I traveled to San Jose del Cabo in Baja, Mexico, at the end of March, with my daughter, to research hotels and restaurants for her wedding. My weather app said it would be 75 degrees, so I brought 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.
Although the weather was mild, there was humidity, and I wished I had brought flowing cotton dresses or at least some shorts.
Natural fabrics breathe
If you plan to visit Mexico, Hawaii, the Caribbean, or any warm-weather destination, leave your jeans, jackets, and polyester apparel at home. Stick to cotton, poplin, silk, or linen. That’s why I love wearing flowy dresses. You can feel the breeze coming up from underneath.
Quince offers affordable, high-quality clothing made of natural materials.
White or light-colored clothing is always the most suitable choice when visiting a very warm or humid climate. Light colors do not retain heat as well as dark colors do.
Eileen Fisher also offers elegant organic linen outfits that are perfect for resort travel, like the one below.
I found the 100% cotton navy drawstring pants below on Amazon and love them. They are slimming, cool, and have a fun lace design at the bottom. I am also wearing a white lace tank top, a light blue linen shirt, and Orthofeet Paloma sandals. Linen travel pants keep you comfortable on the plane and at the resort.
Talbot’s always come through with classy styles for women over 50. This linen shirtdress is available in Petite and Plus Size and will look great on all body shapes.
Breathable dresses rule!
As women over 50, most of us do not have perfect figures. You may feel more comfortable opting for loose sleeves and midi or maxi dresses.
However, avoid shapeless dresses and tent-like caftans if you have bulges you want to hide. They only make you look larger.
The next question is, where do you find resort and summer wear for older women?
I love this Vintage Wash Tencel Button-Front Midi Dress from Quince because it’s both cool and figure-flattering. It is A-line, button-down, and has an attractive design at the bust. Below, I’m at the Montage Laguna Beach in Southern California.
Sun protective clothing is important as we age
It’s easy to get a dangerous sunburn when walking around a resort. Several clothing brands offer sun-protective clothing with UV protection, like Lands’ End Sunshade UPF 50 T-shirts.
Shorts are always appropriate in warm weather climates
Lands’ End offers high-quality and well-made classic burmuda shorts.
I bought a pair 100% European linen shorts from Quince, and I love them! I am wearing them with a white cotton lace tank top and a denim short-sleeved shirt.
You can’t go wrong with a cool polo shirt
Polo shirts are timeless. Wear them to play tennis or golf, and hang around the resort. Lands’ End polo shirts are always classy!
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
Beach Coverup
A flowing beach cover-up can take you from the beach to the bar without changing clothes. There are many wonderful cover-ups available on Amazon, like this maxi-length one from Dokotoo.
Stylish travel sandals with support
Our resort had many flights of stairs descending from the resort to the beach, and not many elevators. Be prepared by bringing comfortable and supportive shoes. Flip-flops and raised heels are often recipes for disaster as they are easy to trip over.
I suggest strapped sandals or espadrilles with some support on the bottom. Sore feet can make a relaxing vacation excruciating.
My Dream Pairs Rhinestone Sandals get compliments whenever I wear them.
Teva Tirra Sandals are super supportive and great for walking all over town. They will stay on your feet so you won’t trip.
My feet feel like they are floating in the air in my Clark’s Arla Sandals. Clark’s is a reliable brand for support and uses Cloudstepper technology for comfort.
Beach bags
A chic straw beach bag always looks fabulous to lounge with by the pool. They come in all sizes.
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. Amazon has a variety of packable straw hats.
Don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen!
I love Ray-Ban Sunglasses, but there are many styles and brands to choose from on Amazon.
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.