We are staring at our calendars in delighted disbelief. The summer holidays are nearly here, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief and start planning! First on our to do list is to refresh our beachwear wardrobe for a stylish summer at the beach. From flattering swimsuits, to chic cover-ups and statement jewellery, our 2018 beachwear update has everything you’ll need for your Insta-worthy looks this summer vacay.

Not sure which swimsuit will best suit your body type? We’ve provided a pretty comprehensive guide and some examples here.

ACCENTUATE YOUR WAIST

Whether it’s a thick, contrast belt or a thinner, strappy extension belt, the addition of a belted accessory draws attention to the waist. You’ll look like a pool-side goddess in these super stylish swimsuits accessorised with a stunning kimono, statement earrings and sunny slides.

1. BeachCult Estella – Sunshine Yellow, R890 BUY

2. BeachCult Kimono – Blue Karoo, R1395 BUY

3. SweatPeas Handmade Sandals – Mustard Caprice, R650 BUY

4. City Goddess London Multi Tie Deep V Swimsuit – Jade, R549 BUY

5. Yellow Jewellery Anaid Sway Earrings, R550 BUY

6. Bali Bag Bamboo, Large – Natural, R950 BUY

FIGURE FLATTERING HIGH-WAIST BIKINIS

Probably the most universally flattering bikini out there, the high-waist bikini is this season’s high-fashion swimwear of choice. Pair yours with a super stylish headscarf or big floppy hat and retro sunnies for a classic summer look. You can match your top or wear a print with a plain bottom or vice versa – mismatched tops and high-waist bottoms are another fashion favourite this season.

Fashion tip: Look here for the coolest ways to style a headscarf.

1. Marlene Steyn for L’MAD, Sis Versus Sisters Silk Satin Scarf, R2490 BUY

2. Von Zipper Ditty Sunglasses Powder Quartz Tortoise/Brown Gradient, R1499 BUY

3. BeachCult Olivia Top – White Karoo, R960 BUY

4. BeachCult Olivia Bottom – White Karoo, R600 BUY

5. BeachCult Lyra Top – Mustard Karoo, R1100 BUY

6. BeachCult Lyra Bottom – Mustard Karoo, R490 BUY

7. Yellow Jewellery Anaid Hoop Earrings, R750 BUY

8. Von Zipper Queenie Sunglasses – Black/Grey, R1499 BUY

9. Crystal Birch Straw Boater, R1250 BUY

10. Jane Sews Bralet Top– Black, R899 BUY

11. Jane Sews High Waist Briefs – Black, R799 BUY

12. Gabrielle Swimwear Protea Reversible Top – Navy, R450 BUY

13. Gabrielle Swimwear Protea Vintage Ruched Bottoms- Navy, R600 BUY

CLASSIC ONE PIECES WITH BARELY-THERE STRAPS

The eternally stylish one-piece swimsuit is generally a great option. These modern-meets-classic cuts in solid colours are given a delicate Bactouch of sexiness with their barely-there straps.

1. RVCA Frothy One Piece – Black, R1249 BUY

2. Jane Sews Plunge Neckline Fullpiece – Midnight Blue, R1499 BUY

3. Seafolly Inka Rib Maillot – Indigo, R1899 BUY

4. Bacon Bikinis Red Amber One Piece, R500 BUY

IF YOU’RE THE SPORTY TYPE

Sporty swimwear is a trend you’re probably already familiar with. Blues and greens reign supreme as seen on the Isabel Marant runway.

1. Royal T Crop Top Zip Bikini Set – Black Palm Print, R599 BUY

2. Woolworths Zipped Colour Block Swimsuit – X Navy, R450 BUY

3. Speedo Sculpture Auraglow 1 Piece – Black, R1279 BUY

GORGEOUS BEACH TOWELS

If you want to look serious about your beach style status, you’ll need a cool beach towel like one of these.

1. Gabrielle Swimwear Cotton Towel Large (800x1580mm) – Aloe, R680 BUY

2. Gabrielle Swimwear Round Beach Towel (1520mm diam) – Strelitzia, R795 BUY

3. Granadilla Swim Pawpaw Beach Towel – Red, R700 BUY

4. Granadilla Swim Granadilla Lolly Beach Towel – Baby Blue, R700 BUY

A BEACH COCKTAIL DRESS

Finally, one needs a cute summer dress or jumpsuit to pull over your bathing suit after a day at the beach. Perfect for a light luncheon or cocktails, these dresses won’t crease, fit easily into your beach bag and will look great for any beach or pool-side occasion. Diane Paris’s stunningly feminine SS18 resort collection has some of our favourite LBD’s (little beach dresses) this summer. Add a statement cuff and basket bag to complete your stylish resort look.