I went to San Jose del Cabo in Baja Mexico with my daughter to scope out hotels and restaurants for her wedding there. My weather app said it would be 75 degrees so I brought along jeans and long-sleeved tops thinking it might get chilly in the evening. Was I ever wrong? From the moment I got there, I was sweating like a pig.
The weather may have been mild but there was humidity and I wished I had brought flowing cotton dresses or at least some shorts. However, I was given this Alembika two-piece tunic and punto pants that I also took along to shoot photos and it was a perfect outfit to wear at the J.W. Marriott Los Cabos Resort & Spa where we stayed.
We went back to San Jose del Cabo for the wedding, and I made sure to bring cool and breezy clothes.
Natural fabrics breathe
If you plan a vacation to a resort in Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, or the tropics, I suggest leaving your jeans, jackets, and polyester apparel at home. Stick to cotton, poplin, silk, or linen. That’s why I love wearing flowy dresses because you can feel the breeze coming up from underneath.
Sundresses rule!
As women over 50 who may not have perfect figures, opt for loose sleeves and midi or maxi dresses if you don’t want to show off flabby arms or gnarly knees.
I also suggest that you avoid shapeless dresses, pant outfits, and caftans if you have bulges you want to hide. They only make you look larger.
The next question is where to find resort and summer wear that older women can wear. Below is an example of a classic and flattering sundress.
Chicos Ruffle Neck Tiered Dress.
White clothing will keep you cool!
Make sure to choose white or light-colored clothing to wear in a warm or humid climate. Light colors do not hold in the heat as dark colors do. This is an adorable white linen dress available on Etsy.
Linen pants are a must!
These colorful and high-waisted pleated pants by Karen Kane come in several colors and are adorable.
Shorts are always appropriate
Lands’ End always has a nice variety of well-made classic shorts.
There is nothing as classic as a polo shirt
Polo shirts are timeless. Wear them to play tennis, golf and to hang around the resort. Lands’ End polo shirts are always high-quality.
I also love Nautica polo shirts because they are made from 100% cotton and look nautical. I also like that they have slits at the sides to accommodate a large tummy.
Bring your swimsuit
Lands’End has quality swimsuits that will last. This one is chlorine-resistant, has tummy control, and will make you look slim.
Lands’ End Women’s SlenderSuit Tummy Control Chlorine Resistant V-Neck Wrap One Piece Suit
This is a gorgeous swimsuit cover by SocialLA on Amazon. I love the crochet and it comes in several colors.
You will do a lot of walking
Our resort had many flights of stairs descending from the resort to the beach and not many elevators. Be prepared by bringing sneakers. Depending on the landscape, they are much safer than wearing flip-flops or raised heels. The last thing you want to do is fly out of them and take a tumble.
I suggest strapped sandals or espadrilles with some support on the bottom. You may do a lot of walking and don’t want your ankles to wear out.
My Dream Pairs Rhinestone Sandals get compliments whenever I wear them.
Teva Tirra Sandals on Zappos are super supportive and great for walking all over town. They will stay on your feet so you won’t trip.
Beach bags
A chic straw beach bag always looks fabulous to lounge with by the pool. They come in all sizes. Here are just a few.
Protect yourself from the sun
Another must-have for a resort vacation is a wide-brimmed sunhat. I was surprised at how much the sun beat down on my head in Mexico. If you don’t want to bring one along on the airplane, they are readily available at tourist shops but may be overpriced. Madewell makes packable straw hats.
Here are more straw hats to choose from.
Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen!
Try these Felt Cute shades from Quay.
Or, these cool sunglasses.
This is all good advice. I’ve lived on Hawaii Island year round and have found anything polyester will turn me into a sweaty mess. Natural fibers, as you said, are comfortable in the tropics, but I also like rayon voile, which is a semisynthetic fabric. A good source is https://www.blueginger.com/, Blue Ginger is a made-in-Hawaii Company. I feel like I’m wearing nothing when I wear rayon voile. Vacationers should also consider bringing a sun-protective coverup or wrap, along with the hat you wisely suggested. We are close to the equator here so the rays of the sun are stronger than on the mainland.
Hi Marcia, Thanks for the recommendation of rayon voile. That is so good to know. I also believe that sun protection is super important and there are some clothing that is made especially for that.