Creator
Creator:
Helen Alexander
As the mercury rises it’s time to think about swimwear and must-have beach accessories. We catch up with designers and retailers to find out what’s hot right now.
SUMMER SWIMWEAR STYLE
It’s that time of year again, when Sydneysiders are shrugging off their winter threads and slipping into swimwear. From one-piece suits to tankinis and bandeau bikinis, how do you select your perfect look? We turned to designer Tamara Bykerk, owner of the popular Baku Australia label, for advice: “Take a trusted friend who will give you honest opinions and good advice. Fit is the most important consideration – focus on how the suit looks and feels on your body, rather than the size.” She goes on to suggest that separate tops and bottoms are the way to go as they ensure the right fit for your shape. Plus they’re great for mixing up prints and solids, making them a great way to experiment with the block colours and tribal and animal prints that are in this year. One big no-no is shopping after a big meal; there’s nothing worse than feeling bloated when trying on a swimsuit.
So what are the trends and styles to look out for this Summer? Lin Windram at Brava, a label that specialises in stylish and supportive swimwear and lingerie for D cup sizes and up, comments that after two strong seasons polka dots continue to be a must-have, particularly in black-and-white, which can create an incredibly sophisticated look. Tamara Bykerk champions contrasting colours and bold geometric patterns, and comments on the rise of a 1950s lingerie theme, which sees boudoir-effect balconette boosters and high-waist pants. Sporty suits get a sexy makeover and with beauty queen Rachael Finch stepping out on the catwalk wearing Speedo swimwear it is likely designers across Australia will be looking to add scuba fabric, boy-leg garments to their line. And talking of star names, Megan Gale has teamed up with swimwear giant Seafolly to market her new range, Isola By Megan Gale.
It’s not all about colour and patterns – texture is important this season, too. Studs and rhinestones add an extra sparkling dimension and then there are the slimming powers of carefully placed ruffles. When added around the neckline they can frame the bust, while clever ruching slims and defines the waist and adds beautiful detail to even the most basic pieces. If you are feeling a little self-conscious, tankinis with built-in bras are designed to lift and offer great support, and some also have soft ruching and contrasting panels that smartly divert the eye. As Lin comments: “Tankinis are the answer for women who want to look good while chasing their toddlers on the beach because the bits of their body that are changing are covered.” Straps or no straps? One-shoulder swimwear styles are a great way to combine the sexiness of a shoulder-baring bandeau with the practicality and versatility of strappy suits. Add timelessly elegant one-piece suits have been brought up to date with statement-making prints and bold colours.
ATTENTION-GRABBING ACCESSORIES
When it comes to accessories, this season it’s all about bold pieces of jewellery. Wearing a chunky necklace or oversized bangles immediately adds a touch of glamour, elevating your outfit from casual daywear to dazzling beach beauty. Similarly, bright floral or animal-print sarongs and a shimmering metallic tote bag add to a stylish on-trend look. As for shoes you only need to look to this season’s catwalks to see that colour-blocking is as popular as ever. Forget thongs and grab a pair of clashing pink and orange heels, or blue and green ballet shoes. It you prefer subtler colour then pretty pastels will help emphasise tanned legs. Top if all off with a wide-brimmed hat – not only will it protect your skin from harsh sunrays,
it adds instant old-school allure.
WHERE TO SHOP
Baku www.bakuaustralia.com.au
Brava www.bravalingerie.com.au
Seafolly www.seafolly.com
Swimwear Galore www.swimweargalore.com.au
