How to choose holiday evening wear

The hunt for the perfect bikini can take over when we're looking for a beach holiday wardrobe, and it's easy to forget about what we're going to wear in the evenings. With holiday evening wear, it's all about getting the balance right between relaxed and casual (you are on holiday, after all) and dressy enough to separate it from the clothes you're wearing on the beach. So what should you look out for when planning your holiday evening wear? First of all, a lot depends, of course, on where you're going and how posh or laid back the resort you're staying in is. If you're splashing out on a once in a lifetime holiday to an exclusive resort, it's a good idea to check the evening dress code before you go. We all know what it's like to feel either under or overdressed. Makes for a very uncomfortable evening! Most resorts are fairly casual about evening wear these days, but it's well worth checking if you want to be absolutely sure.

Accessories make the outfit...

If you want to feel relaxed but make sure your evening wardrobe is different from your daytime one, stay fairly casual with your evening clothes but accessorize them with a bit of sparkle or shine. A pretty, floaty maxi dress looks perfect teamed up with some gold or silver flip flops and lots of dangly jewellery to complete the boho chic holiday look. A maxi dress is the ultimate in holiday evening wear. Bearing in mind it's likely to still be warm  in the evening, you want something loose and swishy that's not going to feel uncomfortably tight against skin that's been out in the sun all day. It might be lovely and warm as you head out for the evening, but can turn unexpectedly cold once the sun goes down. A light shawl or scarf will do the trick to keep the cold away and will fold up nice and small in your bag so you can carry it when you're not wearing it. Generally, the evening dress code on holiday is more casual than it is at home, a lot looser and more floaty and free. Choose colours you know will compliment your tan in natural fabrics such as cotton, which will keep you cool and comfortable. Melissa Odabash designer beachwear is ideal because it's versatile and glamorous enough to wear both during the day or in the evening (far left) Another brand to look out for that makes beachwear that crosses over effortlessly into eveningwear with the right accessories is Seafolly  (top and above)

See also our guide on Holiday inspired home!