If you are going on holiday this summer or even taking a trip to the beach, why not get yourself this summers must have beach wear - the beach kaftan. Sun tans and definitely sum burn are so last year (or perhaps even last decade). Armed with the full knowledge of the damage that over exposure can do to your skin, fashionistas are choosing to cover up with a kaften and sit under a parasol or tree for some shade.

An elegant kaftan looks great thrown over a bikini pool side and can even be worn with shorts or jeans as a great cover up for a day of sight seeing. Try adding some beads and bangles to really work that ethnic style. Here are some of my favourite beach kaftans this summer.

Abstract print kaftan

Longline Printed Kaftan

Ombre Kaftan

Scoop neck cotton kaftan

Alice San Diego kaftan

pictures from style.com

There may be a recession but Diane Von Furstenberg’s resort collection for 2009 was definitely up beat. It is summer, the weather is gorgeous and the sun is out, what is there to be miserable about? This resort collection is for next summer anyway and who knows things may seem a lot brighter economically by then.

The name of the collection is a resort collection after all and that suggests it is all about holidays. Perhaps these are not the sort of clothes that you would wear every day but worth investing in for a treat. I love the candy colours, graphic patterns and the simple but flattering styles. Diane Von Furstenberg has been well known for her wearable and flattering dresses ever since she designed the much copied wrap dress.  This collection was more about the draped dress with plenty of tropical bright chiffon to add to the appeal. This resort collection is definitely about what she does best, real clothes to make real women feel great.

This pink draped top from Marks and Spencers is perfect if you want something bright and draped for your holiday like the pieces in the Diane Von Furstenberg collection.

So, you have booked yourself  a week or two in the sun and you are all ready to jet off, except for your packing. Packing a great holiday wardrobe is a bit of an art and takes a little thought and planning, to ensure that you look gorgeous and stylish throughout your holiday, without paying out for excess luggage.

• If you are going some where hot, then less really is more when it comes to packing. You will no doubt live in a bikini so why not take a few, after all they don’t take up much space.
• Sarongs and kaftans are ideal for covering up around the pool, especially if the sun is hot and you want to avoid the lobster look.
• Look for versatile items of clothing that don’t crease easily, you can alway wash them out when you are there if you need to.
• When you arrive, hang any creased items in the bathroom while you have a shower, the steam will help the creases to drop out.
• Unless the exchange rate is really bad or you are travelling somewhere very expensive or remote, buy your sun cream at your destination to cut down on weight.
• Other items that are ideal for all stylish holiday makers include big sunglasses, denim shorts, playsuits, t shirts, sun dresses and maxi  or mini dresses for the evening.

This Promod maxi summer dress will look amazing with a sun tan.

You will be the most stylish at the pool with this abstract print kaftan.

These Ralph Lauren denim shorts are the versatile answer for what to wear when out and about sight seeing.

I have spent the last few days browsing on the internet to sort myself out with a holiday in the sun. It is all now sorted, new passport ordered, travel insurance sorted and health insurance sorted. If the summer so far this year is anything to go by, I think I am really going to be needing a bit of sunshine.

With everything else sorted, there is now only one thing remaining, what to wear. I will do my usual holiday wardrobe plan (yes a bit obsessive I know), but I like to ensure that I am completely prepared for every eventuality. This year I am planning to travel quite light and so will be looking for a few , very versatile outfits that are great for hot weather and easy to wash plus of course bikinis, towel, flip flops, sarong, sunglasses and good book.

A sun dress is a great item of clothing for a summer holiday, it can take you from beach to bar and doesn’t take up too much suitcase space. Another essential item I will be taking is my tan leather wedge sandals. They are incredibly comfortable and easy to walk in, tan leather goes with almost any holiday outfit and as the colour almost matches the colour of tanned skin so they will elongate your legs.

This classic halterneck dress is the perfect travel companion. Taking up hardly any room in your case, it offers great versatility for all those fun holiday occasions either on its own or over swimwear. You can also dress it up with sparkling jewellery for a romantic evening.

I always think the key to a good holiday wardrobe is finding the perfect clothes that look and feel amazing with a suntan.