Warm weather, sunny days, and flowers bursting into bloom: it’s no trick, the sunshine has arrived. This means that it’s finally time for us to celebrate the season in our best summer style.

The classic boho look is one of the best fashions for the summer. Flowing clothing keeps you cool and comfortable and you can have fun mixing and matching bold patterns and eye-catching accessories. Discover the essential ingredients that will ensure you achieve the exquisite boho chic style this summer.

Stick to long & loose clothes

If you want to feel free-spirited and effortlessly cool this summer, embrace comfortable clothing choices. The boho chic look and trends are characterised by long, loose garments. Yes, it is possible to pull off with jeans and a t-shirt or blouse by styling with the right accessories, like a big floppy hat and long dangly beads and earrings, but the true perfect bohemian hippie movement style is a maxi dress and gladiator sandals.

Think loose-fitting shapes, flowy fabrics, and fringing. Maxi dresses are a staple of the boho outfit and are perfect for summer. They’re comfortable and easy to wear, while also being stylish and feminine. Pair them with a studded belt to add some edge to your look. Embrace bohemian clothing that is relaxed and effortless, such as peasant blouses, flowing skirts, and oversized cardigans.

This makes it a great style for summer months when the temperatures are soaring and there is a danger of damage from the sun’s harsh UVA rays.

A staple of any bohemian wardrobe is several statement linen dresses with bell sleeves: these are a stylish way to keep cool and covered up when exploring outside. Palazzo pants work well too, or maxi skirts down to the ankle.

Incorporate prints and patterns

Prints and patterns are also the essence of any bohemian outfit. Florals is a popular option, but you could also opt for geometric shapes – especially if they are modelled on a tribal pattern. Anything connected with the natural world will work for this alternative style that has for two centuries allowed us to celebrate the artistic side of our personality.

Another way to incorporate pattern is to embrace crochet cover-ups – these have the added benefit of emoting ‘flower power’ hippy chic, the iconic 60s version of bohemian fashion.

Embrace natural colours and materials

Boho style is all about embracing your free spirit and expressing that through your clothing choices. A classic boho outfit is composed of an eclectic mix of borrowed, vintage, and collected-over-time pieces that evoke an earthy vibe and natural fabrics.

You’ll feel like a free-spirited goddess when you drape yourself in flowy fabrics and embrace earthy tones this season. The boho chic style is all about channelling a vibe that’s rooted in bohemian culture.

For a true representation of bohemian style, stick to natural shades. Earthy colours in rich tones are perfect, such as terracotta, warm brown and golden yellow. You can also explore soft greens and blues if this is more your colour palette.

Prefer to make a bolder statement with your colours? There are plenty of bohemian clothes available in non-traditional shades such as hot pink, deep purple, and neon. Layering is also a great way to add dimension and texture to your outfit. Mix and match different fabrics and prints to create a unique and eclectic look that’s all your own.

Focus on your accessories

Don’t forget to add a touch of whimsy to your outfits by accessorizing with unique and playful pieces that express your personality and that boho vibe.

When it comes to accessories for bohemian-inspired outfits, the rule is the bigger the better! Nail the bohemian look with chunky necklaces and long pendants, colourful dangly earrings, and oversized rings are ideal pieces of jewellery. Try to focus on natural materials such as wooden beads, crystals, and woven fabric.

You should also think natural for your summer bag trend: for example, a large canvas tote would work perfectly. Finally, cover your eyes in a pair of enormous sunglasses with a retro feel to complete the look.

Congratulations! You now have all the tools you need to achieve a boho chic style this summer.

In the UK, Stone Island is associated by many with its 80’s popularity on the football terraces much like Weekend Offender. It may surprise those people that the fashion brand originated in Italy.

Constant evolution is what drives Stone Island clothing, which in turn, makes it a perfect brand to uphold the values of high-end, luxury sportswear for men.

