The number of chilly evenings is fast dwindling, and that can only mean one thing: beach days are back on the table. And an onslaught of yacht trips, beach barbecues and poolside parties requires swimwear.
You may find that you have yet to shed those kilos from your New Year’s resolution, and aren’t quite so keen on donning that swimwear you’ve been saving for the sunny season.
Fear not – for that cute ruffled bikini need not be the only thing on your mind when prepping your outdoor outfit of the day. Instead of stressing over swimwear that caters to body-image insecurities, channel your focus into your cover-up attire. After all, that’s the outfit that makes the impact when you first step onto the scene, and you’re likely to be wearing part, if not all of it, whenever you’re not in the water.
There are certain negative connotations we associate with beach cover-ups. They can appear drab and not well thought out – effortless, but not chic. Fashion backwards. They don’t feel sexy, and often lack appeal altogether, which provides us with quite a conundrum.
Shopping for a chic summer cover-up need not be a lacklustre task, nor must it be a pricey affair. To start with, it’s the perfect opportunity to take cues from the season’s nautical style trend.
Try not to overthink the outfit. Seek out easy-to-wear, staple designs – you can never go wrong, for instance, with a Missoni signature zigzag print kaftan.
One-pieces such as kaftans and dresses are best, two if you must, but ensure that they’re hassle-free to take off and put on – an oversized white or blue button-down with a boho-esque beaded tassel necklace works just fine, as does a dramatic printed kimono. You don’t want to look overworked – belts, pleated skirts and tailored trousers with precise creases, though consistent with the nautical theme, are not the best options, unless you plan on carrying around an iron in your beach bag.
If you aren’t the oversized-shirt type and require some more pizzazz in your poolside attire, look to the spring/summer runways for inspiration.
Emilio Pucci provided the ultimate in resort-wear with dreamy maxi dresses featuring tie-dye shades, faded prints and chunky neck embellishments, while Lacoste kept it edgy with crisp nautical stripes and sheer but sporty overlays.
Also showing a sporty side, Kenzo presented some striking white beach-worthy ensembles in the form of a white maxi with a racer-back top and geometrical cut-outs down the skirt, as well as a pair of white trousers with lace-like cut-outs.
For a more romantic look, purchase a pretty floral jumpsuit or romper, Juicy Couture-style. For simple, relaxed beachwear, look no further than Mara Hoffman, whose whimsical bird motifs and pastel prints are high on my summer wish list.
So before you step on the scales and stress about that special swimsuit, take a step back and envision the sultry chiffon skirts, crochet kaftans and powerful palazzo pants at your disposal.
With the spring/summer collections having just arrived in stores, you shouldn’t have a hard time finding some key pieces fit for your summer festivities.
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