Within every fashion enthusiast’s wardrobe is a colourful corner dedicated entirely to beachwear.
Vibrant prints, ephemeral materials and airy textures form the foundation of the holiday dress division, which is arguably the most chic subcategory of out-of-office attire.
Cover-ups account for the majority of beach-ready ensembles. The kaftan is a classic, typically peppered with feminine embroidery and featuring a robe-like silhouette. Yet, statement sarongs, trendy terry cloth sets and flirty wrap skirts are also coveted items to consider for your next sun-soaked sojourn this summer.
There are a slew of summer-loving brands at your disposal. Farm Rio, Johanna Ortiz, Gimaguas and Alèmais champion bayside aesthetics replete with joyful prints and sunset colour schemes. The same can be said for designer fashion houses like Missoni, Versace and Pucci, all of whom send modish resort pieces down the runway each spring/summer season that spark wanderlust for life away from the city.
The collective desire for a far-flung escape is felt by many. Monsoon has found new search data revealing that searches for crochet dresses are up 30 per cent and cover-ups have sky-rocketed by 236 per cent. Pinterest’s summer 2024 travel report has noted a 30 per cent increase in searches for the term ‘island life,’ meaning island attire is also firmly on the agenda this season.
What other trends to expect this year? Speaking on popular pattern predictions for the summer, Ôsalé brand founder Aliya Wilkinson says: “Anything Seventies-inspired will be popular. Think soft paisleys and hand-painted florals à la Chloé and Etro. Also, Missoni-esque colourful chevrons and stripes. Exotic animal prints never go out of season in swimwear, the classic leopard print comes back time and time again.”
Discover the best beach cover-ups from a variety of sun-loving brands and revamp your holiday arsenal with a chic new piece or two. Nonchalant, luxurious ocean-side lounging awaits.
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Mango Crochet Bow Dress
Keep it classic with a longline crochet dress that radiates South of France elegance. The knitted white piece features frontal tie-detailing and long sleeves, perfect for shielding from the sun during blistering tropical getaways.
Buy now £59.99, Mango
Gimaguas One-Shoulder Viscose Blend Mini Dress
Gimaguas designs for the summer girl. The label is brimming with viscose blend mini dresses showcasing colourful prints and bodycon cuts. Pair yours with woven flatforms for an effortless beach-to-bar look.
Buy now £82.00, Luisa Via Roma
By Anthropologie Long-Sleeve Popover Midi Shirt Dress
For those who prefer to steer away from classic kaftan silhouettes, Anthropologie’s shirt-style popover is for you. The green striped dress is masculine and feminine, pairing an oversized design with a dress cut. Pair with a bikini and sun-kissed glow and you’ll be sparking sartorial envy as you lounge beachside.
Buy now £80.00, Anthropologie
Reiss Anika Abstract Sarong
Exude ethereal elegance as you drift down the bay. Reiss’ sarong features a dreamscape canvas of lilac, crema and blue tones, making it ideal for holidaygoers wanting to add a pop of playful hues to their swimwear palettes.
Buy now £50.00, Reiss
Missoni Zig Zag Beach Cover-Up
Indulge in a luxury beach dress by the one and only Missoni. The Italian fashion house is renowned for creating the finest beachwear around. This longline beach dress features elegant long sleeves, a deep V-neck and a criss-cross tie effect for styling as you please.
Buy now £650.00, MyTheresa
Alèmais Martha Wrap-Effect Skirt
One of our favourite summer brands, Alèmais’ collections are imbued with tropical wanderlust. The brand’s Martha wrap skirt can be layered over a bikini with ease. It is made up of a sumptuous terry cloth blend and a tropical floral motif in hibiscus pink.
Buy now £260.00, Net-A-Porter
Maje Flower Motif Cotton Pareo
One of the most versatile pieces on the market, a classic square scarf can be styled in several ways. Wear Maje’s tropical hibiscus piece as a bandeau, halterneck or flirty sarong for when you need a break from the glowing sun rays.
Buy now £149.00, Maje
AND/OR Sunrise Palm Print Kaftan
Kaftans are the ultimate beach cover-up, and this sophisticated, feminine take on the throw-on piece is one to keep for years to come. A pristine white backdrop is peppered with sweet pink floral trims and a delicately crinkled texture.
Buy now £49.00, John Lewis
By Anthropologie Cropped Knit Hoodie
British beach holidays call for warmer seaside attire. Cosy up in Anthropologie’s crochet-knit beach hoodie and sink into a layer of light warmth.
Buy now £48.00, Anthropologie
Farm Rio Flower Scarves Sarong
Amp up the colour with a helping hand from Farm Rio. The brand specialises in feisty summer prints and kaleidoscopic colourways, hence why this floral scarf sarong is the perfect packable piece for Mediterranean getaways.
Buy now £130.00, Farm Rio
Gucci Lamé and Viscose Dress
Resort holidays call for resort collections. Gucci’s ethereal beach dress in shades of cream and silver is an opulent choice for lavish dressers. The iconic house double GG motif features, as does a kaftan silhouette, metallic lamé trims and a sheer finish.
Buy now £840.00, Gucci
Ulla Johnson Anya Cover-Up Midi Skirt
Recline in the utmost style while draped in Ulla Johnson’s earth-toned sarong wrap. A drawstring closure promises a sophisticated fit for all, while the chocolate and golden print enhances your fresh, sun-kissed tan.
Buy now £142.00, Luisa Via Roma
free-est Mykonos Fauxchet Sweater Mini
Transform into a Grecian goddess with free-est’s Mykonos Fauxchet Sweater Mini. Up for grabs in five eye-catching tones, the crochet number comes complete with playful frilled sleeves and a feminine scooped V-neck.
Buy now £78.00, Free People
Melissa Odabash Pareo Printed Beach Cover-Up
Slip into a sarong when heading off to the beach bar or restaurant. Melissa Odabash is the queen of beach attire, and this ethereal sarong in pastel shades is subtly girlish and overtly glamorous.
Buy now £135.00, MyTheresa
H&M Beaded-Tie-Detail Hole-Knit Dress
A sleek black crochet number featuring a streamlined cut, this longline H&M dress can be haphazardly thrown on after lengthy tanning sessions.
Buy now £39.99, H&M
Ganni x Coggles Crocheted Organic Cotton Tunic
The sunniest sun dress to add to your wishlist, the Ganni x Coggles’ crocheted tunic is crafted from soft-touch organic cotton in vibrant shades of lemon yellow, satsuma and bold teal.
Buy now £159.00, Coggles
Oséree Lumière O Lamé Beach Dress
Oséree is home to partywear pieces primed for the party girl goer. A dazzling violet finish is complemented by a mini silhouette and 70s-style fluted sleeves, plus a low neck and golden hoop detailing.
Buy now £230.00, MyTheresa
Ôsalé Salinas Margaux Asymmetric Beach Dress
Recently worn by Maya Jama, Ôsalé is an Ibiza-based swimwear brand that marries luxury design with youthful prints. The Salinas Margaux Asymmetric Beach Dress is a captivating piece, boasting a brilliant shade of aqua with a tie-dye finish and romantic cowl neck. Crafted from sustainable Ecovero viscose, the piece can be sported beside the beach or the bar.
Buy now £320.00, Ôsalé
Nobody's Child Navy Towelling Co-ord
Terry cloth is the ultimate summer lounge fabric. Keep an easy-wear navy set on standby for plan-free days and revel in the unparalleled comfort of this Nobody’s Child preppy two-piece.
Buy now £39.00, Nobody's Child
