Summer is my favourite season of the year. It could be because when I lived in Malaysia, it was always hot and so, there’s a sense of home-yness, or that everyone in Vancouver is so much happier when the sun’s shining. Plus, with quarantine restrictions slowly loosening, standing outside in the sun has a special meaning to it.
Summer also equals swimsuits and beaches.
While I love putting on my swimsuit for a trip to the beach, I’ve always been intrigued with the idea of turning my bikini top into a casual summer top to pair with jeans or a cute skirt.
Did you know that last year, designers started incorporating bikinis as part of street style?
I’m excited to share a couple ways I’m styling my bikini as a top for the Summer, and making it more wearable on a day to day, street style way.
Disclaimer: This post is in partnership with Escape Swimwear – a Canadian brand founded in 2019, and swimsuits pictured were gifted. That said, all thoughts are solely my own. You can use my affiliate code ‘SamSito10′ for 10% off your purchase.
Here are 3 ways to turn your bikini into a summer top :
Turn your bikini top into a crop top
Bikini tops come in all shapes and styles and many bear similarity to a lot of the crop tops we see on shelves for the Summer. This season, how about you pick a swimsuit top that works as both?
I love wearing crop tops with high waisted denim shorts or skirts. Another alternative is that I pair silk or satin long skirts with a crop top. Nowadays, swimwear designs incorporate bikini top styles that have sleeves, straps, ruffles and little details. These can make a great and easy to pair casual look that can be incorporated into your wardrobe.
Plus, a one-piece swimsuit is basically a bodysuit with different materials and makes it easy to throw your favourite jeans on top or your floral skirt next time you head to the beach.
There are a variety of designs to look for depending on your personal style. I love this two piece from Escape Swimwear. The bow off the shoulder sleeves creates a very feminine and flattering look. If you’re looking at just wearing the two piece underneath with anything high waisted, this works as the swimsuit bottom is also high waisted. Coral is also a popular colour during the Summer months.
Many of the pieces from Escape Swimwear are flattering on all body shapes and sizes- which is a mission for their brand.
Their motto is that Every Body is a Bikini Body.
Hence, they place an importance in the inclusivity of designs and models, ensuring that their brand empowers women of all sizes in their designs. Plus, they are a Canadian brand!
Use a variety of outerwear to balance the bikini top underneath
Swimwear can sometimes look very light, floral and dainty which is great for the beach but not as appropriate for a dinner or a brunch date with the girls. If you’re planning to hit the beach later in the afternoon, try pairing your bathing suit with outerwear!
Maybe a denim jacket for a more casual look, or perhaps some leather! The harder looking outerwear structure helps in balancing the swimsuit and gives it a bit of an edge.
Blazers
The ever popular oversized blazer look works perfectly with a bikini top underneath.
This way, the jacket gets the attention but your bathing suit top helps it pop. It gives off a very sleek, modern and professional look when paired with trousers.
Denim Jackets
I also love using a denim jacket to layer over my bikini top. I particularly enjoy pairing this with a pop of neon underneath and some denim shorts or jeans. This creates more of a casual street style look.
For a more feminine look, how about a kimono top?
Another way to incorporate your swimwear into a casual look is to pick up a flowy, silk kimono on top. This is a very feminine way to dress up your bikini top, plus it works great as covering for the beach.
Accessories make all the difference
I love using accessories to dress up a look!
This is such a fun and easy way to repurpose your bikini and dress it for an occasion. Similar to how you can dress lingerie as casual wear, you can also use accessories to dress up your bikini top from beach to date night!
Chunky necklaces and earrings for class!
“This swimwear line is a form of an accessory – to highlight your features and feel beautiful within them” – Escape Swimwear
I love chunky gold jewelry! It is such an effortless way to dress up any piece and I find that with this one piece, you can either go dainty with smaller earrings (or none at all), or go hard with chunky earrings as well.
Heels to complete the look
Talking about shoes, what a way to elevate a look!
If I’m carrying a larger bag, or driving, I tend to bring an extra pair of shoes that aren’t sandals. They’re either heels or platform ones with a slight heel. I find that this helps with the whole bikini as a top look that’s leaning toward dinner date night vibes.
If you love the looks I’ve shown here, do check out the variety of designs over on Escape Swimwear’s website.
I hope this gives you a few ideas on how to turn your bikini into a summer top, and to make things more fun and casual! As restrictions continue to ease up, don’t forget to still practice distancing and precautions.
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Have fun dressing up your bikini and take care,
xoxo Sam
