Summer has officially arrived and with it comes a whole new batch of trends across the fashion sphere. While thoughts of new holiday wardrobes might immediately lead to new dresses or the best beach bags, consider that for the majority of any beach or pool holiday, the go-to item will be swimwear. It’s what we live in, whether we’re sunbathing, swimming, or sipping cocktails at the pool bar, so make sure your swimwear look is up to par with the rest of your holiday looks. From the wildest prints to the must-buy colours, our holiday muses, to the styles of the season, we’ve rounded up the hottest swimwear looks to invest in now.
Classic strapless onepieces
Maybe it’s the ever present appeal of clean, 90s minimalism, or maybe we’ve just been burned (in the worst cases, quite literally) by the mistake of wearing straps while sunbathing, but strapless swimsuits are having a real moment. Embrace a more traditional, 1950s cut (CZ Guest is your muse here) with low cut legs, or look for clever – read: flattering – additions such as ruching, or belt-tied waists. Keep things chic in muted or block colours. Monochrome always keeps things refined, or navy for a nautical nod. This is a look for days by the pool, or on a yacht, spent resolutely still.
Retro animal prints
The mob wife aesthetic has reached the holiday wardrobe; bring a sense of retro glam to any summer getaway with animal print swimsuits and bikinis. Opt for classic leopard prints, or if colour and print is too overwhelming try a more muted monochrome zebra pattern. Cult label Damsen Madder has taken its signature eye for playful details and bold use of colour to this bow-tied ruched bikini, perfect for any jungle adventures. But whichever print you go for, style with wet-look hair and a red lip for a modern take on the trend.
Pamela-inspired red
‘I’ll be ready’ sings the surprise soundtrack to your 2024 summer holiday. Pamela Anderson is having the comeback of the century, pioneering ageless beauty and make-up free red carpet looks, however it’s her Baywatch era heyday that is our holiday muse. Pay homage to her break-out role in a signature red swimsuit with sporty or surfer details such as a sturdier cut or zip-up closures.
Sultry coffee colours
Manifest tanned skin this summer (especially if you’ve booked a staycation and the weatherman is saying ‘50 days of rain’) with brown-hued swimwear, particularly in Sabrina Carpenter-approved coffee tones. From deep chocolate brown to more sunkissed bronze, this is an understated and effortlessly chic trend to embrace this season, whether on the beach or by the pool. A minimalist cut works really well in deeper shades, such as this sleek high-waisted bikini from Casa Raki, or this classic sweetheart style from Faithful The Brand. Add some sun-dappled shimmer with metallic tones courtesy of holiday-favourite brands Oseree or Johanna Ortiz.
Coquette-core
Banish all thoughts of the trad housewife or Lolita. This summer, coquette dressing sheds its girlish kitsch (cutesy prints and sickly colours can be left at home) in favour of a more refined, more elegant, and somewhat more French aesthetic. When in doubt, think Brigitte Bardot. Particularly with a Mediterranean backdrop. Off-the-shoulder cuts and feminine touches are key here, especially in lace effect or broderie anglaise, bringing a dreamy, romantic charm to your swimwear wardrobe. Pair with a frilly scrunchie or ribbon-tied ponytail, and a basket bag in natural fibres for a timeless holiday look.
Old money white
Never underestimate the appeal of a white swimsuit. It at once conjures Ursula Andress, emerging from the water in Dr. No (named the most iconic bikini in cinema), yet also the clean girl aesthetic, chic and unfussy, pared back yet glamorous. It also exudes the confidence of a woman free from a fear of spillage, this is the kind of elevated old money aesthetic mortals can only dream of. Look for youthful but elegant cuts; a halter neck bandeau is the smart choice this season, just as ready for a spa day as a day out on the water, just add a sarong for a beach club.
