How to style swimwear: 4 Style Panel tips on taking beachwear to the streets

how to style swimwear for everyday
how to style swimwear for everyday

Swimwear has made its way from the beach to the runway, and has now become full-on inspiration for everyday dressing. Thanks to the likes of Gucci, Tommy Hilfiger and DKNY (to name a few), swimwear hit the Spring 2014 catwalks hard, taking beachwear to a whole new level of street chic. No longer is swimwear only paired with towels and beach bags; it can add subtle–or not-so-subtle–sexy detailing to your getup, whether you’re heading to the beach or not. However, we know the thought of wearing a bathing suit anywhere other than the beach may be a bit daunting, so we got our Style Panel to weigh in on how to style swimwear for everyday.

All of our Style Panel gals agree that layers and staying casual are key to styling swimwear for everyday. Kayla Short of Short Presents and Emma Walker of With A City Dream both focus on the bikini top as an accent piece. Wearing one under a tank or a sheer top makes styling swimwear for everyday totally practical. Sandy Joe Karpetz of The Pretty Secrets keeps her swimwear look casual by pairing a bikini top with loose, high-waisted denim, while Becky Kung of Velvet & Vino brings sexy back in her monokini layered underneath an open chambray shit and denim cut-offs.

Question 110: How do you style swimwear for everyday? Read the answers now! »

Jump to: BECKY KUNG, CALGARY | EMMA WALKER, DENVER | SANDY JOE KARPETZ, EDMONTON | KAYLA SHORT, HALIFAX


how to style swimwear for everyday becky

Becky Kung, 30
Calgary | Velvet & Vino

With bodysuits becoming the hot go-to item of the season, I’ve been styling my black monokini swimwear with denim to achieve that look. I love pairing a monokini underneath any pair of shorts, particularly denim cut-offs. The best piece for layering over top is a chambray shirt, leaving it open for that undone look, showing off the swimwear.

Becky’s wearing: Chambray shirt, Old Navy. Monokini, Swimco. Cut-off shorts, Old Navy. Flip-flops, Aeropostale. Sunglasses, Ray Ban. Bracelet, Joydrop.

how to style swimwear for everyday sandy
Photography by Michael Borchert

Sandy Joe Karpetz, 25
Edmonton | The Pretty Secrets

When I wear swimwear outside the pool I like to keep my look casual by pairing a bikini top with loose fitting high-waisted denim shorts and a loose knit mesh sweater. It’s like a throwback to the ’90s bra top rage, but slightly more subdued.

Sandy’s wearing: Sweater, Gap. Bag, Old Navy. Bikini top, Topshop. Shorts, The Pretty Secrets vintage. Sandals, Topshop.

how to style swimwear for everyday emma

Emma Walker, 17
Denver, CO | With A City Dream

My favourite way to make swimwear acceptable day to day is by wearing a top as an accent. I love this structured bikini top peeking out of my loose tank. It provides unexpected detail and no one will be able to tell it’s swimwear!

how to style swimwear for everyday kayla

Kayla Short, 26
Halifax | Short Presents

Is it a bra or is it a swimsuit? When it comes to the summer months, who knows anymore? After spending some time in New York recently I’ve become a fan of black bras or swimwear layered under sheer white. I love the practicality of swimwear for everyday, while opting for a full monochrome look pleases my minimalist side.

Kayla’s wearing: Shirt, Forever 21. Top, DKNY. Shorts, H&M. Bag, Michael Kors. Sunglasses, Polette.

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