I have never been a natural sun or swim frolicker, who runs around on the beach and confidently jumps in sea. I guess I´m like many other ladies – not necessarily the happiest when I am wearing swimwear, and for far too many years I have let my various body hang ups, put a damper on amazing running around on the beach/jumping in the sea-moments. Funnily enough, now that my body is naturally bigger than ever, growing that special little bump – I am finding myself more confident and carefree then I have ever been – I mean, what else can you do, then love and embrace your new shape? And it´s actually made it fun to put together my swimwear looks for my upcoming holiday to Ibiza next week – finding some really great (and flattering, most importantly!) swimwear shapes to fit.
Naturally when the sun comes out, the more adventurous side of me appears; in the shape of colour, print, embroidery, studs, pom poms… Miking different textures and styles together. My rule for summer dressing? There are no rules. The fun part of a summer holiday, is being absolute carefree; throwing on something super casual, teamed with bejewelled or printed sandals, and accessorised with a rustic straw bag – which might otherwise look over-the-top in any other setting – but for vacay style, it totally works.
Naturally finding that all important swimwear shape that you feel comfortable and confident in, is key. I personally tend to pack a really good mix of bandeau style bikinis and swimsuits (my favourite shape), in all colours and fits. Not to mention sun hats, sandals, wedges, boho blouses, loose throw-on dresses… In no particular colour palette or style (so liberating). Scroll on for my 3 go-to shapes this season (and the looks I have styled them with).
Red Herring Black Embroidered Floral Blouse
Faith Beaded Sandals
Nine by Savannah Miller Studded Wedges
Butterfly Home by Matthew Williamson Floral Printed Beach Towel
J by Jasper Conran Striped Bandeau Swimsuit
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Multi Paisley Swimsuit
Floozie by Frost French Pom Pom Sun Hat
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Printed Bikini
Floozie by Frost French Straw Tote Bag
LOOK 1:
THE HIGH-WAISTED NAUTICAL RETRO STYLE
What did I tell you about my love for mixing and matching different styles together? I have teamed this super chic retro high-waisted bikini – in classic nautical stripes – with a black sun boho dress, some studded wedges and a pom pom straw bag. I love this carefree and feminine look – with the added element of fun and glam, with the pops of colour and gold details.
This high waisted bikini shape from J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams is surprisingly flattering – not only does it give you a bit of a ´tummy control`, hiding away any unwanted lumps and bumps – it also enhances a gorgeous, feminine shape. With the matching underwired bandeau top (with, or without straps); it´s such a classic piece and shape, with the retro and navy and white stripes. Not to mention, it´s super soft and stretchy, in a gorgeous textured rib material.
J by Jasper Conran Navy Striped High Waisted Bikini Top & Bottom
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Black Dress
Nine by Savannah Miller Studded Wedges
Floozie by Frost French Straw Tote Bag
LOOK 2:
THE CLASSIC PRINTED BANDEAU
Now to a more all-round classic, summery look – with the perfect embroidered black sun dress (did I mention how much I still love black in the summer?!), some feminine scallop trimmed sandals – teamed with this bright red printed bandeau bikini – which is such a gorgeous statement piece. I love soft and easy summer dresses that are so easy to throw on and off – preferably in an off-the-shoulder style (no more tan lines), in a soft and breathable cotton.
In my opinion, you can´t really go wrong with this particular bikini, also from J by Jasper Conran at Debenhams. It´s the perfect and classic bandeau style (with optional straps if one prefers), in a classic and strong colour of red, mixed with feminine and fun white spots. The shape itself, is also a really flattering, feminine and an easy style to wear – not to mention another super comfortable swimwear piece to add to your collection.
J by Jasper Conran Red Spotted Bikini Top & Bottom
Red Herring Black Embroidered Bardot Dress
Red Herring Black Sandals
LOOK 3:
THE BOHO ONE-PIECE
Now, to probably one of my favourite looks so far – probably because it´s ultra boho; but also because it´s a swimwear shape which I am finding super flattering with my growing bump at the moment, teamed with some gorgeous and bright beaded sandals, a super feminine black lace dress, and that all important sun hat (which will not be leaving my sight all holiday). Such an easy, yet feminine and flattering look for the summer.
The swimsuit from Butterfly by Matthew Williamson at Debenhams, is a such a great piece, in a super soft and stretchy material (so complimentary for the body) – not to mention, that fresh and stylish paisley print, with the curled, frilly edges. Again, in that favourable bandeau style (with the added option of a detachable halterneck) – and with the built-in tummy control, this swimsuit really helps enhance your body shape with a powermesh front panel to flatten the tummy, smooth the waist and sculpt the hips. And although I am not exactly looking to flatten my stomach this summer – it´s still a really gorgeous piece to smooth and soften my bump.
Butterfly by Matthew Williamson Multi Paisley Swimsuit
Floozie by Frost French Pom Pom Sun Hat
Floozie by Frost French Black Lace Dress
Faith Beaded Sandals
Created in collaboration with Debenhams. All words, opinions, styling & creative direction are, as always, my own.