Established not so long ago in 1982, Stone Island is not a part of the great Italian fashion heritage helmed by the likes of Gucci, Prada, et all. They don’t need to be though, as they have created their very own league of luxury Italian fashion – a league that is shaping the present and the future of what is perceived to be Italian in fashion.

The intricate nature of the craftsmanship, the finesse, and dedication remain evidently Italian, however, which partially explains its popularity among the sporty men and streetwear fashionistas among others. Stone Island jackets are famed for their standout fabric compass logo.

The brand is globally known for its fashionable take on simple outfits like a hoodie, a polo t-shirt or a crossbody bag, but more importantly, how they are made. Recent linkups with Drake, and a fashion collab with streetwear brand Supreme have increased the brand’s exposure.

Experimenting with different linens and fabrics, Stone Island always pushes the perception of a material to the limits. More often than not, it finds something really nice for chic nomads to flaunt outdoors.

Early Years Of Stone Island: The Spirit Lies In History

Stone Island, at its inception, wasn’t a full-scale brand in itself. Rather, it was founded in 1982 by designer Massimo Osti to supplement his main endeavour – the C.P. Company. This understudy role, in contrast, created a strong base for the brand that made it a global icon as it is today.

In December 2020, Italian fashion house Moncler acquired and now owns Stone Island.

Right from its inception, the brand started to research heavily about the dying techniques and surface treatments. Over the years, it resulted in the introduction of Thermosensitive fabric, Rubber Wool, Reflective fabric, and many others.

This nature of experimentation and use of innovative techniques is visibly symbolised in the brand’s logo which consists of two buttons stitched into its compass-designed logo. The logo has changed a little bit over the years, with a ‘White Badge’ now mostly accompanies the clothes made out of fabrics developed in-house.

Who Is Streetwear Pioneer Massimo Osti?

The famed fashion designer was born in Italy in 1944 and started as a graphic designer and worked in advertising. It was in 1970 that his break in the fashion industry started with designing a t-shirt collection with placed prints, which would label become a staple of t-shirt design.

The innovative designer pioneered new techniques like the four colour process and silkscreen printing. With an industry that cries out for eye-catching designs, his initial T-Shirt collection had great success as a standout alternative to the plain white t-shirt.

This lead to the inception of the CP Company in 1971, initially called Chester Perry, but due to a lawsuit from Chester Barrie and Fred Perry, two English clothing brands, Osti had to rebrand).

In the 1980’s, Osti’s continued experiments with how different materials laid in the same dye bath lead to two-tone effects which revolutionised fashion. Continued trialling with new fabric ideas led to stone washing a polyester blend for a tough-wearing two-tone fabric, which he launched Stone Island with.

Made from this modern Tella Stella fabric that involved being pumiced and washed with stones to soften the rigid fabric. The first collection of just 7 jacket styles sold out in 10 days.

Stone Island become the launchpad for such unique fabrics as Raso Gommato, Thermosensitive fabric, Rubber Wool, Reflective fabric and colour-changing based on temperature. The use of rubber coating for example makes the fabric waterproof, which is partly why the brand is famed for their coats and jackets.

So influential was Massimo Osti, that his experiments with brushed combed wool, that the same technique is still used in modern-day processes.

The Style of Stone Island Sportswear

The current Spring 2021 collection from the revered fashion house is dominated by items such as a knit hoodie, normal hoodie, polo t-shirt, footwear, Bermuda shorts, printed t-shirts, shirts, sweatshirts, etc. There is also a whole collection of swim shorts

The accessories usually include a logo cap, backpack, cross-body bag, wallet, etc. No matter what you choose though, you are sure to be served with a unique take on sportswear that was not seen anywhere else. The dyeing technique and surface treatments would make sure of it.

All in all, if you want something simple yet experimental, ordinary yet striking, practical yet fashionable, Stone Island is where you would find your fashion home. Unlike many others, their tops and tees are mainly dyed in solid colours without a big logo printed over them.

