8 WAYS TO DO BEACHWEAR

Our fashion editor’s guide to the bikini sets, sandals, bags and beauty to invest in now

Words: Thea Bichard

We’ve reached peak summer mode: the offices are empty, the parks are packed, and the lidos are booked out. Read on for eight ways to turn the energy levels up this August and beyond – from swimwear brands we love to our summer beauty essentials.

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1. DISCOVER A NEW BRAND

The heatwave in London made me seriously consider passing off a bikini as an outfit. I reckon Emily Ratajkowski would approve. Describing the inspiration behind her exclusive-to-Selfridges beach brand, the co-founder of Inamorata mentions growing up in Encinitas, California, where the locals wear Brazilian-cut bikini bottoms to go out for burritos. I may not get away with a triangle top or plunging swimsuit for a day at Selfridges HQ, but for the August bank holiday? Absolutely.

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INAMORATA - Sereia abstract-print bikini top

INAMORATA - Dune abstract-print bikini bottoms

INAMORATA - Las Olas panelled triangle bikini top

INAMORATA - Las Olas pendant-embellished mid-rise bikini bottoms

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Image courtesy of GANNI

2. REFERENCE THE RUNWAY

From Simon Porte Jacquemus staging his runway on a Hawaiian beach to David Koma taking over the London Aquatics Centre, fashion week was a wet affair this season. Adopt this blurred line between beachwear and ready-to-wear as your North Star for swimwear. Can you wear a swimsuit as a bra? Sure, make it Bayu The Label. Alternatively, channel the current 00s revival on the runways with Juicy Couture velour, Jean Paul Gaultier diamantés and Lea The Label’s bodycon cutout swimsuit.

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JUICY COUTURE - Devina logo-embellished swimsuit

JEAN PAUL GAULTIER - Évidemment crystal-embellished swimsuit
BAYU THE LABEL - Inu logo-print bikini top

LEA THE LABEL - Portofino asymmetric swimsuit

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3. CHANNEL THE GREAT BRITISH SUMMER

Yes, really. Instagram favourite Hunza G is based in the Midlands, where it works with local craftsmen to dye and hand-cut its signature crinkle sets and swimsuits. Each of the British brand’s styles fits a size 6–16, and the 80s-inspired seersucker means they swerve season-specific swim trends. I’m drawn to the bright, juicy shade of the bubblegum-pink Gigi.

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HUNZA G - Gigi crinkled bikini

HUNZA G - Xandra crinkle bikini

HUNZA G - Classic seersucker-weave swimsuit

HUNZA G - Domino seersucker-weave swimsuit

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Image courtesy of Chet Lo

4. AMPLIFY YOUR ACCESSORIES

Look to this summer’s explosion of expressive accessories to flex your personal style. For the metaphorical umbrella in your poolside cocktail, try Chloé’s crocheted flip-flops, a silk scarf (worn à la Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy) or playful beaded necklaces from the likes of Pura Utz and Anni Lu. Plus, they’ll all be just as impactful long after you’ve landed back home and made it through baggage claim.

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Image courtesy of Chet Lo

5. COVER UP

The wavy line between holiday and home style applies to beachwear cover-ups, too. I’m all for finding pieces that you can wear whether or not you’re within touching distance of the ocean. Devotion’s embroidered mini dresses work whenever the sun’s out. Alternatively, try a short-sleeved shirt (think Hawaiian or super boxy) that you can throw on around the pool or pair with shorts and jeans back home.

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DEVOTION - Ithaki lace-embroidered cotton mini dress

SELFRIDGES RENTAL: SELF PORTRAIT - Cotton poplin maxi dress

PALM ANGELS - Hawaiian Dogs graphic-print woven shirt

CASABLANCA - Sport geometric-print relaxed-fit silk shirt

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Image courtesy of JACQUEMUS / Marco Maestri SS22

6. BAG IT UP

What kind of bag do you take to the beach? I’m leaning towards the straw beach bags and canvas totes that have long been synonymous with summer holidays. Now that an anything-goes attitude has taken hold across fashion, these bags have year-round longevity – Loewe’s raffia version started it. Find the one that reflects your style, be it Saint Laurent’s pre-loved logo tote from our RESELFRIDGES edit or Lalo’s brilliantly bright recycled bags.

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7. CHEAT THE HEAT

For holiday beauty, I defer to our Senior Beauty Editor, Grace Gargini, and her red-hot tips for outsmarting sun, heat and humidity. “Instead of the old, chalky SPFs, now there are sprays, fast-absorbing lotions and SPF make-up setting sprays that are pretty much invisible on your skin,” she says. “If your hair has a mind of its own when there’s even a hint of humidity, bring along a frizz-fighting oil or styling cream.” As for make-up? “I switch out heavy foundations for a light tinted moisturiser or CC cream, and for summer evenings, you can never go wrong with lashings of mascara, bronzer and a red lip.”

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SUN BUM - Original SPF30 sun cream spray

KATE SOMERVILLE - UncompliKated SPF 50 soft focus makeup setting spray

SOL DEL JANIERO - Brazilian Glossy Nourishing Anti-Frizz hair oil

LAURA MERCIER - Tinted Moisturiser Natural Skin Perfector SPF 30

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Daniele Oberrauch / IMAXtree.com

8. GET SHADY

Finally, don’t forget your sunglasses. As with the rest of your accessories, this is the perfect place to flex and be expressive. The colourful frames, tinted lenses and 90s-inspired shapes around right now are there for experimenting. I’m enjoying the smorgasbord of sunglasses from The Vintage Trap – 90s Versace? I’m all eyes.

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