We Don't Swim, We Pose

 

It's Cruise season and swimsuits weren't really on my mind, I'm not going anywhere hot any time soon and getting kitted up in a bikini is the stuff of nightmares for me right now. But when I came across this Melissa Odabash fringed one-piece (a little too rock n' roll for my liking but interesting, and exclusive to NET-A-PORTER.COM) I became curious about what else is going on in swimwear and played my game of 'What if?' (As in What if I could face myself in the mirror in this?)

The suits today are so detailed and so delicate that many are simply showpieces and not meant for splashing around in chlorinated pools or saltwater oceans. Nor would the wearer dare to imagine engaging in such a thing. You put it on, you accessorise, slip your pedicured feet into sky-high heels, cover half your face with oversize sunnies and the rest with the widest brimmed hat you can find. Then you pose.

How exhausting. I don't think I did that much prep for my wedding day. But it's a nice thought, looking fabulous lying on a comfy chaise longue next to an infinity pool with fruity cocktails being served to you (I'll let you fill in what that server might look like). How luxurious.

Hmm...what else could we wear? Kaftans have come a long way and have evolved from 'Mrs. Roper on holiday' to chic statement pieces. This graphic silk Allegra Hicks on the left looks as if it would work on many levels, and the Leaves of Grass beach cover-up with embroidered flowers is simply stunning. (How funny is the thought of wearing this to a public pool?)

This pale blue Missoni bandeau is so simple and pretty, it's my favourite, done in stretch knit (what else?). And the Milly orange print deep V is striking if a pair of concrete DD beach balls don't overshadow it:

 

The bikinis above you might even be able to wear in the water! Imagine! I love the stained glass print and lilac trim of Matthew Williamson's two piece with cut-out boy cut bottoms (just a sidenote - his Butterfly collection for little girls at Debenhams is fantastic, or at least it was), and I'm always a sucker for the colourful, splotchy flower print on white like this teensy one from Chloe (Anna Sui did some gorgeous dresses last spring along these lines).

And here's another from Melissa Odabash, this time embellished with studs, and Michael Kors' buttons and chains suit in navy is just adorable:

Comments

[Nicole]

wow those are super duper hot! i love the fringe! but i'd be so scared to go swimming in them!

[Tammy]

I LOVE the Missoni suit! The Michael Kors one is nice too. I need to be somewhere hot.....