neta A porter, click here
Bag Apatchy London, click here
Sunglasses, Quay Australia, click here
A puff sleeve top will hide the top of your arms and balance out a bottom-heavy frame. I am personally not a fan of sleeveless tops so, this style is perfect to wear with relaxed fit boyfriend jeans. It's an easy effortless look if you are off out for dinner and drinks at the local pub or restaurant.
Jeans, Gap Next, click here
Sandals, &Otherstories, click here.
Sunglasses, Quay Australia, click here.
DAY TRIP
This look is great for those days when it becomes a bit cold and wet by the coast. A lightweight fleece-lined rain jacket is a must on a staycation as the weather can change quickly and will ensure that you stay warm and dry.
Breton Top, Crew Clothing, click here.
Raincoat, M&Co Clothing, Click here.
SIGHTSEEING
Shorts are tricky for us bottom-heavy ladies. Trust me I know how you feel, I have thick thighs!! I have tried lots of shorts over the years, even denim ones but always feel more comfortable in these longer cotton city shorts as they are floaty and not restricting. They will ensure comfort and you will feel great wearing them on your holiday. M&S and Next are great for these styles of shorts. The Saltwater sandals are a great investment and are super comfortable and durable. They are waterproof so they can be worn on a sandy wet beach or while you are walking along the seafront.
Top, M&S, click here.
Bag, Amazon UK, click here.
City Shorts, Violeta Mango, click here.
Saltwater Sandals, Schuh, click here.
COUNTRY WALK
Adding a jumper to a holiday capsule wardrobe is important for those days when it gets a bit nippy. I always feel cold by the coast so, a jumper is a must! I have also opted for boyfriend jeans in this look as I find relaxed fit jeans much more comfortable on holiday.
Jumper, whistles at Selfridges, click here.
Trainers, Neta A porter, click here
Bag Apatchy London, click here
All other items already linked above
TRIP TO THE LOCAL MARKETS
I love this look for a trip to the local market or shopping. A good straw hat will ensure your face is shielded from the hot sun and a big straw bag will hold all your holiday purchases. You can also detach the scarf from the bag and tie it around your neck instead to add interest to this simple outfit.
Front tie shirt, HM, click here.
Hat, Kurt Gieger, click here.
Earrings, Ana Luisa, click here.
DAY AT THE BEACH
I love a classic stylish high waisted tankini two-piece. A swim set like this holds me in all the right places. You can also opt for a full swimsuit but make sure it has a full cup to cater for a fuller bust and tummy control so that you will get great shaping around the waist. To cover up, add a sarong or throw over the back cotton dress from the capsule wardrobe.
Polkadot swimwear bra, simply B, click here.
Tankini bottoms, New Look, click here.
Havaianas, click here.
Hat, Kurt Gieger, click here.
OUTFIT FOR DINNER
Fit and flare dresses are perfect for most body shapes. It hugs you in all the right places and is super flattering. A print will also help camouflage any lumps and bumps as it confuses the eye. If you want comfort, then focus on buying a dress in the best natural fabrics, ie. cotton, linen or a good jersey. Why not add bright lipstick and a necklace to elevate your evening looks.
Red dress, Look Again click here.
Lipstick, Charlotte Tilbury, click here.
Necklace, &otherstories, click here.
Straw bag, Amazon UK, click here.
These floaty city shorts will go with any basic top and a range of different footwear. They are super light to pack in your suitcase and will give you multiple outfit options. In fact, you could add a few extra basic t-shirts to this capsule wardrobe as they always come in handy and also practically go with any bottoms.
A midi skirt is great for us curvy women as the fabric beautifully skims over hips and floats out. These skirts are also great to wear when you are not so keen on showing too much leg.
Jumper, whistles at Selfridges, click here.
Skirt, Ralph Lauren, click here.
Trainers, Neta A porter, click here
Bag Apatchy London, click here
Sunglasses, Quay Australia, click here.
A cotton strappy sundress is the perfect holiday dress. You can layer it with a t-shirt underneath or add a denim jacket if the temperature gets cooler. You can also throw it over your swimwear and swap the sandals for flip flops. There are so many ways you can wear this style of dress.
Black cotton dress, GAP, click here.
Denim jacket, Next, click here.
Sunglasses, Quay Australia, click here.
Sandals, &Otherstories, click here.
A lot of curvy women think jumpsuits won't suit them but I think they can certainly look good on everyone. Opt for a belted wide-leg jersey style like the one above. The wide v neck will flatter a fuller bust and will draw the eye down elongating the torso. If you still feel a bit conscious add another light layer like this front tie blouse or lightweight jacket.
Jumpsuit, Fatface, click here.
Necklace, &otherstories, click here.
PINTEREST STAYCATION OUTFIT INSPIRATION
Here is more staycation outfit inspiration courtesy of Pinterest. Seeing outfits on real women can help you visualise how items may look on your own body shape.
@girlwithcurves
@baukjen
@emilyjanejohnson
@emilyjanejohnson
@styleidealist
HOW TO PACK YOUR STAYCATION WARDROBE
The beauty of creating a capsule wardrobe for a staycation style is that you take away fewer clothes but have multiple outfit options from your small collection. I have not only got myself to think about when packing for a holiday but also my husband and my three kids. So, it's really important that I am super organised. The below suitcase inserts help to keep all my basics, lingerie and accessories in order. I use these pouches when I pack all the suitcases for my family so, I highly recommend them. Click here.
I hope this blog post has given you some great ideas on how to plan your very own personal staycation wardrobe. Are you going on a staycation this year? Please comment below and most importantly tell me what outfits you love to wear when you are on holiday?
Please note some of these product links have affiliate links whereby if you make a purchase I will receive a small commission from the sale. This is no extra cost to you. This small income helps me to continue to do what I love and bring you quality content. If you loved this post then you might want to read Midsize summer holiday capsule wardrobe
If you would like the help of my professional online styling or in-person styling services then please do get in touch. I can help you create a unique staycation wardrobe of considered outfits that will work effortlessly for your holiday.
Many thanks for reading!
Jas x
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