It gives them a simplistic look, but the colour shades and the wash make it pretty unique nonetheless. The detailing is done with a concentration on practicalities, while the luxury comes from the establishment of new standards and boundaries.

The Stone Island Logo

Every brand needs a good logo to create an identity and recognition. The famed classic logo is a yellow four-point compass, the brand name in green on a black wool patch.

There are other variants, including the millennial celebration white logo on a black badge, a monochrome version, the all-black shadow project version, and the 30 years anniversary Edition.

Is Stone Island A Good Brand?

Being an Italian brand Stone Island has always been know for high-quality clothes that last and are stylish. If you read the customer views, there are the usual complaints about deliveries not arriving on time but this is standard and not within the brand control. These things happen and are usually easily resolved. You have to bear in mind that usually only the people with issues are driven to leave reviews.

The prices are in the luxury brand bracket and some may ask if Stone Island is worth it, but due to the quality and timeless designs it gives lifetime value. You can buy the brand in a lot of retailers, but for those looking for a bargain there is a huge list of Stone Island sale items at Threadspy.

Why Is Stone Island So Expensive?

Many eyebrows are raised at the price of Stone Island clothing, but quality materials are worth paying for as they last longer. With timeless designs, Stone Island really is the epitome of luxury sportswear for men with it’s high standard meaning it delivers value over time.

This article was originally posted in April 2021

For the most part, Italian women and men have endless attire style options, from tailored edgy pieces to lose flirty fabrics. Here’s a guide on what to wear during an Italian summer for men.

Summer Shirts

Many people see the collared shirt as boring pieces you must wear under a jacket. To Italian men, shirts and t-shirts allow them to express themselves in many forms, exploring monochromatic colours. As you prepare for the Italian summer, pack a couple of your designer t-shirts to rediscover the meaning of simplicity under an unforgiving Mediterranean sun.

It’s crucial to choose high-quality cotton options to help you manage the heat. If you need to look your bougie best while keeping your cool, you can choose simple, high-end t-shirt brands like the R13 Fu Boy T-shirts or a Patou signature T-shirt.

The most sure-fire way to get the best deals on such pieces is to hop from one men’s designer sale to the other. At these sales, you will be able to find fashionable staples at a fraction of the designer costs for top Italian fashion brands. This gives you more staple pieces to wear in Italy.

Jackets

Jacket on a sunny day? Convincing people to try jackets out in the steamy summer can be hard. But jackets are a mainstay of Italian fashion and culture, and if you’re to enjoy the summer like a true local, you might as well pack a few of them. Although you cannot wear shorts with one. Ever.

However, they don’t need to be heavy-stuffed. You can try a lightweight Maison Margiela denim jacket for a 90s beach style or go all colourful with one of Dolce and Gabbana’s floral print puff jackets. Matching linen blazer jackets with formal trousers can also bring your Italian casual fashion inspiration to life.

Trousers

Opt for loose-fitting smart trousers to give you more room for comfort. For this reason, linen is the best material for your pants. They keep you cool when the sun is at its highest.

If you’re looking for trouser options to add some character, try white jeans. They give you a base for experimenting with other colours, just like a white canvas brings out a great painting. If you prefer wearing shorts rather than wear jeans, ensure these are smart tailored to still be stylish in an Italian way.

Another trouser option to try for a befitting Italian experience is double-pleated trousers. The extra folds of fabric can keep you cool in extra steamy situations. High-end streetwear brands like Off-white have a wide range of denim options. An alternative brand to consider for a formal summer look is Saint Laurent.

Loafers

What’s a summer feeling without a little convenience? You’ll have to rethink your slider and flip flop habits if you want to have a memorable experience. Italians invest in their summer shoes as much as other people invest in their winter boots. A stylish pair of tailored loafers will serve you better than flip-flops, which often get sticky after a few hours in the sun. Also comfortable shoes are a must if doing lots of sight-seeing on cobblestone streets.

