Tis the season to splash around and have a whale of a time, for the summer taxi of ‘fun’ is here to take us on a ride to FUN Central. And what does fun central entail I hear you ask? Well does swimming on the beach count, or how about a good ol’ trip to the secret beaches that only exist in my imagination? Your probably confused and that’s ok, regular readers know I like a good ol’ chinwag (translation talk a load of s**t LOL), but the point I am trying to make is this; I like to play make believe because secretely I am still a kid at heart and those who know me understand my obsession with all things summer. Despite living in the world’s most tempremental country- how can it be rainy one day and sunny the next? I like to create shoots where I pretend that I am not freezing my tits off in the middle of summer . Equally, standing in a swimming costume outside a mural, appears to be a common thing in Shoreditch, but that does not mean that my nips don’t get a little frosty. After all, I tried a bikini shoot and boy was I uncomfortable so I stuck to wearing ‘one piece swimsuits’ instead which are much more my style anyway.
But as usual I am rambling to the point of no return; sometimes I get sent swimsuits that are so gorgeous, but I am not confident enough to wear it in public i.e. a triangle bikini in the middle of the street is never a great idea for all the pervy drunks that roam around at the weekends, prowling around like wild cats. So I came up with ways where I could style a ‘swimsuit’ for regular use and voila, this post was born. From styling swimsuits with mini skirts and chokers to creating a beach cover-up look, swimsuits are not just relegated to the beach my huns. Oh no, I have worn ‘swimsuits as tops’, underneath clothing for winter and even as underwear, because why the hell not? Chances are they are so much cooler than regular underwear too and you know me, I have a thing for all things floral!
- Wear Your Swimsuit As A Top & Style With A 60’s Mini For A Retro But Modern Vibe
Ah yes the sixties, the land of the Twiggies of the world and all things black and white. Thanks to Mary Quant we have been blessed with the casual hero item ‘the mini skirt’. While the sixties was famed for their innovative styling skills, I don’t remember seeing any supermodels walking around tucking their swimsuits into mini skirts but then again, we are always rewriting history so who knows. But in my eyes, there is nothing more chic than a vibrant printed swimsuit, tucked into 60’s micro mini, especially when you customized your swimsuit yourself. Thanks to personalized store ‘Contrado‘ I was able to submit one of my street art photos, from my favourite street artist Jaycaes and watch them transform his design into a breathtaking, wearable swimsuit. And Guys and Gals, its not just swimsuits that they personalize either, oh no dresses, tops and shoes galore. #YOURWELCOME
To keep the swimsuit and mini look fresh, opt for modern summer colours, like yellow, blue and pink, while mixing bright printed textures on the top half with a more softer, pastel selection of colours on the bottom half. This stops you looking like you stepped out your house and decided that today was the day that you would wear a swimsuit, but ya know that is not necessarily a bad thing! Accessorize with a rough denim choker for a 90’s meets sixties remix, that is guaranteed to bring some smooth funky music into your life.
Shop Printed Swimsuits Below
Shop 60’s Mini Skirts Below
Shop The 60’s Swimsuit Mini Look Below
2. Layer A Halterneck Swimsuit Over A 50’s Midi Skirt For A Ladylike Twist
Halternneck swimsuits can easily be mistaken for ‘leotards’ or bodysuits which make them an ideal choice for 50’s midi skirts, as they are classy, elegant and all the things that I am not. While inwardly photos make me look like I am some calm, collected alien from outer space the truth is I am a bit of dork, even if I like to dress like Kate Middleton. And speaking of royalty, channel your inner Monroe by pairing a 50’s style halterneck swimsuit-preferably floral to tie into the vintage theme- with a 50’s floral midi skirt, paired with pastel courts to create a ladylike twist. Ideally keep your swimsuit within the same sort of ‘colour ratio/frame’ and ‘print variation’ as your skirt so that it gives you the illusion of wearing a two-tone tropical dress. The great thing about this look is apart from looking so goddamn regal, is that it is wearable and while vintage, still current enough for modern day.
*original swimsuit from Hunker Moller
Shop Halterneck Swimsuits
Shop 50’s Midi Skirts
Shop The 50’s Halterneck Look
3. Kimono +Bikini+Gladiator Sandals=Perfect Beach Cover Up
Now I am not what you would call an exhibitionist- I realize how ironic that sounds considering I just shot a swimsuit shoot in the middle of Shoreditch so hear me out- bikini’s make me feel uncomfortable, because I am still learning to love my body after struggling with BDD for most of my life, so I tend to wear swimsuits as opposed to bikini’s. However the great thing about this little gem of a bikini is that the bottoms are briefs and the bikini top is triangular, meaning that it ‘covers you’ more than a regular bikini. It gets a thumbs up from me as I am very conscious of my ribs poking out and my stomach, which is why a kimono therefore becomes the perfect accompaniment. Plus it looks fashion forward, while the clash in prints adds dimension to the look. Not to mention how rocking the gladiator sandals are, although faux leather as opposed to faux suede sandals might be more practical for a ‘beach inspired’ look.
But then again this is me and ‘un-practical’ is my middle name, you could wear a tutu to the beach for all I care, just be you!
