Once upon a time, I was a glamourous New York City-based flight attendant sporting an it bag and four-inch heels. Now I’m a Mom of three that spends my best days traveling with the kids. Though my former glamour girl occasionally peaks out, like when I travel to glamorous beaches. I’m here to share all my tips and finds on what a Mom should wear to the Caribbean.
Mom Still Has It or Can Buy it
Along the road of motherhood, some things get pushed to the back of the closet.
The designer bag didn’t hold baby gear and the two-seater doesn’t accommodate a car seat. Next thing you know, I have a collection of Target t-shirts in every color paired with yoga pants for day-in, day-out comfort. It seems my favorite accessory is my insulated coffee cup.
Occasionally I hop a jet to a glamorous destination for work. My latest was a Dominican Republicall-inclusive, a Caribbean mainstay. Since my getaway required a passport I wanted to glam it up for my holiday (European chic for vacation).
What Should a Mom Wear to the Caribbean
Stylish beach bag
Even at the beach you need stuff. So grab a bag that accent your beach ensemble to hold the necessities, like sunscreen, a water bottle, a book and a magazine or two, along with the phone and a battery charger with a cord.
I support small businesses when I can. I own a small business. Maria Victoria bags are hand-woven in Mexico by artisans using PVC plastic that’s easy to clean, a nice feature for the beach. With a ton of colors and patterns, find a unique bag you can own and feel good about owning. Below is the Tamayo Tall in Petal.
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Inexpensive Cover-ups
I throw one on for the morning cup of coffee from the balcony overlooking the ocean. Dress up cover-ups with a pair of sandals and it passes as a sundress. T-shirt dresses, shirt dresses or even a x-large white oxford shirt will work. And don’t forget the sarong for versatile dressing.
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Rash Guard
When spending the whole day in the sun, wear a rash guard. I’ve got this in white to protect my skin from burning. It’s long sleeved and can be worn as a short dress or shirt.
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Nightie with a Matching Robe
Leave the T-shirt and pajama bottoms at home. Throw a cute little nightie in the bag and add a silk shorty robe for it. Makes sleeping an event.
Designer-looking sunglasses
Actually pack two pairs, just in case.
Sunhat
The larger the brim the more glamorous it feels. And leave the tennis visor at home unless you are playing tennis. Check out this packable sunhat, I get a new one every summer.
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I leave all t-shirts at home unless they are new and a size smaller than I normally wear. Comfy is great in the carpool line but looks sloppy at an All Inclusive. I leave the Mom shorts at home too. I wear cover-ups and sundresses instead of shorts and T-shirts.
Bathing Suits for Moms
The most dreaded item of my wardrobe—the bathing suit. I had three children and things are not the same. Life goes on and a Mom can still look good. So here’s some options for what a Mom should wear to the Caribbean.
I will share a couple of secrets. My favorite words are coverage and support.
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My kids blessed my life and my bosom with an extra size that needs support. I need underwire support with adjustable straps or ties, padded cups and push-up pads. That push-up element just puts the girls back where they used to be.
I look for a top that works like a decent bra and that engineering will come at a cost. Moms can’t wear cheap bras and the same goes for cheap swimsuits. As a bonus, well-made suits last longer.
Let’s talk about the bottom. It needs to be fully covered. I find my tush looks higher when my cheeks are encased in a swimsuit bottom with lots of lifting Lycra. My before-kids bottom is a sweet memory. (I just sighed.)
Invest in a Great Suit
Invest in a swimsuit and scrimp on the cover-up. I spend over $100 on a swimsuit. Maybe less if I find one on sale at the end of the season. I typically buy them online since I can try them on at home and return it for a different size or style. This helps and so does a glass of wine.
I want to talk about color for a minute. Black is a go-to color for everything, it’s a classic and it’s slimming. Now the other end of the bathing suit spectrum is neon. Just don’t. Grab a cute little neon suit for your teen or tween skip it for yourself.
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My suggestion is a nice color that complements the Caribbean, like turquoise. The color accents the tan I’ll get at the beach. My other go-to colors are orange, red or navy blue.
Now let’s take about the cut. In the U.S., it seems that moms adopt the Momkini, or tankini, like it’s a two-for-one special. I know, I have several but in the Caribbean, everyone wears a real bikini and so did I. Now it’s not the bikini of my 20s, again I opted for more coverage, support and lots of lovely Lycra.
Sunscreen
More destinations are requiring Reef Safe sunscreen to protect the coral reefs and wildlife. I got this one and I love the sparkles it leaves on my skin.
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After Beach Glam
Cute Sun Dresses
Reading by the pool or at the beach works up an appetite. Leave the slacks at home and here’s what a mom should wear to the Caribbean. Grab inexpensive sundresses like this one. It’s what should a Mom wear to the Caribbean.
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Cute Beachy Shoes
Pack some espadrilles with a wedge heel. The wedge is surprisingly comfortable for walking. And the ties are definitely sexy. Closed toes work out best for sand.
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Cute Clutch
Another must accessory is the clutch purse. Pack an inexpensive clutch to stash lipstick, your phone and room key card.
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Now you’re all set for the beach. Don’t forget to pack the sunscreen in 3-ounce containers that you can pack into your carry-on luggage. Sunscreen is crazy expensive at a resort.
What to Eat to Look Glam at the Beach
Now you look fabulous reclining in your cabana next to the beach, time to order some chic snacks. I’m going to pass on my biggest tip. Remember to hydrate so grab some bottled water.
I skip the frozen, fruity drinks since the sugar will add bloat. I want to enjoy the most glamourous beach holiday ever so I drink champagne. Yes, on the beach, it adds instant glamour and everyone will want be like you. Yes, an American Mom with three kids.
Now order some glamorous snacks. If your resort offers a snack service at the beach or poolside, order fresh fruit, especially local fruit like the Dominican Republic’s pineapple or passion fruit.
That juicy, sweet juice running down my chin seems kinda sexy. Maybe because I’m not a home cleaning up a sticky mess.
What to do and Where to Stay in Punta Cana
After two trips to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, it’s a favorite. Read this Guide to Punta Cana for an overview. And here’s a list of the top excursions and day trips in Punta Cana.
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Planning Guide for the Dominican Republic
Top Excursions in the Dominican Republic
The Hilton La Romana All Inclusive
Ocean Blue and San by H10 Hotels in Playa Bavaro
Disclosure
This post contains affiliate links. And consideration for brands mentioned.
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