So if you need to know what to wear in Italy in summer on your feet, then you can always count on seasoned Made in Italy shoe brands like Valentino Garravani for their leather luxury. They offer more comfort than a nice pair of Oxford shoes on any sunny summer day. Try soft sole sneaker options if you want a bougie urban look to match your Italian summer outfit inspiration.

All in all, Italy is one of the best summer spots in the world. Immersing yourself in Italian fashion and culture can be a great way to savour your dolce vita Italian experiences. These fits will get you feeling like a local, even if it’s your first time on an Italian summer vacation.

Swimwear

Luxury designer swimwear is essential on any trip to Italy. The country is surrounded by water on the 3 sides and includes famed coastline like the Amalfi coast and one of the biggest islands in the Mediterranean sea in Sicily. Even inland away from the many coastal towns are such popular tourist hotspots like Lake Garda.

So quality swimwear for men is essential for your trip. Read our guide on mens swimwear to find the right pair for you.

FFN favourite Vanessa Bruno has a brilliant seasonal range that is well worth a look and fall in love with. The contemporary fashion style guru excels at French chic and bohemian style and has really wowed this season in general, but their bag collection is awe-inspiring and gorgeous.

Cabas Tote Bags: Best All-Rounder

Cabas is a French word for basket, and tote means to carry by hand, so it’s effectively a canvas shopping bag. It’s designed to be supportive of weight and to be carried either on your shoulder or in your hand. Designs vary and can look very stylish, so the right one will have everything you’d want and still be easy to accessorize with your outfit thanks to its canvas, linen, raffia, leather and denim options. And coming in various sizes, it is really the ultimate summer bag.

Raffia Bags: Best For The Beach

Raffia bags are made from the 20 species of Raphia Farinifera palm leaves and the eco-friendly manufacturing is sustainable. It’s superior to its straw organic fibre rival which is brittle. Raffia’s natural resin makes it more flexible and waterproof so is a great material for shoulder bags as can be coloured and embroidered. Great for the beach, with a rustic charm gives a great vibe with a maxi dress for strolling down the seafront promenade.

Moon Bags: Best For Evening Bags

If you do want to go smaller, then the moon bags are in for 2022.

First a technical breakdown. In most instances, a moon bag is so-called over the lunar shape, including the half-moon crescent version. In some places, it’s actually the equivalent to a bum bag, or fanny pack if you are like our Oliva and from the US. In short, a small pouch for holding small personal items, and typically worn on the outside of clothing.

I prefer the amazing Vanessa Bruno stylish take on the name, with their simply stunning range not much bigger than a purse made with raffia, linen, suede or leather. These carry less but are perfect for a clasp evening bag with a shoulder chain rather than the clutch bag style that needs to be carried.

Fishnet Bags: Best For Summer Holidays and Festivals

Fishnet is a style of string bag; round and spacious that resonates that summer vibe. The organic cotton versions are perfect for enclosing the contents to help keep them secure but also have that back-from-the-market look. The Mediterranean street style has a beautiful blue inspired by Greece so would look perfect in the winding streets of the villages in the Greek Islands.

Worn by stars of the silver screen such as Rita Hayworth, Lauren Bacall and Audrey Hepburn and still worn by celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé today, it’s worth investing in a quality pair of women’s espadrilles.

A sustainable choice

The fact that espadrilles are still popular today and have never gone out of fashion is a reflection upon their design genius. If you’re conscious about sustainability and often filter your fashion app searches as such, you’ll know that if you buy a pair of espadrilles they’ll be in your wardrobe for years; you won’t be replacing them frequently. It’s also worth looking out for espadrilles which are made from recycled materials.

So why hasn’t this footwear champion dated at all? Well, it’s all down to style and versatility. Good design must serve a purpose and inspire beautiful craftsmanship — and this is the essence of the espadrille. They’re multipurpose, seeing you through every summer occasion. You can wear them to countless events.

