We’re heading to the Amalfi Coast in June and that’s why I set style goals to refresh my swimwear and add a pair of sunglasses. I’m pleased to report that I’ve completed my modern retro swimwear capsule and found the perfect pair of white sunnies. The exact items are in the collection below.
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Swimwear capsules will vary greatly depending on beach and resort activities, and sartorial preferences. I will not be extremely active, so I won’t need a sporty bathing costume or rash guard. I’m VERY careful to cover up in the sun so I’ll shade under an umbrella most of the time. I’ll occasionally dip into the sea, and walk around in my cover-up.
Apart from the packable sun hat that I got last year, I built the swimwear capsule from scratch. I started my search early so that I could take my time, enjoy the process, and not have to compromise on fit, silhouette or colour.
I LOVE swimwear from the ‘50s and ‘60s and was set on that vibe for the bathing costume. I was open to wearing a retro full-piece or a bikini, but not a tankini. I wanted a pattern, and preferably not with black. I had my heart set on a shade of blue. I also wanted a style that offered the bikini top in bra sizes because those tend to create a better fit. I ordered many suits online and many were almost there, but not exactly right.
It finally dawned on me that Boden makes swimwear, and since I’m a fan of their merchandise, I was hopeful. I saw the navy polka dot full-piece and bikini online and ordered them right away. The swimwear is beautifully made, substantial, and offers coverage and support in all the right places. Alluring but not skimpy. Surprisingly, the bikini was more flattering than the full-piece and that was that.
I bought the cover-up before the bathing costume because I knew exactly what I wanted. I like to wear a long white gauzy collared shirt as a cover-up because it’s extra coverage for sun protection, but open in front so that the bathing costume can peek through. I found the right look from Zappos on sale.
I don’t wear flip-flops and don’t want to ruin a pair of regular white sandals in the sand, so comfy slides were a good option. Of course, they also had to be white to match the capsule. I need a narrow size for this type of shoe to fit my foot, and ordered a bunch of styles. Eventually I decided to keep the rubber-soled Naturalizers because they fit best, and were the cheapest. I can also wear them as house shoes in the hotel and the villa we rented with our friends.
I adore handbags and wanted a straw bag to carry items on the beach. The lining and bamboo handles on this one were extra fab. It’s a small bag because I’m travelling, but there’s sufficient room for essentials. I’ll hold the beach towel in my hand. The beach is only a hundred steps away from the villa, so not far to go.
The white sunglasses are the pièce de résistance and an incredible find. I’m hard to fit for eyewear because I need narrow frames that don’t overwhelm my small face and head. Pair after pair were too wide. Then I remembered that vintage frames were narrower than modern frames. After searching I landed at Etsy, where I found a vintage pair of white frames that had been packed away for fifty years. New, in mint condition, and PEARLIZED. My word, it was too good to be true. Impulsively, I took a chance and ordered them. It’s pure luck that they are a perfect fit. I had prescription lenses cut and turned them into sunglasses. I am absolutely thrilled with how they turned out.
With a slew of Summer dresses, great white jeans, pretty blouses, comfortable Summer footwear, and swimwear that makes me feel fab, I’m ready to pack for our trip to Italy.
