Taking On Summer In A Two Piece

 

Despite what the rainy weather and stormy clouds may be telling you, summer is on the horizon. Shops are starting to stock for the new season, people are beginning to defrost their 'summer bodies' and the self tan shelves are looking slightly less full. As someone who hasn't had much confidence in the past, wearing a bikini was never on top of my to-do list. 

In 2020, my summer was taken over by the pandemic and in 2021 it was overshadowed by weeks spent isolating and college work. So I am more determined than ever to make summer 2022 worth it. That means beaches, tanning and picnics- all of which lead to a lot of sun-soaking. Until very recently, I would've picked a more modest swimsuit or tankini, but after some newfound confidence I've discovered the beauty and variety of bikinis. 

I'd like to start by saying I have nothing against swimsuits or tankinis, my extensive wardrobe has its fair share of both. Swimsuits are unbeatable for pools, water-sports and inflatables, they provide much more support than bikinis and (if they have straps) you can dive in without having to worry about losing any clothes. Alternatively, for an option that combines convenience with modesty, a tankini is always a good choice. They allow you to experiment with different colours, patterns and styles whilst still keeping more covered and protected from the sun. At risk of turning this blog into a tell-all column, I do have to recommend tankinis during that time of the month- they're perfect to cover any bloating and ensure that you feel as comfortable as possible. 

Back to bikinis! Let's start with colours- I'd recommend buying a black pair of bikini bottoms. As a general rule, black tends to go with pretty much anything, making it the perfect foundation for any beach outfits. Not only this, it lets you get colourful with bikini tops without risking the whole ensemble becoming too vibrant. I'm all for bikini sets- but getting a few plain colour items lets you mix and match pattern bikinis with matching colours, meaning that what used to be 3 bikinis becomes 9 potential outfits. 

On the topic of mix and matching- patterns! Bikinis are a brilliant way to express yourself, on the beach or by the pool they're their own outfit, but throw on a pair of shorts or jeans and you've got an outfit perfect for a BBQ, shopping trip or picnic with friends. They let you get a brilliant all over tan where-ever you end up this summer. With this theory of multi-purposefulness comes accessories, they can make or break a bikini-based summer fit, and its important you know how to style them. For this I have my top 3 tips:

1. Colour match- it seems obvious, but any accessories, be it sunglasses, a bucket hat or a bum-bag will pack an extra punch if they're the same colour as the bikini. Monochrome has made a massive comeback recently, so ride the wave by matching the colours

2. Work with embellishments- buckles, beads, bells and whistles; all the intricate details on a bikini that usually go overlooked can pop if matched to your accessories. For example, my newest bikini has a gold heart-shaped clasp, which makes it perfect with a pair of gold earrings and my heart shaped bag

3. Get creative!- repurpose a winter scarf as a tied wrap skirt, tie your bikini in a different way by crossing the straps or make a new workout ensemble by pairing your classic bikini top with some cycling shorts and trainers

To conclude; wear whatever makes you comfortable this summer! SHEIN is revered for its bikinis, I personally prefer New Look and H&M, but they're all affordable options if you're looking to expand your summer collection. Bikinis aren't for everyone, but they definitely aren't anything to be afraid of. So this summer, be confident, be outgoing and be yourself!