The office summer party

One of the reasons that espadrilles are so loved is that they’re stylish, but comfortable. Office parties might involve moving on to a venue straight from the office. Or you could be walking between venues in a city centre. Flat espadrilles look good with a skirt, dress or wide-leg trousers and you can dress them up or down. The perfect choice for day-to-night office wear.

The classic espadrille style — flat with ankle ties — is ideal for wearing with a maxi skirt for a day in the office (maxi is back on-trend for S/S 22), but this also offers a dramatic look for the evening. Simply add some statement jewellery or a biker jacket if the summer night air is cool. The Y2K mini is also returning for S/S 22 and flat espadrilles offer the perfect way to make a mini comfortable for work.

Summer weddings

Summer weddings often involve marquee receptions and outdoor ceremonies. This brings up the age-old problem of what to wear, and specifically, how you can walk in heels on grass. You might stubbornly think you can chance it because your favourite heels match your dress, but tip-toeing on the balls of your feet all day looks awkward and feels beyond painful. And sinking your silk-covered Louboutin stilettos into grass will stain them permanently.

Thankfully, way back in 1970, Yves Saint Laurent worked with Lorenzo Castañer to create a heeled version of the famous espadrille. This genius partnership solved all our heeled grass problems for evermore. Espadrille wedges are the perfect summer wedding shoe: your feet will remain cool in hot weather, the wedges won’t sink into grass, the wedge height will elongate your legs and you can dance the night away without needing to take your shoes off by the end.

The beach

Flat espadrille ankle-strap sandals are the perfect choice for walking on a sandy beach as the sand won’t become trapped in the shoe and you won’t sink as you walk. And pair them up with a raffia bag for the perfect beach look.

Flat espadrille sandals look preppy when paired with shorts or a pleated skirt (think Gymeth Paltrow in The Talented Mr Ripley). Or you can create a bohemian look (on-trend for S/S 22), with a long flowing beach dress, elements of tie-dye or crochet and lots of accessories. If you’re going on a boat trip, the slip-on, closed-toe espadrille is ideal for getting on and off the boat with ease and keeping your feet steady while on board.

And with these flat espadrilles your feet will still be comfortable if you take a walk away from the beach or go for a bike ride (whereas beach flip-flops… not so much).

The summer social calendar

Whether it’s the races, a regatta, polo or a garden party, summer events often involve dressing up, but also walking on grass. A classic espadrille wedge can be worn at any of these events.

And there is such variety to choose from: the colour, the height of the wedge heel, open-toed or closed, ankle-strap, crossover or ankle-tie. All will make your legs look longer and your walk elegant, but most importantly, they’re comfortable. No need to squeeze a pair of flats into your handbag.

City breaks

City breaks involve eating, drinking, shopping and culture galore. They also involve lots and lots (and lots) of walking. In summer, you’re more likely to get some warm weather, which is perfect for sitting outside a street café sipping a cool drink, but isn’t so great for hot feet.

Casual lace-up espadrilles are the best footwear for a city break. They’ll keep your feet cool and comfortable and will be quick to dry out if you experience a surprise rain shower. These relaxed espadrilles can be worn with jeans, shorts or a sundress: they’re super-versatile. Team them up with some Ray-Ban Wayfarers for an insouciant, cool look as you explore the city.

Cocktail parties

Cocktail party wear is more glam than smart casual, but not as dressy as black tie. A cocktail dress was clearly made for the event. The cocktail dress usually stops at the knee (not mini or maxi). Jumpsuits or wide-legged trousers and a blazer also work well.

Pair the cocktail dress, trousers or jumpsuit with some platform espadrille sandals. These platforms are comfortable for wearing all evening when you won’t be walking far as the wedge will support your foot well. Celebrities like Dua Lipa, Lady Gaga and Doja Cat have been championing the platform recently, and if you want to stand out, it’s the choice for you.

Whether you choose glamorous espadrille platforms or classic espadrille flats, there really is an espadrille style for everyone — this summer, and the summers which follow.

