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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Lifestyle
Peter Bevan

Best beach suit sets for women to wear in summer 2023

Holiday season is finally here.

Whether you’re jetting off to the south of France, travelling to the Caribbean or just planning a trip to Cornwall, if one thing’s for sure, beachwear is a necessity for any sun-drenched destination.

Wherever you go, there’s nothing easier than throwing on a stylish, easy-to-wear beach set that instantly looks as though you’ve made an effort - with none required. Paired with your favourite sandals, sunglasses and swimwear, a two-piece will make you look great, and feel even better.

The best part? You’ll be ready for anything the day has to throw at you, from wandering through the local town to going for a gorgeous three-hour lunch, or simply laying by the pool with a book. You could even wear some designs to dinner, saving you all-important sunbathing time when you head straight from the beach to the bar.

With the range of on offer, your ‘fits are guaranteed to be IG-ready from the moment you land. You could opt for a statement cutout set à la Louisa Ballou, channel a bohemian vibe with Zimmermann’s handcrafted two-pieces or even keep it relaxed with a pared-back linen shirt-and-trouser combo from Arket.

Find your new holiday companion in our cherry-picked edit below - then all that’s left to do is soak up the vitamin D (after you’ve applied SPF, of course).

Keep scrolling for the best.

Cos Oversized Long-Sleeve Shirt Elasticated High Waisted

High-end high-street label Cos has an amazing range of vaycay-ready co-ords that you’re sure to want in your suitcase for the upcoming season.

Whether you’re wandering along the waterfront or enjoying an Aperol Spritz in the beach bar, this green striped set does it all. Deckchair-core at its finest.

Shirt, £59, shorts, £55

Buy now, Cos

Alemais Organic Cotton Alby Terry Shirt

Is there any fabric that’s more beach-ready than terry towelling? After you’ve had a dip in the big blue sea, all you need to do is slip into Alemais’ boxy, colourful two-piece crafted using the absorbent fabric and you’ll look great - and feel even better.

Shirt, £275, trousers, £295

Buy now, Koibird

Monki Boxy resort shirt and floaty shorts

If you’re feeling the love for psychadelic prints, Monki’s swirly heart pattern will fit the bill nicely. A boxy shirt with floaty shorts, it will keep you comfy from sunrise to sunset - and it even has pockets. An all round winner for just £50.

Shirt, £25, shorts, £25

Buy now, Monki

Zimmermann Chintz fringed crocheted cotton tank and midi skirt

If you’re heading to the likes of Saint Tropez or Cannes, maybe something a little more sophisticated is exactly what you need.

Enter: Zimmermann’s crochet tank top and midi skirt. A toned down monochrome colour pallette, it’s perfect to wear over your bikini for the days when there’s no time to change before dinner. The fringed hem only bolsters the bohemian handcrafted appeal.

Tank, £350, skirt, £650

Buy now, Net-A-Porter

House of Sunny Falling Kiwis Skirt

You’re sure to have seen hypey label House of Sunny gracing your IG feed on celebrities and influencers alike. Known for vibrant, playful, Y2K-fuelled collections, it’s a brand that needs to be on your radar when it comes to holiday and festival season.

We’re in love with this fruity kiwi set that’s crafted using 100 per cent recycled fabrics. Not only is there a skirt and bikini, but there’s a matching shirt, too.

Bikini, £75, shirt, £95, skirt, £76

Buy now, House of Sunny

Arket Linen Resort Shirt and Drawstring Trousers

Linen is a magical fabric. Antibacterial, lightweight and hypoallergenic - it even looks good when it’s creased. So if you’ve got sensitive skin, or just want to exude a sense of laid-back cool, a set made using the textile is perfect for the beach.

Whether you’re in the market for trousers or shorts, you can count on Scandi label Arket for a quality collection of linen sets. Our favourite is this bright pink set that would look paired with a red bikini.

Shirt, £45, trousers, £55

Buy now, Arket

Harago Tulip cross-stitched cotton shirt

Shining a spotlight on the artisanal heritage of his native India, Harsh Agarwal launched Harago to support and showcase the diverse craftsmanship found across the country. So this set, true to the label’s message, is hand-stitched with multicoloured tulips in the founder’s home country - and we love it.

Shirt, £315, shorts, £295

Buy now, Harago

Ysé Paris T’emmener à la mer top and shorts

French girl chic, but make it beach. The selection of swimwear and RTW at Ysé Paris exudes the laid back nonchalance we all know and love of Parisian style - as proven by this tank and short two-piece. Throw it on over a swimsuit to look effortlessly put together. Now, all you need is the claw clip and the basket bag to complete the look.

Top, £53, shorts, £63

Buy now, Ysé Paris

Louisa Ballou Pink Coastline Asymmetric Halterneck Top and Skirt

American designer Louisa Ballou is having a moment. From the cutouts to the metal rings, the sexy silhouettes to the vibrant prints, her collection is full of co-ords inspired by the tropics - and they’re just as hot. Alongside RTW, she does swimwear in complimentary colours and prints.

Top, £215, skirt, £450

Buy now £450.00, Browns Fashion

Public Desire floral palm print ruffle tie front chiffon blouse co-ord

If you love the Louisa Ballou aesthetic, but the price tag is a little daunting, the high street stores have a great selection of lightweight printed sets too. Our favourite is by Mango, which is now sold out, but Public Desire’s palm print is a great second best.

Shirt, £26 and skirt, £24

Buy now, ASOS

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