Your Holiday Alter Ego Can Check In Now

A change of scenery calls for a change in style. Here’s what your vacay wardrobe says about you

- Laura Craik

By day, she’s a slick office worker serving executive realness in her favorite Celine trousers and a judiciously French-tucked shirt. By night, she’s a sociable yet moderate cocktail drinker whose Vampire’s Wife midi-dress lends a gothic air of chic to any occasion. By summer, she’s a… well, what is she? She’s not quite sure. A gorgon hybrid of the tackiest Bachelor In Paradise contestants ever to grace the show? Judging by her suitcase full of palm-tree prints, rhinestone-encrusted sandals and weird, kaftan-like garments with fluorescent pink pompom trims, the previous description wouldn’t be wholly inaccurate. Welcome to the souped-up world of OTT holiday style.

You’ll know women who have fallen victim to the holiday alter ego. In fact, you possibly even are one. I know I am. The prospect of packing a Samsonite’s worth of good taste for my annual sojourn in the sun just isn’t for me. In my opinion, the more flouncy sundresses, ribbon-strewn espadrilles, and jingly-jangly earrings, the better. Forget that my everyday look is Harassed Mum In A Hoodie And Black Leggings – the merest hint of a departures gate is enough to transform me into a low-rent Sophia Loren. Chandelier earrings? Always. Cleavage? Bring it on. Understatement has no place on my summer getaway.