If there is one item of clothing that a woman needs to get through the summer season, that is a dress. With that in mind and with summer just around the corner, D2Line wants to help you express your personal style with five great ways to style a dress for the upcoming season.

Keep on reading to learn more and get the best dress styling advice from professionals.

Fashion Trends for Summer 2022

Summer is coming, so getting dress-ready is on everyone’s to-do list. But in order to make a statement and look modern, without sacrificing your personal style, it’s good to know what are the fashion trends that deserve our attention. 

Check out this list of the hottest dress trends in summer 2022:

• Bright colours
• Sleeveless dresses
• Baggy dresses
• Breathable lightweight fabrics
• Asymmetrical cut

Ready to embrace these fashion trends? Then pair up with our summer bag trends and lets go.

5 ways to wear a dress this season

Bright colours

This summer, choose a dress in a bold bright colour. Some of the trendy dress colours that make a strong statement and are worth checking out are bright yellow, lime green, cerulean, lilac and tangerine. But remember, if you go for daring and vibrant shades, make sure your accessories, shoes, and cover-ups are a bit more neutral to balance out the outfit.

No sleeves

Sleeveless dresses are very popular for this summer season. They allow you to stay fresh and cool, all the while looking stunning in your favourite dress. These types of dresses are extremely simple and minimalistic, so they can fit almost every aesthetic when accessorized right. Feel free to choose shoes and statement accessories that match your personal style and preferences.

Baggy look

Thanks to the youthful influence of streetwear fashion, in summer 2022, fashionistas all around the globe are craving the baggy look. Even when it comes to dresses. We are talking free-falling A-shaped or straight cut midi dresses, as long as they are not skin-hugging.

A good thing about baggy dresses is they allow you to stay cool and avoid sweat stains during the hot summer days. They are also suitable for all body types and can make every woman face life with confidence. Depending on the model of your baggy dress, make sure to accessorize in the same style.

Breathable fabrics

Breathable fabrics are so trendy right now, and to be honest, we cannot be happier about it. That is because this type of textile is very comfy and lightweight, and minimizes sweating during the hot summer days. Staying fresh and cool under the scorching sun sounds like a dream come true. 

On top of that, dresses made of breathable fabrics are usually flowy and playful, giving out a wild summery vibe. Go for a monochromatic colourful look, a floral pattern, or a black-and-white abstract pattern.

Asymmetrical cut

Getting a dress with an asymmetrical cut is one of the best decisions you can make for your summer wardrobe. Not only is it very modern and stylish, but it is also a super elegant and versatile garment that can be worn every day, in the office, and on special occasions. 

Choose the length of the dress according to your personal preferences. If you intend to wear it to work, then choose a long or knee-length dress and neutral accessories. In case you need the dress for a party or everyday setting, you can go for a shorter dress and complement it with a stylish belt and a silk neck scarf. 

Sheath dresses are often sleeveless, fitted, and nipped in at the waistline to emphasize and flatter the curves. They are a timeless classic and you can pair with long lashes for Cleopatra vibes. Usually, in a V neckline, there are also many cut out styles available.

Not to be confused with a shift dress, which hangs down directly from the shoulders with a more vertical look and loose fit.

Mini Dresses

A minidress is when the hemline is at mid-thigh level, no longer than 10cms below the buttocks much like a miniskirt. Anything at the upper thigh would be a microskirt and requires sensible underwear coverage.

Mini dresses look great on casual days, while the more formal styles are perfect for work events and weddings providing the length is modest. Green and florals are in again this season, with lurex featuring heavily.

Long Dresses

Long dresses are timeless and usually ankle or floor-length so requires a pair of heels to stop dragging. Style dependant, they are a great choice for weddings and evening gowns as they ooze elegance.

For the beach or those sunshine holidays though, a colourful floral-print maxi-dress is a guaranteed winner and is a great purchase thanks to its versatility. Some styles are strapless but can flatter any body shape silhouette.

