A ventilated cover-up? Genius. Pretty enough to throw over for modesty, cool enough not to swelter in the hot sun. It’s also perfect with a cami top and jeans when not away on tropical shores. Stripes and stitching are a strong trend for swimwear and look great in more earthy hues.
Cream stripe stitch triangle bikini top £24 and bottoms £16, jacket £55, all River Island; pink earrings £9.50, M&S Collection.
When a swimsuit also makes for the perfect evening top. This Rosie for Autograph at M&S black floral plunge swimsuit £39.50, looks as gorgeous with wide linen trousers as it does with jeans or a cute little skirt; the neckline and wider straps are super-flattering beach or bar side. Just add ‘Adventurer’ mirrored sunglasses £167.50, Silhouette from www.pretavoir.co.uk and earrings £12.50 M&S Collection.
Heartland territory for me, the bohemian blouse is most definitely a holiday suitcase must. It’s loose-fitting, it’s light and can be thrown over a bikini during the day or be worn with a wide cut trouser or skirt in the evening. This yellow blouse from Jigsaw is perfection.Blouse £80, Jigsaw
There’s nothing quite like a well-progressing tan and salty, beach hair to elevate your body confidence, hence it’s time to up your swimwear game. A swimsuit with a high cut leg and low cut front with sexy tie detail is just the ticket; Rosie for Autograph’s black eyelet swimsuit £39.50, can be laced up tighter when you’re feeling demure and undone when the heat is on; embroidered jacket (just seen) £98 Jigsaw; Pink Earrings £9.50, palm tree circle straw bag £25, both M&S Collection;
With its’ underwiring and halterneck cut this Boux Avenue Haiti bikini top £30 with matching hi-waisted bottoms, £18, is a sexier option for the beach, great for those with smaller boobs to give them a boost and supportive for the more well-endowed. Flower and leaf earrings £15.99, Zara
Ok so a pompom bikini might not be the most practical for an energetic front crawl in the sea BUT it is super cute worn with cut-off denim shorts or a flirty little holiday skirt for Island exploring; sitting poolside with a cocktail or laying on your lilo in calmer waters. Oh, and if deep-sea dips are still on your radar, just be gentle when hand-washing it after your swim. Pompom bikini top £17.99, and flower and leaf earrings £15.99, both Zara.
Note to self: it’s ok to opt for swimsuits with high-waisted bikini bottoms. These figure flatterers are massively on trend this summer and the added bonus is the high waisted brief holds in your stomach, lengthens your legs and feel like a comfort blanket to those of us who are beach-body-shy. White floral bikini top £25, and matching high waisted bottoms £16, Rosie for Autograph; earrings £15, Autograph at M&S (available in-store and online soon); sunglasses £17.50, M&S Collection.
Some bikini tops have ‘festival’ written all over them, not that you can really ever dream of swanning around in a bikini top at a UK festival, but there’s always hope the weather will behave. The Stylish Stuff loves this studded and embroidered set from TopShop, gorgeous on a far-flung shore – a fingers-crossed at Glastonbury. Super studded bikini top and bottoms set £42, Topshop. Earrings, £16, River Island.
That’s the poolside chilling sorted then – this off-shoulder maxi dress is as light as a feather to pack and as bohemian as you care to wear it. Must have shoulder-dusting earrings and a beaded flat sandal optional. White palm print Bardot dress, £35 Rosie for Autograph; earrings, £15 Autograph at M&S.
Tropical glamour? Try a playsuit for size – a bold print, backless detailing and a touch of glitz with the gold chain fastening make this the perfect companion for dancing the hot nights away. Marciano by Guess Nature print jumpsuit £159
For a sportier beach look the bralet top is a sure-fire winner. For swimming, sunbathing and beach to bar-ing, it’s stylish and gorgeous worn with a tropical print sarong. Black eyelet bikini top £29.50, black floral skirt (coming soon online) £25, both Rosie for Autograph at M&S; earrings £12.50, M&S Collection.
The Stylish Stuff Beauty Notes: Make-up artist Lisa Valencia opted for a strong tropical palette for her make-up choices on model Dominique. The bold greens of palm leaves and the bright blues of sunny skies on eyes were teamed with nude (sunbleached) lips and glossy prepped skin. For a stronger lip look, she chose a coral matt lipstick worn with a bronzed cheek and a nude eye. Great cruelty-free (and vegan) colours for this look and any skin tone can be found at Lime Crime. Earrings LAMODA – £7.99.
The Stylish Stuff LOVES Tropic Skincare’s little trio of glass bottled goodness. From left to right;
Sun Drops gradual tanning facial serum £22, is a simple to use way to gradually build a sunkissed glow, just add a drop or two to your daily moisturiser.
Good Skin Day resurfacing serum £42, is the perfect way to prepare your skin before travel (try to avoid using it on skin that’s been freshly exposed to strong sunlight) it’s a naturally derived hyaluronic acid that gently peels away the dead skin overnight to reveal fresher glowing skin.
Super Greens Nutrient Boost Serum £42, is my personal favourite, just 3-6 drops massaged upwards into your skin once a day literally gives it a bumper dose of vitamins and nutrients.It even smells like the kale smoothie you KNOW is doing you good. The result? Softer, younger-looking skin. All the products are 100% natural and cruelty-free.
Words and styling by Shelly Vella
Photographs by John Rowley
Hair & make up Lisa Valencia at Carol Hayes Management
Model Dominique Dunn at Established Models
Photographed at E4 Location House
An editorial association with Rosie for Autograph at M&S