The One-Pieces That Double Up As Evening Tops
Make your swimsuit work harder on vacation by styling it from pool to bar – with just a few easy styling swaps, says COLLEEN ROSS
Although there are no strict dress codes to worry about on a summer getaway, choosing pieces that are easy to mix and match – and can be worn more than once – not only takes the pressure off deciding what to wear but also leaves space in your luggage for anything you might want to bring home from your trip. Of all the styling shortcuts – pareos as shawls, maxi skirts as midi dresses, shirts as poolside cover-ups and so on – wearing a swimsuit as a top in the evening is arguably the most versatile.
To ensure maximum wearability, you’ll need to consider the three Cs: coverage, color and comfort. Are there cut-outs or scooped backs that you’ll need to consider when styling it? Will the colorway complement the rest of your outfits? Does it feel supportive? Ticking every one of those boxes is Lisa Marie Fernandez’s ‘Arden’ swimsuit. Made from sculpting black neoprene, it comes in a flattering one-shoulder shape with high-cut legs and provides a smooth base, making it a simple yet versatile choice for day or night…
Daytime
If you’re setting off on a stroll into town after a lazy morning by the pool, slip an oversized button-down shirt – like The Row’s ‘Luka’ style in striped organic cotton-poplin – over the top of your one-piece, adding Slvrlake’s white denim shorts, flat leather sandals by Toteme and a summery raffia bag to complete an effortless daytime look. As for jewelry, Alighieri’s ‘The Poet’s Lens’ necklace is the perfect way to add a touch of character. Handmade in London, the knotted red leather cord is strung with two recycled silver amulets and evokes the magic of summer escapes.
Evening
The sleek, minimal lines of this swimsuit mean it’ll easily pass as a top in the evening, whether paired with wide-leg linen pants or a breezy skirt. Christopher Esber’s lace-trimmed ‘Verner’ midi has an asymmetric hem that creates the most beautiful movement, making it a romantic choice for dinner or sunset drinks. To finish, slip on Gianvito Rossi’s wraparound leather sandals and sculptural silver jewelry – the organic shape and texture of Completedworks’ cuff and Agmes’s ‘Max’ earrings fittingly resemble the flowing current of the sea. Dining alfresco? Shrug Theory’s linen-blend blazer over your shoulders in case there’s a bit of a chill in the air.
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