Holiday season is settling in, so it’s time to begin the annual dusting off of your summer essentials. Whether you’re an attic hoarder, or a shove-everything-under-the-bed kinda person, there’s a real joy in rediscovering long-loved styles from your personal beachwear collection.
Yet in the same breath, there’s also the not-so-joyful pulling out of pieces that make you grimace with an overwhelm of “what on earth was I thinking!?”
Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. But before you quickly grab your phone to flog that bedazzled bikini that is so-last-year, scroll down to find our favourite beachy bits to inspire your holiday wardrobe. And who knows, you might just find the perfect replacement cossie.
1. Cannes One Piece
Ooh it’s a classic. Yes, this is one that promises not to have you second guessing next year. In fact, we’d go as far as saying it feels a little like a Marilyn moment! Embracing the timeless balconette style, this one piece works to flatter from every angle with wide adjustable straps, high-cut legs and a U-wire centre for additional support. Made from eco-friendly ECONYL® regenerated nylon.
Cannes One Piece in Ivory Monochrome, £215, Away That Day
2. Onyx Kelly Asymmetric Bikini
A minimalist bikini doesn’t have to be boring. Offering a cowl neck style that we rarely see in beachwear, the Onyx Kelly (which also re-purposes plastic bottles) adds a little bit of elegance to your beach look. Of the style Ôsalé say, “This bikini top has been a popular choice for women post mastectomy operation thanks to the adjustable coverage and asymmetric neckline. The Kelly has pockets, allowing you to insert a small prosthesis if needed.”
Onyx Kelly Asymmetric Bikini Top, £95; Onyx Jasmine Bikini Bottoms, £105, both Ôsalé
3. Atlas Singo Crochet Set
Looking for a beach cover-up which isn’t just another kaftan? We’re loving this two piece trouser and shirt set from Swedish resortwear brand OAS. Bringing a touch of boho to your packing list, the crochet cotton blend of the duo has been woven into a funky geometric wave that pairs naturally with the flared style of the trousers.
Atlas Cuba Crochet Shirt, £140; Atlas Singo Crochet Trousers, £170, both OAS
4. Multiway Linen Blend Pareo
Both longer and wider than your traditional sarong, this khaki pareo from John Lewis allows for a little creativity when it comes to covering up. Tie at the waist for a maxi moment (you can make this as high or low-rise as you like). Try a little crossover around the neck for a halter, or keep things simple and fasten round your chest for a strapless dress. With a lightweight linen blend, this was made for those scorching beach days.
Multiway Linen Blend Pareo, £39, John Lewis
5. Kate Coco Bikini & Short Kimono
Sustainable beachwear brand Alicia Swim have a whole range of tops, bottoms, swimsuits and cover-ups for you to pick and mix as you please. Our favourite combo for this summer however, has to be the Kate Coco top and Linda bottoms paired with the short kimono in Bronze Waves. If a kimono isn’t your thing, check out the sarongs available in the same fabric and pattern.
Kate Coco Top in Earth, £110; Linda Bottom in Earth, £85; Short Kimono in Bronze Waves, £280, all Alicia Swim
6. Gigi Montego One Piece
Heading to a beach club on your girls’ holiday? Bikini Bible are a go-to for swimmers as stylish and sexy as they are sustainable. The Gigi one piece is a particular favourite with its hand-drawn Montego print and chunky gold rings. Pair with golden accessories and a hefty pair of shades for the ultimate getaway glam.
Gigi Montego One Piece Swimsuit, £120; Beach Club Tote Bag, £35; both Bikini Bible
7. Sombrero One Piece
An investment piece you’ll bring out of your beachwear wardrobe year upon year – it’s Sombrero from Eres. Carefully crafted by the Parisian brand with its natural Peau Douce material, the swimsuit is set to be a real classic with its plunging v-shaped back.
Sombrero One Piece, £555, Eres
8. Embroidered Back Shirt
A good shirt will always be one of the most versatile pieces in your wardrobe. Where they layer well under vests in the cooler months, as summer swings around they’re great as a cover-up when your shoulders are calling for some respite from the sun. With its embroidered back and tropical design, we’re loving this cotton number from River Island.
Pink Embroidered Back Shirt, £40, River Island
9. Cotton Candy Sarong and Cover-up
Dressing for the beach isn’t just about what swimsuit you have on, it’s also about what you’re styling over the top. Popular for its signature Batik crinkle fabric, hand-crafted in Bali, Cloe Cassandro have a cover-up for every jet setter. Our favourite this season? It has to be Cotton Candy. Available across multiple styles, it’ll add a pink pop of personality to your look.
The Sarong in Cotton Candy, £125; The Andrea in Cotton Candy, £195, both Cloe Cassandro
10. Ryana Rouched One Piece
Now this one isn’t on the shelves yet, but when it drops in July, you’re in for a real treat. In the perfect champagne shade, this one piece was simply made for glamorous beach lounging. And, to top it off, all the fabrics used for the KOKORO collection are upcycled materials sourced in the UK – making each piece entirely unique to its owner. So what are you waiting for, get the date in your diary!
Ryana Rouched One Piece, £122, Kōraru
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