Beach bulletin: Keep it earthy, natural and organic

Summer calls for refreshed swimwear and sophisticated cover-ups, if you aim to own every beach you walk into. The new array of upgraded swimsuits come with luxe fabrication and ultra-high cut bottoms exposing the pelvage. All you need is a statement beach hat (which doubles up as your beach umbrella), a gigantic raffia tote and shell jewellery to be the czarina of the sandy shores. The high-cut monokinis were major last season too and they show no signs of fading out. However, shake things up a little with a bamboo handbag or a cane clutch - both of which are enjoying the spotlight. “I’d suggest working with natural, breathable fabrics in terms of your sun cover-ups. PVC pieces are a major hit too, and you can’t go wrong with the ubiquitous thong heels and giant sunnies,” says stylist Allia Al Rufai.

A one-shoulder tropical print swimsuit is all you need this summer. (A swimsuit by Verandah)

While bright hues always work beautifully for summer holidays, it won’t be off the mark to invest in a more earthy and soothing palette of pale grey, beige separates - all of which are pleasing to the eye. Stylist Edward Lalrempuia’s style mantra is “earthy, natural and organic”. He suggests opting for a cotton sundress and layering it with a linen jacket. “A nifty linen blazer too complements a pair of beach shorts. The bucket hats are a sure-shot winners as they completely cover your face from the harsh sun. In terms of footwear, you couldn’t possibly go wrong with basic slides,” suggests Edward.

A colour-blocked cover-up says summer like nothing else. (Aniket Satam)

Flowy fabrics like Chanderi and chiffon work stunningly for pool parties or sea side holiday escapes. Designer Anupama Dayal roots for statement prints in pop colour. “The cherry prints and vintage florals are having a moment right now and the ruffled bralette is your go-to pick. The high-cut monokini may have been a trend, but I have to admit that it’s a demanding look and one has to be impossibly fit to pull it off,” says Anupama.

Read: Malaika Arora gives it back to her age-shaming haters with a sunny new pic in a bikini

Besides the muted hues, neons are make a thrilling comeback too. Stylist Mohit Rai suggests some off-kilter pairings. “Team a pair of linen trousers with a cool bikini or a short tennis skirts. In terms of accessories and jewellery, sea shells are enjoying the spotlight like never before.”

Beach essentials

Cane clutch and raffia totes are the ‘it’ accessories of the season.

Invest in giant hats and statement sunnies.

Layer with chanderi and chiffon waistcoats.

High-cut monokinis and ruffled bralettes are having a moment.

Author tweets @dandydujour

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