Flared Dresses

Flared dresses are still popular and great for wedding receptions and parties due to their fun nature. Usually, a flare dress is fitted at the top and fabric is gathered above the waist to flare out to give its shape. This can be a great plus-size clothing style for those who want to hide their bums.

Knitted Dresses

Knitted dresses are still in style and come in a wide assortment of colours, prints, and styles. The knitwear fabric helps in the cooler evenings to stay warm, especially without a jacket or shawl.

Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits can be worn during the day and even to the workplace, though they might be best suited for casual days. Often in bright colours, they can be accessorized to be toned down depending on the occasion, but they make great fun and confidence-boosting summer wear. This is apt as they were literally designed for jumping out of planes hence the name.

The difference between a suit and a jumpsuit is the latter is all in one, whereas a suit is two-piece, and the bottoms could be dress or trousers. While you don’t get the flexibility with the jumpsuit, the one-piece is great for being active.

Conclusion

The spring season is a great time to shop for new clothing and accessories. You can find a wide variety of trends and styles for spring, from florals to jumpsuits. When you shop for spring fashion, it’s important to take into account your body type and style preferences to find the perfect look for you.

And the occasion is very important too, wedding season is on us, but if you can get good use at work too then you can double up the wardrobe with these spring dress styles.

There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing a swimsuit, but comfort should always be the number one priority. It’s essential to try on swimwear beforehand to ensure a fit test for both lounging and swimming to avoid a wardrobe malfunction when diving in. The right cossie would vary based on activities, as surfing or paddle boarding has more movement than sunbathing.

Things to consider include:

• Straps for support and tan lines. Thinner straps dig in more.
• Underwire support for the busty lady
• Fit. It should be tight but not uncomfortably so, and with two-piece swimsuits you can mix and match sizes.
• Coverage. Not just for the self-conscious but also from the sun.

Styles of swimwear for women

There are a range of styles ready to buy, so here is a quick run down of the popular types and they can easily be split into one and two piece styles, although that doesn’t always reflect on the amount of fabric and coverage.

One-piece swimsuit

One-piece swimsuits are just all in one fabric, and usually skin-tight that covers the full torso and commonly backless. They are one of the most popular styles of swimwear as they are flattering and safe.

The maillot or tank suit swimsuit style is more traditional coverage you would recognise, and likely feel more comfortable wearing.

Modern twists have made them more designer and stylish, with variants like cut outs exposing more of the torso, but ultimately they are still one piece of material. These styles are far fashionably in-trend, but perhaps not quite right for the waterpark.

For the super-confident, the sling swimsuit is the more skin exposing variant much like a mankini in that exposes the sides of the torso and often the cleavage. And the less said about the topless monokini the better.

The bodyskin is more like a wetsuit and used for watersports or swimming and covers the entire torso, arms and top of the legs.

Two-piece swimsuit

The two piece is a separate top and bottoms which gives huge flexibility on styles and sizing. This can vary from the modest tankini which is a full top, to the popular bikini which is just four triangles of fabric covering the breasts and bottom. The bathing suit style invented in the 1940’s was deemed controversial and banned in some countries, but is deemed tame now compared to G-string micro versions.

Two-piece swimsuits have a lot of versatility but will nearly always expose the navel. Top styles include the Bandeau tube top style (or Bandini), halter tops secured round the neck, and longline style which covers more support and coverage.

The tankini is a tank top and bottoms so can look like a one-piece but offers a range of mix and match options to find that right sizing. It’s great for those wanting to cover their stomach.

The bottoms can also come in a variety of styles that vary on coverage, including the high-waist (sitting higher on the stomach) and high-cut (exposing more thigh), to versions that include a skirt for full bum coverage.

Regardless of which style you prefer, a good dress can easily be put over the top when walking around if required. But naturally if you’ve shopped for one of the best swimwear brands then you will not want to cover it up.

