It’s almost that time of year, bathing suit season. Getting beach bound ready can be a bewildering task. What suit should I wear? What suit looks good on me? Should I buy a new beach bag? What type of cover-up should I wear? Your head starts to spin, and sometimes that can cause you to make some bad decisions. We are here to give you a little head start, by breaking it all down for you. Hopefully, this will help you organize your thoughts.
The 20 something’s : Ok young lady, you can have some fun with your beach look. Choose fruit colors like apple red, or kiwi green. A bright bikini or one piece, topped off with an eyelet tunic. Forget the average beach bag, grab a fashion forward, unexpected bag instead. It will catch people’s eye, and you will intrigue them. Don’t forget a little jewelry. This year, go with bracelets. It’s a fresh, crisp, youthful look. You are no longer a teen, so stay away from wearing old gym shorts over your suit, or even a ratty t-shirt. You are at an age where you should look pulled together, yet maintain a youthful edge.
Red bikini by Cia Maritima @ Molly Brown Swimwear (page 16)
Skulls tunic by Letarte @ Canyon Beachwear
Tory Burch “T” Contrast Patent Tote @ Nordstrom
Alex & Ani expandable bangle @ Saks
White Leather Gizeh sandal by Birkenstock
The 30 something’s: You’ve done it; you’ve hit the sweet spot. You are a woman with a little experience under your belt. You spent your twenties getting to know exactly who you are and what you want. Now, take it out for a test drive. Choose a sophisticated suit, with a more serious tone to it. One that exudes confident sexuality, without being overt. Earth tones are your best bet, and they mix beautifully with the minerals. A multi-tonal suit in a mixture of browns, greens, and yellows looks beautiful with gold jewelry and sandals. A caftan cover-up, and a linen bag completes the look. It’s pulled together, and stylistically confident – it reflects the woman you’ve grown into.
Ana bikini by ViX @ InStyleSwimwear
Silk Beaded Caftan by Lotus London @ Vivre
Caribbean Sun Bag by Mayle @ Shopbop
Single Stone Cuff by Kara Ross @ Shopbop
Dolce Vita ‘Athens 38′ sandal @ Nordstrom
The 40 something’s: You’ve still got it, you know it, and you don’t feel the need to prove it. Choose a one piece with intricate design or embellishment. One piece no longer equals frumpy and boring. There are a lot of sophisticated one piece suits designed to be fashionable and flattering. Cover-up with a tunic in a luxurious fabric, it’s a smart piece to invest in. A silver sandal will reflect the outfit nicely, and a refined straw bag that goes beyond the beach. Resist the urge to look younger than you are, 40 is fabulous. Stay away from the starlet look, it can come across as trying too hard – or trying to look like you’re 20. A little self -tanner, a big hat, sunglasses, and they’ll all be saying “what an elegant woman.”
Brown one-piece by Odabash at Molly Brown Swimwear (page 4)
Printed Chiffon Beaded Tunic by MB Beach Couture @ Vivre
Mirror Straw Tote by Anya Hindmarch @ Vivre
Tory Burch silver Ali sandal @ Jildor
The 50 something’s: You’re more interesting than ever, and it shows. All the silly little things you used to worry about now seem irrelevant; you are comfortable in your body. Choose a one piece in a beautiful jewel tone. They have a number of “miracle” suits on the market, so you can feel confident that everything is where it should be. Pair your suit with a print pareo tied under your arms. Add gold bracelets and earrings, leaving your neck bare. For a beach bag, go for a woven leather tote. It’s a rich texture that looks brilliant on the beach. Voila! You look fantastic at fifty!
Shape fx® Bejeweled Control Surplice Maillot @ Spiegel
Devi Pareo sarong @ Caylpso Christian Celle
Golden Stones bracelet by H.Stern @ Neiman Marcus
Dolce & Gabbana large Raffia tote @ Bergdorf Goodman
