Playing around

I have clearly reached an age whereby I am trying to cling on to the vestiges of youth and that means for the first time in a long while, actively seeking out ‘girly’ clothing. I’m not quite reaching for the teeny tiny skirts yet and if I do, then please stop me. But I am pretty keen on a playsuit for the summer. And although it is essentially an item of clothing we dress our little people in, it’s also top of my holiday list.

Don’t be too quick to dismiss because the whole shorts element is way more practical than a dress – particularly if your kids, like mine, have a habit of lifting up your skirt or hiding in it for no apparent reason.

H&M have lots of different styles which are perfect for holidays. I love this Off the Shoulder Playsuit £19.99 but having resolved not to buy any more items that required a strapless bra, I have held back. However, the frill would do a good job at covering up the boobs.

For some other striped options try Stradivarius’ Strappy Playsuit £19.99 which comes in 3 different stripe colours – these two below as well as a black a white.

If it’s something simple for slipping on over your swimming costume or bikini that you’re after, then you can’t go wrong with the V Neck Playsuit £12.99 which comes in two prints and two plain colours.

Over at Hush you can get the boho look with this Embroidered Playsuit £79.

Or they have this Millie Playsuit £65 which is in a gorgeous print but already sold out in a size 6.

Another very lovely print is this Flamingo Bandeau Playsuit £15 from M&S but it is sold out in a few sizes.

Oasis meanwhile has this Amboselli Playsuit £36.

On the edgier side is Zara’s new Leopard Print Jumpsuit £29.99. There is a lot of leopard around for the autumn – heaven!

Or if you want something that is a bit smarter and more dress like, then go for their Ditsy Playsuit £39.

On a different tack, this Light Denim Jumpsuit £29.99 from Mango is perfect for everyday casual and not just a holiday buy.

Playsuits don’t just need to be for the beach so you can do a smarter or more evening look with different styling. Try Hush for their S/S Playsuit now £40 in the sale but it is only in stock in a 10 and 12. I have a very similar one from H&M last year which has been great for evenings out.

Or there is this Wrap Front Playsuit £38 at Oasis.

At Warehouse their O Ring Playsuit £46 is practically sold out in navy but I love this bright orange, which won’t be for everyone. It also comes in a fluro pink which I am definitely not keen on.

Zara’s Short Buttoned Jumpsuit £49.99 is a great smart option.

I made a foray into the newly opened Primark in Westfield, and boy do they have a whole host of options for the beach. I picked up this little number which is a bit heavy on the tassel front but they have so many embroidered/embellished/printed styles from £6….