Fashion in the Spanish sun

Albir is a mid-sized Spanish town on the Costa Blanca, just a one-hour drive from Alicante. Travellers pass the ever-increasing cityscape of Benidorm – a city famed for its bars, beaches, casinos and bare-chested Brits.

But, for the fashion conscious, Albir is a more relaxed hunting ground. Whilst there is an undeniable influx of British sun seekers in the summer months, Albir remains true to the Spanish locals. Here – along with the neighbouring town of Altea just up the coast – a plethora of reliable fashion tips can be found to aid the like-minded Brit abroad.

So, with this in mind, here is a blog written on behalf of your favourite modelling agency to make readers aware of what Spanish locals prefer to wear…at least in the summer. We should know – this lucky blogger has just returned from a fortnight holiday in the town. So, it doesn’t get more authentic than that! We hope it will help you blend in if you’re travelling to this popular country.

First up, let’s concentrate on the ladies. Though the area is a sweltering fusion of azure waters, clear skies and rugged mountains, green was undoubtedly the colour of choice for dresses. Specifically, a green and white combo with a floral design, just covering the knees. Great news if you’ve booked a Spanish holiday and you love wearing dresses similar in style. Also favoured were subtle pinks and mellow yellows. Colours not widespread included bright reds and dark blues. If you don’t feel the heat, you’ll blend in with black dresses.

Shorts were less prevalent, although a lot of female expats wore them – probably more with keeping to their British traditions. Ankle socks were everywhere, and no one braved jeans in the heat. Beige cargo trousers were definitely “in”. Oversized sunglasses didn’t seem to make the grade, so best stick with dark-coloured, average sized sunnies. Hats seemed to be a necessity, either wide-brimmed or not. Caps weren’t popular with the ladies, though, so ditch the peaks!

Now, the gents’ style was more diverse (if you can believe it!) The vast majority of male locals wore sandals with ankle support, so they appeared not to be fans of ankle socks. However, in terms of upper and mid-body fashions, it seemed just about anything goes. Vests, T-shirts, “budgie smugglers”, swimming shorts above the knee, baggy shorts, black jeans (are they immune to heat?) and every sort of sunhat was observed on several occasions. If you’re a gent in this part of Spain, you won’t find it difficult to mix with the locals in the fashion stakes. Interestingly, though, daring Hawaiian shirts were not common (so go for them if you want to stand out!)

Slather that sun cream on (minimum factor 30), and be safer by avoiding direct sunshine for long periods between noon and 5pm. Don’t forget that sun rays can affect your skin enormously when swimming. Keep hydration levels at maximum levels by regularly swigging water (2 litres / day minimum).

Don’t forget your Covid travel passes (and passport, wallet, phone etc), and keep those excited fingers crossed for a stress-free journey. We can’t predict what the airlines or airports will be doing, but we bet you’ll have deserved your holiday in the sun.

You might even pick up some fashion tips from the locals yourself! We know this blogger did! 

Now, back to reality…