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.
1. Diane Paris Kate Resort Dress – Black, R2450 ENQUIRE
2. Diane Paris Carine Maxi Off-Shoulder Dress, One-size – Blue, R3750 ENQUIRE
3. Bali Bag Rectangular, Small – Natural, R750 BUY
4. Diane Paris Short Amy Jumpsuit, R3290 ENQUIRE
5. Diane Paris Kristina Midi Boob Tube dress – Missoni Style, R1990 ENQUIRE
6. Bali Bag Bamboo, Large – Black, R950 BUY
7. Kirsten Goss Fragmaxx Cuff, R2140 BUY
(Related post: Basket bags – Still summer’s IT bag )