Best Ways to Style Swimwear to Look Great on the Beach

Long summer days spent hanging out at the beach or exploring tropical coastlines is the perfect opportunity to combine our two greatest loves, swimwear and style. From a head-turning printed bikini that has us longing for a refreshing dip in crystal blue waters to a flowing cover-up fit for a Greek goddess, styling your summer wardrobe doesn’t have to stop when you hit the shore. 

To help you level up your swimwear style game this season and find a beachside look that is uniquely you, we’ve put together some outfit inspiration to help you look great on the beach, whether you’re jetting off to tropical shores or seeing out summer with a lowkey afternoon at your local.

Statement Swimwear

As soon as the first hints of summer hit, we’re diving straight into bold, bright colour palettes, all-over prints and unique silhouettes that have us hyped for warmer days ahead. Whether your go-to is a cheeky string two-piece bikini or a flattering one-piece with chic cut-outs, there is no better time to debut a statement style. Let your swimwear be the main focus and pair it with a crisp white or neutral over swim, such as flowing white linen pants or a frilly mini skirt to take you to and from the coast. Elevate your look with layers of dainty gold jewels and a woven tote bag for an outfit that belongs on a picture-perfect beach deep in the Mediterranean. 

Images: Tigerlily

The Utopia Romina bikini in utopia geo features a stunning patchwork-inspired print and contrast ties finished with bronze talisman coins. If a one-piece is your go-to, make a statement with the Utopia Mia one-piece in utopia patchwork. 

Must-Have Basics

High-quality, monochrome swimwear is an essential for summer. Look for a cut that accentuates and flatters your figure in classic black or white or add some colour and opt for a shade that compliments your complexion such as a soft pink or cornflour blue. To keep your look fresh all season long, layer with patterned over swim in bohemian-inspired or animalistic prints and breathtaking colour palettes. A few pairs of staple basics mean you can combine colours and mix and match each piece, or wear together for a cohesive, monochromatic look.

Invest in high-quality swimwear basics to last you for seasons to come. Pictured is the Santa Rosa bikini in pink lemonade and Santa Rosa bikini in black. 

Rash Vest

Ideal for days spent in the surf, exploring the coast or simply protecting yourself from the sun, rash vests and swim shorts have been making a welcome comeback over recent years. Stylish, wearable and practical, this trend is one we will most definitely be experimenting with this summer. Choose a coordinating top and shorts set in an all-over print that will undoubtedly see you the most stylish in the surf this summer. 

The perfect combination of style and practicality, a rash vest and shorts set is a must for summer water sports. Pictured is the Utopia Carter rash vest and Utopia Mica beach short, both in utopia stripe. 

Cover Ups

Breezy cover-ups and lightweight over-swim pieces are the ultimate way to elevate your swimwear look. Whether you’re taking a stroll along the shore with waves crashing at your feet or sipping cocktails at a pool club late into the afternoon, layer your favourite bikini or one piece with a flowing sarong, flirty mini skirt or easy-to-wear wide-leg pants. This gives a little more coverage and practicality to take you from the beach to beyond. Alternatively, an oversized shirt or kaftan is an effortlessly cool look that we’ll be wearing all summer long; choose a coordinating print or colour palette and keep it unbuttoned to show off your swimwear underneath.

Layer your favourite swimwear with a breezy coverup. Pictured is the Rosalie Mahala short in purple blossom, paired with the Rosalie Vega bikini top and Niki bottom, and the Utopia Utopia sarong in utopia patchwork, layered with the Utopia Romina bikini. 

Summer is the ideal opportunity to show off your personal style and experiment with new silhouettes, looks and colour palettes to find a fit that makes you look and feel gorgeous all season long. From statement swimwear to rash vests that are made for the surf, feel inspired with our favourite tips on how to level up your swimwear style.