Havaianas asked me to create some summer ensembles for their new line of flip flips, which I think are ideal for beach and pool settings. Practical, breezy, and just about as casual as it gets. Havaiana flip flops come in many colour and pattern variations, and I particularly like their Brazilian-inspired lace patterned style this season.
I don’t go to the beach as often as I used to, but I really enjoy helping my clients with their beachwear ensembles around this time of year. There are plenty of outfit options and it’s a question of picking and choosing the components that work best for you.
One of my favourite beach wear outfit formulas, and one that has become popular with my clients too, is layering a kaftan over a swimsuit. It looks chic, a little retro, and is easy to pull on and off. It’s also suitably covered if you’re going to have lunch or drinks at a nearby restaurant at the beach. Choose one in a fabric that is machine washable and will dry quickly like a cotton, polyester, or blend of the two. Some like them short, whereas others prefer over the knee lengths.
Finish off the look with a sun hat, beach tote, sunglasses, flip flops and pretty toes.
Once you’re at the beach and have taken off the kaftan, you can either stay in your swimsuit, or add a few fun layers if and when you need extra coverage. Board shorts, denim shorts or clamdiggers look cute over all swimwear. I love the look of a long tunic button front shirt, worn open or knotted in front, allowing your swimsuit to peek through. There’s also the elegant skirted sarong for bottom coverage. And lastly, a denim jacket worn open over a swimsuit looks fabulous.
As with all the formulas, I sow the seed of an idea. The next step is to substitute the items so that they are in line with YOUR style preferences. A relaxing beach holiday with ample shade and cold fruit sounds good just about now, don’t you think?
