Shore things: Hit the beach in style
Safe sun x 2--That means sunscreen and stylish cover-ups, like this flared poly chiffon print top, $24.95, or scoop-neck knit, $TK; at H&M stores. Credit: Handout
You may not be covered up at the beach this summer, but you'll likely feel dressed up, as swimwear designers are increasingly taking cues from sportswear trends.
"You're dealing with such a small piece of fabric, so you have to come up with an interesting detail," says couture fashion designer Carmen Marc Valvo, describing his swimwear line.
Valvo's simple strapless maillots, for instance, are ruched like his red carpet gowns. Other brands use pendants, sashes, retro styling and one-shouldered silhouettes.
Guys will always gravitate toward simple, surfer-dude looks. But when horsing around in the surf is through and it's time to take a romantic boardwalk stroll, adding just one tailored piece "can create a look of effortless sophistication," notes Bernardo Rojo, creative director for Joseph Abboud. He likes the look of a blazer atop board shorts - sharp for a summer party, he adds, and "perfect for the beach."
We've gathered great summer gear, from sexy suits to Martha Stewart's Tenchicolor towels and Jack Rogers' Palm Beach-y straw bags. A stylish summer? No sweat.
MASCULINE FLIP-FLOPS
Havaianas must have peeked into their crystal ball when the ever-popular flip-flop brand decided to team up with designer Michael Bastian, who earlier this month won the fashion industry's top honor -- the Council of Fashion Designers of America Award for best menswear designer of the year. Their Havaianas x Michael Bastian collection is inspired by marine explorer Jacques Cousteau and Navy SEALs. "These are cool guys -- and I always like a nice, good, strong masculine inspiration behind the collection," says Bastian. Undersea-print flip-flops; $38, at us.havaianas.com.