Shop Kimonos
Shop Bikini’s
Shop The Beach Cover Up Look
4. Pair A Halterneck Swimsuit With A Belted Kimono And Heeled Sandals For Beach Party Feels
I told you I am a fan of ‘halterneck swimsuits’ but instead of creating a 50’s inspired vintage look, this floral halterneck is paired with rocking beach essentials to create the ultimate beach/pool party outfit. Queue the highly in-practical rope tie faux suede heeled sandals with the ever glorious silk kimono that I evidently can’t get enough of, while a mint green belt contrasts against the khaki, autumnal colour of the wooden heeled sandals. Sunglasses are optional but ya know me, if there is two things I am known for-asides from the obvious street art aesthetic- is that A. I wear hats and B. I wear sunglasses. While you may think it is for asthetic reasons, one of the biggest reasons that I wear sunnies is because my eyes are very sensitive so I end up squinting in a lot of photos, so naturally sunglasses become the perfect antidote!
Shop Floral Halterneck Swimsuits
Shop Heeled Sandals
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*PR Samples
How Will You Wear Your Swimsuit This Summer?
Oh I love that midi-skirt! Not sure if I would be brave enough to wear it with a swimming costume but I doubt anyone would bat an eyelid here in Cornwall if I did!
My mummy is a big fan of the halter neck swimsuits as they are flattering for her shape. She likes the nod to the 1950’s style too x
I also go for one piece swimsuits. However, I think you did a very creative outfit by pairing a swimsuit with a skirt! Nice! I like the idea of using a halter style swimsuit tucked under a matching mid-length skirt!
Truthfully, as much as I love looking at swimsuits, I’m not much of a swimsuit wearing girl. I’ll wear a leotard to dance class and that’s about it. That said, the four you featured are beautiful and rich with colors.
As always, you have such amazing style! The halter swimsuit and midi skirt could actually looks like a dress…gorgeous!
I love these ideas. I would never have thought of wearing a swimsuit as a top!
Ami xxx
I’ve seen so many of my favorite bloggers wear swimsuits as a top and really want to try this trend! I’ve only gone to the beach once this summer so this would be the perfect way to take the beach with me wherever I go ha! Your second look is FLAWLESS!
This is such a useful post especially because I am going away on Tuesday to a much warmer destination (got sick of waiting for the summer to come in the UK, haha) and I was wondering how to wear my bathing suit to the beach. I love the miniskirt idea best, that would fit my style of bathing suit.
I love the idea of wearing my swimsuit as a top with a skirt , I’d never have thought of that.
Love these alternative ways to wear a swimsuit, although I have enough trouble actually wearing it at the beach!
That tropical green and pink floral swimsuit and skirt are so chic! It doesn’t even look like a swimsuit under there, just a really stylish dress! These are such great ideas for Summer vacations though when you’re off out for dinner and it’s in a Beach town!
I LOVE YOUR OUTFIT. Perfect for summer.
Love how you’ve styled these, especially with the midi skirt x
You look like a goddess in nr 3 and 4! It is so brave and not everyone can wear that and look that awesome! I am just an “ordinary” mum with a ordinary swimsuite and just a pair of short. Sign.
Love these looks! So creative!
I LOVE this! I would never think of wearing a swim suit as part of an outfit. Love the palm print!
aw! the 3rd and 4th photo looks hot! But I’d love to try wearing swimsuit As A Top & Style With A 60’s Mini For A Retro But Modern Vibe. It looks simple and chic. Honestly, it’s rare for me to wear a swimsuit because I am not comfortable showing too much skin.
I normally wear my swim suit with hotpants especially on the beach but rarely a skirt and never a kimono but good ideas for sure
I pretty much only wear my swimsuit when I go in aqua aerobics but this has just reminded me that I need a new one deseperately x
How awesome do those swimsuits look used as a top, what a unique idea and a way to wear them more often.
The first swimsuit is gorgeous! I love all four looks you’ve made but think the third is my favourite, it has a real Ibiza feel to it (and would cover all the parts I don’t like to show haha)
I love the skirt and swimming suit look. I used a kaftan over mine on holiday
I’ve never really thought of wearing a swimsuit out…I always cover up my cossie between where ever I am and the pool but I think it’s a great idea! Going to try it out next time I’m heading to the pool 🙂
All these are brilliant ways to work your swim wear this summer. I actually couldn’t tell if that halter neck isn’t a dress, perfect styling in all ways. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
I’m a one piece girl too. I love the way you’ve styled it with a skirt it looks really pretty. You were brave going out in the streets in a bikini for the photoshoot!
Wow! I love all the designs of your swimsuit. And i love you shoes too. It really looks great in you.
Summer might be almost over, but for me #4 is an iconic look! I adore your sunglasses in #3! You have styled all of the bathing suits beautifully and in a smart way!
I adore all your mix and match swimsuit ideas definitely a unique way to style swimsuits for summer. Though I must say, I totally love that Halterneck Swimsuit over a 50’s Midi Skirt.
Pairing a swimsuit with a skirt is really looking nice. And I also want to try this on my next holidays. Thanks for sharing this mix and match swimsuit ideas.
I always use to wear my swimsuit as a top, you don’t get your money’s worth out of it otherwise haha
Haha glad that I am not the only one then! xx
Great looks. I do not enjoy the water so much so I have only one swim suit so I have to be very creative to style it in different ways.
I would never have thought of these ways to style a swimsuit. You look fab
You look incredibly stunning as always here with the swimsuits. You have such unique ways to piece together bathing suits with your incredible fashion sense. I really do like the look of the bikini on you. And I appreciate you being uncomfortable showing yourself because of treatment in the past. But you have such an amazing way to put it altogether. My other favorite would be the halterneck swimsuit with the 50s skirt. Just classy and I love how you integrated the patterns you wore. Hope you are enjoying the little bit of summer we have left. It feels so weird to say that out here in California when we are experiencing 40.55 C temperatures out here. Ah California!