Finding the Perfect Beach to Bar Maxi Dress

June 10, 2016

Lorraine Kelly JD Williams JD Williams Lorraine Kelly wrap Beach to Bar Maxi Dress

When it’s time to pack my case for a beach holiday there is one item I cannot live without: a maxi dress. After a day on the beach or by the pool you can slip a maxi dress on over a bikini, add a few accessories and you’re good to hit the bar. Finding the perfect beach to bar maxi dress means looking for a few key features: the material needs to be crease resistant, preferably stretchy and easy to slip on.

This black and white maxi dress  from JD Williams ticks all those boxes. The crossover deep V cut is flattering because it elongates and slims the upper body while the elasticated waist band gives definition. The material has enough weight to hang nicely, skimming over the hips and disguising any lumps and bumps. It’s stretchy enough to step into it and just pull it on, plus it’s lined so won’t show a VPL…and…it has pockets!

My holiday footwear needs to be comfortable, go with everything else in my travel wardrobe and not take up much room in the case

I don’t know about you, but when I’m on a beach holiday I hardly ever wear heels. Although I might take a pair of wedges, I usually stick to flip flops by day and dressier flat sandals for evenings out.  When JD Williams invited me to choose a dress and a pair of shoes to create this beach to bar look I was instantly drawn to the Heavenly Soles range.

My holiday footwear needs to be comfortable, go with everything else in my travel wardrobe and not take up much room in the case, so it didn’t take long for me to select these metallic sandals. They are very comfortable due to the padded sole and wide fitting (they’re available in an E and EEE fitting) plus they have a zip at the back so you don’t have to undo the buckles to get them on. They are the perfect addition to my summer wardrobe – I can see myself wearing these with jeans, long wide-leg trousers and shorts.

JD Williams Lorraine Kelly wrap Beach to Bar Maxi Dress

On cooler evenings a lightweight denim jacket worn over the dress would keep it looking modern

While I’ve styled the dress here for more of an evening look with a silver clutch and a few pieces of jewellery, it would work equally well for a day out sightseeing with a beach bag or shopper and a big floppy hat. On cooler evenings a lightweight denim jacket worn over the dress would keep it looking modern. A cover up that defines the waist – maybe a shirt tied at the waist – works best over a maxi dress, anything long and voluminous will ruin the silhouette.

Lorraine Kelly JD Williams black and white maxi dress

Silver River Island clutch black and white wood ring

LizzyO white leopard print wraparound bracelet

Heavenly Soles JD Williams sandals

Dress and sandals: JD Williams, bracelet: LizzyO, clutch: River Island (old), sunglasses: Missoni, ring: bought on holiday.

JD Williams have a wide range of maxi dresses and sandals so there’s bound to be something to suit everyone!

Do you have any tips for perfecting the beach to bar look? Let me know in the comments or tweet me @thestylesplash! Have a great weekend!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, however I was gifted the dress and sandals. All opinions are my own and not influenced in any way.

This is where I link up!

Share:

29 responses to “Finding the Perfect Beach to Bar Maxi Dress”

  1. Hi Emma!
    Where are we going on holiday? ha! Love it, I am headed to the beach next month and love your dress with the jungle print. I am eyeing a similar dress as well, and love simplicity when I go to the beach as well. A ma xi like this is perfect and love the sandals. I dont wear a heel either, it usually is sandals as well. You look great in this dress!
    thanks for linking up with turning heads tuesday!
    jess xx
    http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

    • Emma Peach says:

      Thanks Jess! I’m going to Barbados in October so the dress and sandals will come in handy! Over the Summer holidays I’m going to my dad’s in Brittany but the weather there can be unpredictable…it could be hot and sunny or raining…much like the UK!

  2. I have a b/w maxi that I love, too! Those sandals are adorable and love your pedi/toe color!

    Carrie
    curlycraftymom.com

  3. Well, you definitely found the perfect dress! And the black and white print makes it super versatile if you want to add a pop of color (like if you find some adorable little accessory to buy while on vacation)! And those sandals are fabulous! You are stunning! Great choice of dress and shoes!

    Shelbee
    http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com

  4. Amy Arnold says:

    You did find the perfect one. I love the black and white.

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

  5. Well you totally own a perfect one now! Great pick!

    Andreea
    http://couturezilla.com/

  6. Laurie says:

    You chose really well. Looking fabulous x

  7. Chelsea says:

    You’re so right, a maxi the perfect beach holiday piece! This one is gorgeous and I need to find a good one soon!

    Chelsea
    Chow Down USA
    Instagram

  8. Rachel says:

    Lovely dress and look for a beach.
    Thank you for linking up to “Bloggers Who Have Inspired Me”
    Rachel xo
    http://garaytreasures.com

  9. Beautiful dress!!
    Jaymie

  10. Beata says:

    Beautiful dress ! You look absolutely beautiful 🙂 I love the black and white 🙂 big hugs Beata 🙂 x

  11. Jessica says:

    Maxi dresses are so versatile! And I’m loving this black and white one. It looks great on you!
    ~Jessica
    Jeans and a Teacup

  12. Rachel says:

    Beautiful dress and looks perfect on you!

    http://chicglamstyle.com

  13. Oh, you had me at pockets! I adore a dress with pockets. This one is really lovely; the cut looks great and the print is fun and holiday-ready. xx

  14. I always have a maxi dress to when I travel. I love that this one has pockets!

    Thank you for being a part of TBT Fashion link up and hope to see you soon!

    Alice
    http://www.happinessatmidlife.com

  15. Caramella says:

    Lovely dress! You look beautiful, from head to toe!

    http://hungrycaramella.blogspot.it

  16. Abby says:

    Love maxi dresses for summer and yours is just gorgeous!

    Abby | Life in the Fash Lane

  17. I wanted to say you looked peach perfect, but that frase must be stale. Sorry. I always get excited when I know an English expression. But you do look very very nice. Honestly.
    Greetje

  18. michelle says:

    This dress is amazing! I need something like it for my upcoming vacation! I can totally see this maxi on the beach

    http://michellespaige.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.