What are the best styles for curvy ladies?

It’s all about confidence, but the most flattering type is the one-piece. Although tankini’s with a ruffles skirt and shorts offers the most coverage and would be the best swimsuit to hide tummy bulge.

Summary

Now that you know more on swimsuit styles, it’s time to shop. Whether you want an ultra-flattering one-piece or a fun and flirty bikini, hopefully, this has made it clearer what styles of swimwear for women there are available. Time to get beach ready!

There are some dedicated retailers for festival and rave wear, and our personal favourite is Devil Walking for those standout outfits which look amazing during the day and come alive in the night-time with UV reactive inks. They are US-based but ship worldwide, so the style is very much Coachella and the epic Electric Daisy Carnival which is right up my street.

Each festival has a different vide, so it helps if you narrow down which ones most closely match your interests. Once you know what type of festival you are attending, then you can start shopping for the right clothing.

From crocs to early 2000’s staples, fashion experts from streetwear brand, Criminal Damage, here delve into the top viral style trends of the year so far, exploring why each of the trends became so popular.

Crocs

This classic yet controversial shoe has seen a rebirth in 2021 and experts say this is due to the recent influx of celebrity endorsements. The likes of Justin Bieber and Jaden Smith kick started the revival after being seen repping the iconic footwear across social media, which gathered even more attention when paparazzi snapped each of them donning this standout shoe on the streets.

However, the trend really took off in early May when Nicki Minaj sent fans crazy with her custom pink crocs. Now with luxury brands such as the likes Balenciaga collaborating with Crocs on a bespoke collection, they could well be here to stay!

Loungewear

Whilst loungewear has long been a staple, the style went viral when lockdown hit in 2020, with casual pieces becoming more than just an after-work outfit.

Google data shows searches for loungewear sets increasing by a huge 223% in March last year, and this continued throughout the year, with popularity peaks coinciding with the various national lockdowns.

Monty Aytan, Executive at Criminal Damage says, “Whilst the increased time at-home has certainly been a trigger for embracing loungewear, we’re seeing a surge in demand as people look to incorporate these relaxed looks across different occasions.”

“Versatility is what makes loungewear such a staple trend and as many are looking to dress up post lockdown, small additions such as adding a blazer, accessorizing or donning some heels can create a whole new look for these staple pieces.”

Y2K

The Y2K trend, or ‘Year 2000’s’, has dominated spring/summer 2021 collections and gained huge popularity with Gen Z.

Whilst the reason for this trend going viral isn’t certain, experts believe it could be due to the popular video-sharing platform, Tiktok.

Aytan adds, “Fashion styles come and go and in almost a full circle moment, Gen Z are tapping into the styles that were popular whilst they were growing up in early 2000’s.”

“The Y2K trend skyrocketed last summer when the social media app became popular, with many including bright and bold colours, small bags and skinny sunglasses in haul videos.”

The popularity of reselling apps like Depop and vintage clothing styles within university culture is also believed to have influenced the trend.

Vintage

With the rise of sustainability, buying vintage has once again become extremely popular in 2021. With younger generations seemingly being more mindful and environmentally conscious than those before them, it’s no surprise that recycling and reusing fashion has really taken off.

Again, vintage clothes have also been prevalent across social media, with the trend being tagged over 325 million times on Tiktok alone.

Tie Dye

Whilst we were all ordered to stay at home, and many of us were looking for ways to keep ourselves entertained, tie dye became a go-to activity. A fun way to spend an afternoon, tie dying also offered the opportunity to double up as a way to refresh your wardrobe, with tie dye t-shirts, joggers and other loungewear items proving popular.

“Social media definitely accelerated this trend as users on Tiktok documented the creation of tie dye items. The term saw over 4.7 billion hashtags on the platform, showcasing just how powerful a tool Tiktok has become for driving fashion trends forward.”, says Aytan.

Do you have any of these viral fashion trends in your wardrobe?