While designer beachwear looks beautiful on the runway, to apply the look to everyday life can be intimidating, challenging or seemingly impossible.
However, instead of fretting over comfort zones and inappropriate risk-taking, here’s how to make your beachwear scream designer without breaking either your spirit or the bank.
1) More is More
Unlike years where less was en vogue, this year’s beachwear trends take a page out of the book of yesterday with nautical influences and full-piece asymmetrical fashions. Boasting bold colours and prints reminiscent of the 70’s or 1980’s, covering up has become subtly encouraged, as designers brought out the best in one-piece swimwear during their SS2010 shows.
And for those who want to keep their full-piece looks edgy and interesting, cut-out beachwear has also returned, with sides and middle sections missing while still leaving something to the imagination.
Whether strapless, vintage or relatively risqué©, one-piece beachwear is back “ though busting out your circa 1994-Speedo is not entirely encouraged.
2) Get Loud
Loud prints hit the runways in full force this year, and with bright summer sunshine in our midst, there’s no better time to take inspiration from fashion week to the beach. However, instead of investing top dollar on a piece you may wear only occasionally, chains like H&M and Old Navy have picked up on the trend in full force, offering everything from paisley to polka-dot print in bold colours and designs for prices that are wallet-friendly.
Whether you choose to sport a full-piece or bikini, these prints work to keep beachwear fresh and exciting, adding vivacity and excitement to an already fabulous look. And if prints aren’t your calling, bright retro colours still make a statement without committing to anything over-the-top.
3) Retro Returns
This year, designers continued to look to the past using ruffles and vintage silhouettes to put modern twists on old classics. Like Halle Berry’s infamous swimsuit in 2002’s James Bond instalment, the 1970’s look has returned in full force with ultra-mod, streamlined and chic silhouettes contributing a touch of sass to the fun and freewheeling nature equated with a day at the beach.
Bandeau tops, snug-fitting one-pieces and ruffled accents (ala early 1960’s) have dominated much of the runaway and editorial spreads, paired with floppy hats and sunglasses reminiscent of films featuring Grace Kelly. A mix between Mad Men and Goldfinger, these runway looks will add the class and modernity lacking in the surf wear-inspired pieces currently dominating the sun and sand.
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