You may be going to the beach to swim and work on that suntan, but it’s nice to look fashionable and stylish while you bake. These are the latest trends for beach fashion this season, and the great thing is, many of them are rollovers from last summer, so it needn’t cost a fortune to be fashionable on the beach.
1. Swimsuits
This season’s swimsuits are about loud and proud fashion statements. Ruffles, rhinestones and tribal prints are big news, and sequins and embroidery have moved from the dance floor to the seashore. Think ‘Look at me!’ rather than shrinking violet. 1950’s film starlet styles, complete with drapes and ruching are big fashion news, and flattering for most figures. The colours to wear are turquoise, raspberry pink, green and orange.
2. Flip-flops
This lightweight footwear comes out every year with strawberries. Most flip-flops are fashionable, and when you leave the beach, team them with this season’s maxi dresses for an up-to-date casual evening look.
3. Hats
Wide-brimmed, floppy straw hats are big news this summer. It’s another aspect of the retro trend, and your hat can be both fashionable and functional at the same time.
4. Cover-ups
Your cover-up should be as much of a fashion statement as your swimsuit. Okay, it’s functional as well, but to be really fashionable, go retro with ’60’s inspired kaftans in filmy fabrics or fine crochet, with bold colour schemes in any length you fancy.
Sarongs are also still fashionable – particularly if they are tied around the bust to make a maxi dress. Very useful if you head for the bar for a drink, as many establishments now insist on their patrons covering up.
Go for ethnic and tribal prints, or bold, solid colours. And the rhinestones and ruffles can come into the picture as well, as long as you don’t overdo it with the bling. Maxi dresses are also okay for cover-up duty – this season, anything goes on the beach.
5. Accessories
Yes, it’s okay to wear accessories on the beach. Bangles, big hoop earrings and long necklaces are very fashionable, but again, less is more. Choose one jewellery item and make it the focal point of your beach outfit – it’s not a contest to see how many accessories you can load yourself with.
Aviator sunglasses are still hot news, but retro styles such as cats-eye shaped lenses or large round ones. Size matters this season – at least as far as sunglasses are concerned. Sunglasses are a fashion accessory, but they’re also functional, as they protect your eyes from sun damage, so be sure to take expert advice before buying.
With such a wide range of beach fashions to choose from this season, you can create your own individual look very easily. Have a great, fashionable summer!
