Celebrities have provided a comprehensive guide to swimwear for the summer season, showcasing trends and offering advice for women navigating beach and poolside fashion, particularly those over 50. From the Beckhams and Jennifer Aniston to the Sussexes and Amanda Holden, the past summer has been notable for public sightings of A-list figures in various swimwear.
One-Piece Strategies
The one-piece swimsuit remains a stylish option, but its effectiveness depends on fit and cut. Fashion observers note that while a well-designed one-piece can rival a bikini, older swimsuits may lose their shape and support over time. For instance, Kate Moss, 52, was seen in a black halterneck swimsuit that, according to style commentators, has likely seen better days. The advice is to retire swimsuits that no longer offer adequate contouring and containment. In contrast, Goldie Hawn, 80, demonstrates a successful strategy by pairing her black one-piece with a sarong knotted at the hips, which helps address issues like baggy legs and offers coverage for the midsection.
Maximizing Cover-Ups
Sun protection remains a priority, and celebrity choices highlight effective and fashionable cover-up options. While practical solutions like rash vests are functional, style commentators suggest more polished alternatives. Katy Perry's choice of an oversized crochet scarf for sun protection in Saint-Tropez was deemed impractical, as was Jennifer Aniston's d raped rash vest. A more stylish approach involves long-sleeved shirts and matching shorts, often referred to as 'co-ords.' Eva Longoria, 51, exemplifies this trend with a matching check bikini worn under a long, check shirt and shorts.
Glamour and The Maxi Cover-Up
Liz Hurley, 61, continues to break conventions in bikinis and demonstrates the power of a flowing cover-up. Her signature style often includes a sheer, floaty cover-up that provides camouflage without appearing to conceal much. The key, according to observers, is that such cover-ups are long and loose, blurring the silhouette and offering discreet protection. This approach is contrasted with Tess Daly, 57, who was seen wearing a floaty cover-up over tailored shorts and a swimsuit, a combination considered less flattering. The rule of thumb is to wear cover-ups over swimwear only, and ideally to forgo heels.
The Matching Sarong and Bikini Choices
Matching sarongs or wrap skirts can be glamorous but require careful styling. When not fitted correctly or if the fabric is too stretchy, they can appear dowdy or unflattering. Katy Perry's experience with a chocolate-brown bikini and matching sarong in the South of France highlighted issues with fit, where the sarong was too tight, exposing too much leg and failing to provide adequate coverage. Goldie Hawn's method of tying a fabric sarong high on one hip is presented as a more flattering alternative.
For bikini wearers, particularly those over 50, specific strategies can enhance confidence and style. Bottom Balance is crucial. Jennifer Aniston's choice of soft, foldover bikini bottoms during a plank exercise on her yacht was noted; a neater, fitted style might have been preferred. Observers suggest avoiding unstructured or overly minimal bottoms. Eva Longoria's choice of micro bikini bottoms was balanced by a wide-brimmed hat, which added visual proportion and elegance.
The Double Bikini Bottom Trend
The trend of wearing shorts over bikini bottoms, or relaxed short shorts as an extra layer, is highlighted as flattering and providing a sense of increased coverage. Amanda Holden, 55, demonstrated this by matching a floral bikini with sporty drawstring mini shorts. The alternative is soft, almost sheer cotton pull-on shorts, similar to those worn by Jennifer Aniston. Tailored shorts worn over a one-piece, as seen on Tess Daly, are cautioned against.