After the UK’s hottest June to date, the pull of the seaside is stronger than ever—nothing beats the heat like a refreshing dip in cool British waters. Better still, the sparkling Mediterranean. Regardless of whether you’re jetting off to the French Riviera or sticking to local shores, it’s probably worth having a few chic beach looks in your arsenal.
Because believe it or not, it is possible to look polished while shielding from the sun’s rays or recovering from a colder-than-expected sea swim. There are practical considerations, of course; choosing pieces that will layer well over a bikini, for example, and leaving the sky-high wedges at home in favour of comfortable sandals. But once you have these details nailed, beachwear is a refreshingly fluid clothing category, easy to tailor to different settings and climates. Plus, who said you can’t wear a beach outfit elsewhere? There are no rules!
We suggest sticking to breathable fabrics and light colours, and most importantly, having fun with your coastal aesthetic. This season, there are plenty of playful beachwear trends to inspire you. After browsing some of our favourite fashion sites and consulting our most-trusted influencers, our main takeaways are that bright crochet co-ords, handwoven basket bags and linen separates are leading the beachwear brigade. Keep scrolling to see these key looks, plus some other need-to-know trends, in action.