Lounging on the beach...Splashing in the pool...Taking a quick dip in the local waterhole…Wherever the long, hot languid days of summer may take you – GO THERE IN STYLE

This season, the trend in beachwear is all about creating a “look."  You start with a sophisticated swimsuit, add to it a fabulous cover up, accessorize with some beautiful accoutrements, create a lovely place to perch, and voila!  You’re stylishly good to go!  The hottest swimwear pieces take their color and style cues directly from the runways.
 

With this in mind, we thought it would be fun to create some stylish summer “looks” inspired by our favorite runway and color trends, pair them with a few of our favorite fantasy destinations, and show you just how easy it is to bring high style and low tide together!
 

Modern Country Charm

   THE LOOK

 CREATING "MODERN COUNTRY CHARM"

 THE LOOK

 

CREATING "EXOTIC PRINTS, FUSION OF COLOR"

Show off in a zebra inspired string bikini from DVF.  Add a touch of gold with Oliver People’s Vilette sunglasses and a cuff by Rebecca Norman.  Cover up with a Space Knit Dyed tunic from Echo Design.  A pair of Nuela Sandals for Puma will keep you fabulously grounded as you have tongues wagging over your Python Skin bag from Prada.  Don’t forget to pack a zebra skin-inspired outdoor pillow from Frongate.com, because even your lounge chair needs a little animal magnetism.

Super Sexy, Super Bright

THE LOOK

CREATING "SUPER SEXY, SUPER BRIGHT"

Start with a fabulous Coral Reef swimsuit by Milly.  Cover up with an Alice&Olivia dress from Scoop NY.  Protect your hair from those tropical rays by tying it back with an Insects on Parade scarf from Echo Design.  Carry your goodies in a bright floral tote from Anthropolgie and let a fluffy monogrammed towel from KooKoo Bears and a sweet Juicy  Couture charm bracelet bring out your inner-girlish charm.  Then, simply slip on a pair of Christan Loubritan gold sandals when it’s time to move on to the next party.

Retro Glamour Meets Sporty Silhouette

THE LOOK

 

 
CREATING "RETRO GLAMOUR MEETS SPORTY SILHOUETTE"

Sport a sexy one piece from St. John’s swimwear collection.  Accessorize with a metallic silver Cassandra Tote by Koobla, pull your locks back with a patent Jennifer Ouillett headband available through Barney’s NY, and keep track of every delicious minute on a waterproof Sport Chrono Watch from Toy Watch USA.  Cover up with the “Don’t Baby Me” stylish hoodie from Anthropologie and a pair of Lux Canvas Shorts from Urban Outfitters.  Slip your tootsies into a pair of Mystique sandals.  Then, enjoy the sun and skyline by floating the afternoon away on a metallic chaise from Frontgate.

Neutral Sophistocation, Cool & Calm

THE LOOK

 

CREATING "NEUTRAL SOPHISTOCATION, COOL & CALM"

Begin with a Bandeau Bikini by Puma.  Slip on a Chevron Striped dress from The Gap.  Style yourself with Christian Dior sunglasses and a Tote Le Monde mesh bag.  Protect your skin with Hat Attack's raffia hat.  Geisha Flip Flops from Calypso will carry you peacefully from spa to poolside.   Then, take a deep breath and say ‘Ohm” on a straw floor mat from Pearl River Mart.

Born with a natural sense of style, Julie Hoylen is a fashion stylist and consultant working in the New York City area. Julie's professional experience in both the fashion and music industries has allowed her to develop a unique perspective on personal style that keeps her clients turning to her whenever they need help defining their look personally or professionally. 

Julie is the Lifestyle Editor and Chief Style Maven.  You can see the latest from Julie on Live In Full Color.