What to wear on the beach this summer

By The editorial unit 5 July 2012

PopularLatestTop picks

1
The Nue Black Aesthetic: Design Museum unveils major exhibition celebrating Black creativity
The editorial unit
2
Free chip pop-up with flavours from decades of food trends opens in London Fields for four days
Food & Travel Desk
3
Duran Duran at the O2 Arena
Selina Begum
4
George Michael: The Faith Tour
Antonia Georgiou
5
Johnny Depp transforms into Ebenezer Scrooge in new Christmas film from horror director Ti West
The editorial unit

Meet Jessica Rosval, the world’s best female chef
Food & Travel Desk
“There doesn’t have to be another Muhammad Ali”: Michael Ealy and Ben Watkins on The Greatest at the London premiere
Sarah Bradbury
Godzilla Minus Zero
Christopher Connor
Berry Bros & Rudd launches first whisky advent calendar with 25 miniature Scotches for £200
Food & Travel Desk
Players Social launches free challenge zone The Box in Spitalfields
Food & Travel Desk

I Play Rocky
Umar Ali
Think of England
Antonia Georgiou
Asador Etxebarri tops The 50 Best Restaurants 2026 as London nearly vanishes
Filippo L'Astorina
Christine and the Queens returns with new single Rendez-vous avec toi ahead of 2027 album
The editorial unit
Stereophonics celebrate 30 years with new greatest hits album Tune!
The editorial unit

Looking for the perfect swimwear to wow on the beach this summer? With these flattering catwalk-inspired trends, you can’t go far wrong.

Shine in orange: Block colours were everywhere on the catwalk this season, with models showing off bold and bright shades on everything from swimsuits to sun dresses. If you’re keen to work the block colour trend then orange is the perfect choice. Ranging from soft peach-like shades to spicy paprika hues, it can flatter almost any complexion and is a sure way of standing out from the crowd.

Rosette Swimwear: £30, Next

Go print crazy: Another bold, bright trend, prints work brilliantly on swimwear. Choose from sensual animal prints, feminine flowers or tribal-style motifs. With the marine trend still going strong, you should also look out for swimwear boasting shell, seahorse or mermaid-inspired patterns. You’ll find a great selection of printed swimming costumes on the high street – check out the new range at Next for gorgeous, on trend bikinis that won’t break the bank, including a range by former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell.

Flatter with a smock: Don’t fancy exposing your hips and bottom? Don’t panic – the latest smocking trend will cover up your wobbly bits and signify to other beachside fashionistas that you’re working the latest looks. Thanks to the extra protection that smocking gives you, you needn’t worry about accidentally exposing more than you meant to either.

Pastel coloured smock: £24, Next

Get liberal with lace: The latest sheer, lacey fabrics are perfect for the poolside – go for lace shorts and a crop top or, if you’re aspiring to high fashion, a strapless maxi-dress with a side slit a la Angelina Jolie. Bear in mind though that sheer fabrics tend to let the sun through, so make sure you apply plenty of sunscreen – particularly if you’ve been swimming. Check out a sun safety guide before hitting the beach to ensure that your skin is adequately protected from UV rays.

Kaftan: £25, Next

Just add accessories: Finally, don’t forget those poolside accessories. A big pair of Jackie O shades, a tribal style necklace, a waist-cinching belt or an oversized sunhat will instantly add a touch of fashion kudos to your beach look.