A-Z of Summer Style – Cont.

P is for Poolside Glamour…

… Never before it seems has beachwear been as glamorous, so much so this season’s beach look deserves a post all to itself.

We all go on holiday with the intention to escape daily life, let our hair down and relax, and with most girls you’ll find that that includes taking time out from the daily routine of applying make-up and straightening those unruly frizzy strands of hair. It’s rare you will find a female who doesn’t admit to the liberating feeling that comes with being able to wake up in the morning and head to the pool without as much as a scrap of make-up on – but then there’s no denying that ‘naked faced, half-naked’ self-awareness that comes when that sexy guy you were flirting with the night before when you looked your sun-kissed best strides towards your lounger. Well girlies, you will be pleased to know that, make-up or no make-up, wobbly bits or no wobbly bits, looking gorgeous by the pool has never been easier!

The summer of 2008 echoes the striking looks of the 1970’s, think ‘Bond Girl’ revived noughties style and combined with tribal and safari-inspired trends to create bold and sensational looks to lounge by the pool.

The base begins with the swim wear – go for a halter neck bikini top, a cut-out swimsuit or all-in-one with a plunging neckline. Choose colours such as metallic gold and bronze, black or white, or make a bold and bright statement with sunset corals, oranges and yellows, which complement a glowing tan fabulously. Animal, ethnic and tribal prints and pieces decorated with gold details such as rings, beads and chains, fab sequin, jewel and mirror embellishment emulate a hippy chic and opulent flair.

Every wise girl knows a trip to the beach cannot be without some form of cover-up – not only from the sun between sunbathing sessions, but also to cover that bloated belly from the night before. Kaftans are the ideal choice and have ultimately replaced sarongs as this season’s must-have beach bag item. Either long or short, a full and flowing voluminous silhouette or a more close fitted straight style edged with plunging embellished necklines, kaftans are suitable for any height or figure when it comes to achieving a truly elegant and sexy sunbathing style. Team a kaftan with a wide belt to create a sexy hourglass shape and sandals for a stunning beach-to-bar look any time of the day.

Accessories are big this season. A statement floppy hat or headscarf tied round bandeau style screams iconic seventies’ sophistication, beach bags should be oversized and glitzy, beads and bangles chunky, and sandals gladiator style or metallic and jewelled. Finish the look with super-sized sunglasses – the epitome of high-octane glamour, not only do they look alluring and add a touch of Hollywood style that cleverly masks even the most tired eyes, they also offer the best possible protection from the sun’s harmful rays.