Trendy Beachwear for Summer 2008
Beach Cover- Ups from Sarongs to Kaftans, to Convertible Towels
Just because you are planning a trip the beach doesn’t mean that you should leave style at home. Forget the days of throwing a pareo around your middle, when going to the pool bar, summer beachwear is about cool kaftans, sexy sarongs, chic sunglasses and glamorous hats.
A fashion-forward fashionista wants to look just as glam in what she wears over her monokini, as well as the swimsuit itself.
Pareos and Sarongs
Pareos or sarongs are one of the most versatile pieces of beachwear. They can be worn around 15 different ways and provide a useful blanket, wrap-around or towel (although not particularly absorbent!). Far from being used as beachwear, as in the West, sarongs have a long history of covering-up both women and men in terms of respectability, and are still used in many parts of the world today as standard every-day attire, particularly in Asia and some parts of the Middle East.
This year, if you have a passion for pareos or are a supporter of sarongs, then don’t drag last year's piece of rectangular cloth from out of the closet, invest in one of this season’s see-through chiffons or a matching swimsuit and sarong. The combination of matching pattern and prints has an elongating, more fluid effect on your silhouette.
The Saress
If you love the comfort of a sarong but find keeping it fastened a little frustrating at times, then consider the Saress®, a cross between a sarong and a dress. Featured on the UK's ITV channel and endorsed by British celebrities Fern Britton and Philp Schofield, the Saress® has a loop at each corner of the fabric and is slipped around your back, then brought round to the front; with the loops then threaded over your opposing arms, to create a slimming beach dress. There is a mini and a maxi length and a number of attractive prints (or plain black) to choose from. Priced from £24.99, the Saress® is versatile enough to be worn as a top, a tunic, or a dress. Its versatility makes it perfect for travelling, and for the fuller figure, is a much more flattering alternative to a sarong.
Kaftans (or Caftans)
Summer 2008 sees the reworking of the Kaftan into something akin to iconic status. From its humble beginnings of a floor-length, tent-like garment it has emerged as the hippest and hottest cover-up of the season. “Its comeback has swamped the sarong and overpowered the pareo to become the mainstay of the holiday wardrobe.” says Hannah on her fashionolic.blogspot.com.
Today’s kaftans (or caftans) can be slim-fitting, figure-hugging and trendy. Now to be found in a variety of lengths, they have chic embellishments, drawstrings, cinched waists, kimono sleeves, and can be found in almost every cut and shape you can imagine. From see-through chiffons to floaty cottons, no longer the diaphanous tents of the past, you can add shape and definition by choosing a style that accentuates your figure rather than drowns it.
If you are petite then go for a shorter-length, finishing just below your bottom. If you are pear-shaped then select a style with detail around the neck and bust, to detract from your lower half. According to Look magazine, 5th May 2008, drawstring kaftans give shape to a boyish figure and they recommend staying away from transparent fabrics and sticking with a cotton cover-up if you are very curvy!
Some of the best kaftans around can be found on Net-A-Porter.com. See high-end designer takes on the humble kaftan, Missoni, Oscar De La Renta, Michael Kors and Melissa Odabash, the selection of styles is mind blowing.
High-street labels include Ted Baker, Moontide and French Connection, and online swimwear retailer, Figleaves, feature a number of these.
Convertible Towels
If you are the kind of person who likes to keep things simple and is happy to throw on a towel, then consider these alternative options.
A nifty invention is the towelini, recommended by Suite 101 reader Sandra Rizzi, who describes it as a hybrid sarong. Made of 100% organic cotton, this is a super absorbent sarong which is lightweight and quick drying. Serving as both a towel and a beach blanket/pillow, it can also be tied in many ways as a sarong. Order online at Towelini.com
Towel Bag
Is it a towel or is it a bag? Featured on Bag Snob.com is the Maison Martin Margiela Convertible Beach Bag ($235) converts into a towel from a tote. Quite how practical this is, bloggers beg to differ, but if you are one for dumping all your belongings out of your bag onto the beach, then this could be for you.
Alternatively take a look as Theitsa.com which has a similar solution, with a towel/blanket converting into a practical shoulder bag. This is ideal for traveling as the bag is roomy enough to hold all your beach items, and prevents you from having to carry a towel separately. Priced at £14.95 and £24.94, depending on the color, this is an offer worth considering. Check out their kaftans whilst you are on the site.
Sunhats
Wide brims and panamas are the order of the day. Cover up your head with a cotton, wide-brimmed sunhat. It can be away when not in use and the floppy brim shields your eyes as well as you head. This season your choice is broad and so are the brims. Try a reversible two-color sunhat (Bloomingdales, $18.99) to ring the changes.
