To be honest, it’s nothing new. You and I have been styling up our swimsuits to go from the beach to the bar, rooftop to pool, and lake to BBQ as long as we can remember. Lucky for us, designers are really catching on this resort season and offering up loads of all-day-long beachwear inspiration. We saw sheer looks get a grunge makeover at Alexander Wang, bandeaus in broad daylight at Preen (right) by Thornton Bregazzi, and our tried and true triangle tops under architectural outerwear at Fendi (left). Our inner beach babe is absolutely smitten with this trend! Here are three ways to wear your bathing suit all day long no matter what the occasion.
1. Summer Fridays anyone?
Take your swimwear somewhere it’s never been before—to the office! The only rule here is to make sure casual Friday is a “do” around your workplace. Boss showing up in flip-flops? We’d say you’re good to go! Besides, this classic tailored look is so chic, no one will ever guess your look can double for a day at the shore. A kaleidoscope printed one-piece is both an attention grabbing layering piece and essentially a water-ready bodysuit, which has been a long time wardrobe staple for the professional woman. Tailored separates elevate this look so style this with a ‘summer suit’ to make this outfit office appropriate, like breezy wide leg trousers and a graphic blazer. Flash a coordinating pop of color with bold footwear, or choose a neutral nude or white pair—you can’t go wrong with either! Finally, get creative with accessories. Here, we reiterated the stripes and chevron patterns found in the statement-making suit.
Shop The Look
Mara Hoffman Women’s Basket Weave Underwire One Piece, $185
, DAILYLOOK Women’s, Classic Wide Leg Pants, $74.99 Reiss ‘Tilda’ Stripe Blazer, $112 Leila Stone ‘Britta’ in Green, $54.95 Enelle Chevron Necklace, $144 Illesteva ‘Leonard II’ Stripes Sunglasses, $290 Chevron Stack Ring Set, $49 Chevron Midi Ring, $17
2.Understated Statements
Speaking of statements, you can make yours without saying anything at all. A simple black open back swimsuit gets an instant punk-approved upgrade when emblazoned with an irreverent phrase. Perfect for brunch to pool (slimming black + tummy concealing one-piece = what food baby?) we love to pair this with a total indie punk rocker look. Nothing says rock-and-roll like fringe. Go bold with the trend as seen in leather-fringe shorts or in an accessory you can wear everyday like a fringe-detailed cross-body bag. A sheer button-down shirt is such a versatile addition to this look. Wear it open, tied in a knot at the waist or tuck the front shirttails into your shorts. This look is casual, punk, and sporty all in one so reflect that in your footwear and choose a comfortable walking sandal like this gold pair with an athletic sole from Aldo, which are arguably the coolest shoes of the season.
Shop The Look
Filles à Papa Cool Printed Swimsuit, $230 Mango Women’s Pocket Textured Chiffon Blouse, $29.99 Each X Other Shaman Leather-Fringe Denim Shorts, $179 Aldo “Parramore”, $60 Red Enamel Lips Stud Earrings, $11 Pave Little Skyscraper Cuff, $34 Pave Arrowhead Cuff, $38 Christopher Kon Fringe Cross Body Bag, $325 Alexander McQueen Skull Charm Soft Leather Pouch, $270 Ponyhair Cap, $50
3. Go Sheer
Our hands-down favorite way to wear swimwear as daywear is under something sheer. It is the new summer chic uniform for events day to night: cocktail hours, store openings, parties on the High Line—you name it! Anytime you need a look that is sexy yet sophisticated, this is your new go-to formula. It totally takes the uncertainty out of wondering what to wear underneath and how much of it is showing. Exposing a bathing suit (as opposed to exposing your bra and panties) suddenly becomes confident and feminine and sheer is such a cool (literally!) trend for summer. One thing we’ve been seeing everywhere and couldn’t wait to get our hands on (bodies in?) is the sheer jumpsuit. Pair this with a bandeau style two-piece, a sleek sandal, a killer clutch and you’re ready for rooftop cocktails. Similarly, airy kimonos are the perfect summer topper and can be worn open over a triangle top suit or belted for a more modest look with a sexy sneak peak.
Shop the Look
Lisa Marie Fernandex ‘Lauren’ Bandeau Bikini, $325 Reiss ‘Odel’ Palm Print Sheer Jumpsuit, $198 Steve Madden Stepout Heel, $90
House of Harlow 1960 Glacier Pendant Necklace, $98 Marie Turnor Lunch Clutch in Pewter Foil, $242 Coach Women’s Park Signature Backpack, $231
Photo Credits: Fendi Resort 2015, courtesy of style.com, Preen by Thornton Bregazzi Resort 2015, courtesy of style.com
