When is it possible to appear before large crowds, correctly dressed, for an outlay of only £8? And when is it acceptable to go about half - even three-quarters - naked?
The answer is on the beach in a vibrant swimwear number from Penneys. Swimsuits can be backed up with colourful extras like velcro mules (£8) cheeky sidewrap skirts (£8) and iridescent PVC backpacks.
Encouraged to go wild with colour, and creative with accessories, it is just a matter of deciding whether to think blue, turquoise, lime or purple - all wonderfully positive colours that can be mixed together for the ultimate splash.
The bikini, refined now to the point where it can go no further, looks like the big success of next season. But there are also sporty one-pieces, streamlined in a single colour, and hot pants worn with halter tops - a useful compromise between obvious sportiness and the near nudity of the sun-worshipper.
If any change can be spotted in the classic bikini, it is in ruching and under-wiring. But one called the "balconette" may have something to do with leaning over balconies.
If the blues-through-to-purple fail to thrill, then move on to glowing oranges, sometimes patterned with fruit or flowers. There is also a pretty daisy print in soft pink and blue with youthful appeal.
It is a season for feet. The mules and wedge sandals from £5 to £16 for a pair in embroidered nubuck, are several times the size of the swimsuit, and will take up an entire travel bag, but so what? They are a "must have" if only because they make the wearer a lot taller - always a plus at the poolside.
All swimsuits can be teamed up with a matching or contrasting wrap skirt, sarong, or mini sundress (£10), so sunhunters can go from dawn to dusk for little more than an outlay of £24 for bikini, skirt, and mules.
At Penneys' show in Dublin yesterday the rhythm beat was the samba and the feeling was Rio at carnival time. The collection starts arriving in stores after Christmas and will be added to until March.