All year, we've been eagerly awaiting summer's balmy, warm climate.
The irony, of course, is that as soon as temperatures rise, we'll scurry to the closest body of water to cool off. Whether you're heading to a coastal cottage or the local pool, swimsuit accessories are gateway to more than just style—they also make for a more practical beach experience.
As the sun sets on the shore, having solid swimsuit accessories on-hand means being able to seamlessly transition from beach to bar—or dock to dinner. Knowing how to style your swimsuits is also an art that can be effortlessly achieved with a few essentials.
Ideally, you'll want a collection of staples that can be easily mixed and matched, paired with different swimsuits, and thrown together without too much thought. Think: light linen fabrics, crochet cover ups, and vibrant pops of color.
Fun, relaxed fits are the essence of summer style. At the beach, or by the pool, none of the usual conventions of fashion apply. And when it comes to crafting the perfect beach day look, we're leaning into swimsuit accessories that accentuate style and comfort.
Crochet Coverups
Few beach day essentials are as versatile as a coverup. With semi-transparent fashion fully having a moment, a crochet-knit beach dress or skirt can be effortlessly styled with a vibrant swimsuit. Add in a sexy side seam and tie details, and you're ready for cocktail hour. You'll feel elegant—even if your toes are still full of sand.
Swim Rosette
Bring on the romance with the season's most coveted swimwear accessory: the rosette. We're in love with this low-effort, high-style floral accessory that easily attaches to all your one-pieces, bikinis, and coverups. Designed with swimwear fabric, this three-dimensional bloom gives your swimsuits a fun, flirty feel.
Bold Lip Colors
Maybe it's hot out and you're not in the mood to wear anything but your string bikini. We fully endorse this and recommend kicking things up a notch with the addition of bold lipstick. This little burst of color—like bright coral or deep red—makes for a striking accessory and a perfectly playful beach day look that will stand out.
Lightweight Pants
If you're on a pool-to-patio pipeline this summer, poolside shorts, breezy button-downs, and lightweight pants are a requisite. Look for loose drawstrings, flowy wide legs, side-slit joggers, and breathable silhouettes. These styles combine fashion with function for comfortable wear. Plus, we're suckers for anything with pockets.
Hats and Hair Accessories
When it comes to cultivating your personal swim style, your hair may be an untapped resource. If you're looking to keep your fresh blowout dry anyway, might as well make it cute with your choice of cowboy hats, barrettes, headbands, or scrunchies. Even a handy sarong can double as a hair accessory and add a sense of flair (and sun protection) to your look.
Sarong Styling
Sarongs may be an obvious choice, but what's less obvious are the virtually endless styling possibilities it can infuse into your swim style. For a classic look, you can drape it around your waste or hips, wear it around your shoulders, or transform it into a scarf in an instant.
For a vintage-inspired look, tie a sarong around your neck like a neckerchief or style it as a hair accessory by wearing it pulled back in your hair, or tied up in a ponytail. Sarongs are a beach mainstay for a reason: they add a touch of chic to any beachwear.
Beach-Ready Jewelry
Jewelry may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of heading seaside—but the power of well-placed necklace or dainty anklet is not to be underestimated. With bold, maximalist jewelry having a moment, our recommendation is take your beaded pieces, vivid gemstones, and chunky bracelets straight to the beach.
But it’s not just about choosing the right jewelry; it’s also about how you style them. Layering various metals, like stacking bangles or combining different chain lengths, will add instant depth to your swim style. A simple swimsuit design can be paired with unconventional shapes and statement pieces, whereas a bold swimsuit can be contrasted by dainty gems.
Functional Footwear
Unless you're starring in a music video (or capturing the perfect bikini shot, like Andie Johnston), heels—and any kind of fancy footwear, really—is a no-go for waterside activities. But just because we don't want your leather loafers to smell like chlorine doesn't mean you shouldn't spring for footwear that complements your beach ensemble.
If you know you're going to be walking around, flat sandals and espadrilles are your friend. Otherwise, there's no going wrong with flip-flops. When it comes to beach footwear, excessive spending need not apply. In fact, the simpler the better.
Eyewear Essentials
This is an obvious one, but nearly every summer vacation look starts with a pair of sunglasses. They're the ultimate functional accessory, at once making you look instantly chic while protecting your eyes from the sun's glare.
When it comes to beach eyewear, polarized lenses are a must. But, otherwise, have fun with it. Find a shape that matches your aesthetic, from retro cat eyes to classic black shades. Alternatively, opt for a bold, color coordinated hue that ties your beach ensemble together.