How to build the perfect beach look: the ultimate guide to swimsuits, sarongs and style details
Discover women’s swimwear 2026: balconette bikinis, minimalist triangle styles or bandeau tops to follow the latest summer trends
We wait all year for this moment: summer. And yet, every year, the question is always the same: which swimsuit should I choose? The truth is that there is no perfect women’s swimsuit for everyone. There is the one that makes us feel good, flatters our body, and tells something about our personal style. Summer, more than any other season, allows us to experiment but without going overboard. The most successful beach looks are almost always those built with simplicity. Because when the setting is already naturally spectacular: the sea, the light, the umbrellas… there is no need to add too much. Just a few well-chosen pieces are enough.
The swimsuit: the true star
Let’s start with it, the central piece of every summer look. This year’s fashion seems to have no limits. Micro bikinis, styles with jewel-like embellishments, metallic details, three-dimensional textures, bows, beads and unusual cuts coexist with much more minimal proposals. Bikinis continue to be the main stars of the season. From essential triangle tops to more decorative styles, everything works as long as it matches your personal style. But one-piece swimsuits also deserve a special mention, often underrated. They are sophisticated, versatile and incredibly modern. They can feature wide or thin straps, deep necklines, open backs, strategic cut-outs or retro-inspired details evoking the elegance of the Italian Riviera of the 1960s. The advice is simple: choose one distinctive element. One special detail is worth more than ten combined.
JACQUEMUS
Brown Triangle bikini bottom
€ 150
GUCCI
Black stretch jersey bikini with clamp chain
€ 960
JACQUEMUS
Black Cabana swimsuit with ruffles
€ 265
JACQUEMUS
Brown Cabana swimsuit with ruffles
€ 265
JACQUEMUS
Brown Triangle bikini bottom
€ 150
GUCCI
Black stretch jersey bikini with clamp chain
€ 960
JACQUEMUS
Black Cabana swimsuit with ruffles
€ 265
JACQUEMUS
Brown Cabana swimsuit with ruffles
€ 265
JACQUEMUS
Light yellow asymmetric pareo skirt
€ 440
JACQUEMUS
Brown asymmetric pareo skirt
€ 440
Colours that enhance your tan
For those who love timeless elegance, solid colours remain unbeatable. Black is still synonymous with sophistication, white enhances golden skin, and warm shades like tobacco, bronze and terracotta naturally echo the summer landscape. Among the most interesting trends of the season, however, are pastel shades. Lilac, butter yellow, sage green and powder blue bring freshness and brightness, creating a delicate contrast with tanned skin.
The sarong: the accessory that changes everything
If the swimsuit is the star, the sarong is the best supporting act. Often, it alone is enough to completely transform a look. Tied at the waist as a skirt, worn as a dress, used as a top, or simply draped softly around the hips, it is probably the most versatile piece in the summer wardrobe. The only rule concerns matching. When the swimsuit features bold prints, bright colours or decorative details, the sarong should be more minimal. If the swimsuit is simple, the sarong can become the true focal point of the look.
Beyond the swimsuit: the pieces that make the difference
A great beach look is not built around the swimsuit alone. Oversized linen shirts remain one of the best investments you can make. They are light, elegant and work with almost everything. Mini skirts, crochet trousers and coordinated tops can also transform the transition from beach to aperitif in a natural and sophisticated way.
Accessories? Few but well chosen
The same “less is more” rule applies to accessories. A well-chosen straw hat, a raffia bag, a pair of interesting sunglasses, waterproof earrings, pendants and bracelets can complete the look without weighing it down.
SAINT LAURENT
Icare maxi raffia and leather shopping tote in natural
€ 4400
MANEBI'
Black crossover leather sandals
€ 155
BOTTEGA VENETA
Angle cat-eye sunglasses in recycled acetate, brown
€ 440
PANCONESI
Circular earrings in silver tone
€ 360
LOEWE
Loop bag in chocolate/natural striped raffia
€ 2050
BIRKENSTOCK
Arizona Birko-Flor pearl white slides
€ 98
BOTTEGA VENETA
Aviator Drop sunglasses havana/gold
€ 510
JACQUEMUS
Gold-plated copper drop earrings
€ 365
CHLOE'
Iconic tote bag in raffia and leather, Hot Sand
€ 1961
GUCCI
Black jacquard fabric slides
€ 615
RETROSUPERFUTURE
Black Carino Sunglasses
€ 190
VALENTINO GARAVANI
Heart logo lever-back earrings in enamel, gold/pink
€ 510
SAINT LAURENT
Icare maxi raffia and leather shopping tote in natural
€ 4400
MANEBI'
Black crossover leather sandals
€ 155
BOTTEGA VENETA
Angle cat-eye sunglasses in recycled acetate, brown
€ 440
PANCONESI
Circular earrings in silver tone
€ 360
LOEWE
Loop bag in chocolate/natural striped raffia
€ 2050
BIRKENSTOCK
Arizona Birko-Flor pearl white slides
€ 98
BOTTEGA VENETA
Aviator Drop sunglasses havana/gold
€ 510
JACQUEMUS
Gold-plated copper drop earrings
€ 365
CHLOE'
Iconic tote bag in raffia and leather, Hot Sand
€ 1961
GUCCI
Black jacquard fabric slides
€ 615
RETROSUPERFUTURE
Black Carino Sunglasses
€ 190
VALENTINO GARAVANI
Heart logo lever-back earrings in enamel, gold/pink
€ 510
ZIMMERMANN
Mahon scarf bikini top with Paisley motif
€ 175
HUNZA G
Celine blush one-piece swimsuit
€ 235
HUNZA G
Square red one-piece swimsuit
€ 220
FRANCESCO MURANO
White mini skirt with side train
€ 610
HUNZA G
Square bubble pink one-piece swimsuit
€ 220
GUCCI
Black stretch jersey bikini with clamp chain
€ 960
ZIMMERMANN
Mahon leopard-print one-piece swimsuit
€ 290
THE ATTICO
Light blue/white striped shirt Diana
€ 540
HUNZA G
Square lilac one-piece swimsuit
€ 220
HUNZA G
Celine blush one-piece swimsuit
€ 235
THE FRANKIE SHOP
Brown striped viscose and silk shorts
€ 235
JACQUEMUS
Baluchon bucket hat with bold stripes
€ 170
