Beachwear has long walked the line between being practical and provocative.
Before there was Miu Miu, there was the mu’umu’u – a light and long dress promoted by Christian missionaries from Hawaii to the Cook Islands from the 1820s. While the mu’umu’u was supposed to be a modest undergarment, many women – and then fashion designers – realised that the breezy garment was a delight to wear on its own. Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Halston all debuted mu’umu’u styles (for which they dropped the apostrophes, or called ‘kaftans’ instead) in Europe and America in the mid-20th century. They often came in vibrant colours and ‘exotic’ prints.
The bikini itself was named after the site of the first public nuclear bomb test after World War II (Bikini Atoll) because French designer Louis Réard knew his invention would have an explosive impact. Regarding speedos, Trumpet’s ‘Simplifying Summer’ advert correctly queries: ‘Skin tight swimming togs – an item of clothing you’d happily wear in public, but not in public. So how far is too far?’
My favourite beach attire also tests the boundaries of what one can get away with wearing. Shop below the beach cover-ups, which don’t always cover up.
Togs, Togs, Undies
Within Miu Miu’s dedicated ‘Underwear And Beachwear’ online shopping section, we find tight-knit, checked cotton or silk boxer shorts alongside cropped camis and crochet bikinis. The luxury label’s idiosyncratic styling sees these ity-bity shorts paired with cardigans and parkers – blithe pairings for a swimsuit or bikini alone. If you’re after something a little longer, the below New Zealand brands offer longer shorts in undergarment fabrications that are still very fun. Trumpet’s rule is: ‘If you can’t see the water, you’re in underpants.’ But, 18 years after this ad aired, we’ve moved on.
Morning Dresses
While ‘morning’ dresses started out as easy-wearing garments for around the home, the latest iterations are good enough for summer excursions, too. My favourite dress to wear to the beach is a cotton poplin mini designed by the mastermind behind Miu Miu, Miuccia Prada. I also go straight to the inspiration source to find smocked and laced nighties that are a fraction of the price, and which can always be shortened if you’d like to create the same careful sense of insouciance as Mrs. Prada.
Pyjama Party
The best summer days are ones when you only change out of your pyjamas for swimwear. The trend for matching summer sets in lightweight fabrics and colourful patterns gives that same sense of barefoot luxury. Designer touches, such as shell buttons, patch pockets, and notch collars, ensure they can be worn well into the evening, too.
Dressing Down Gowns
If it isn’t already clear, I have a keen nostalgia for my childhood wardrobe. Sometimes, I wish I could fit into those children’s beac- towel-meets-poncho, complete with a snuggly hood post-swim. Then, I realise, my towelling robe from Missoni is the adult alternative – and why not work away on cost-per-wear vindication while on vacation? If you’re worried about mixing bathwear and beachwear, there are also plenty of retro terry dresses that do the same thing. Another wistful garment I like to wear is a vintage cotton dressing gown, which can pass as a wrap dress if I tie it tight enough for beachside barbeques. While it is not a period piece, yet, General Sleep’s organic robe with gathered short sleeves will last many more summers.
Sarongs Wrapped
Thanks to sophisticated new styles, sarongs are no longer a souvenir of holidays from the ‘90s. My favourite modern sarongs are from Fourth Street. Made in vibrant, organic cotton, they are large enough to be tied in many different ways, or can be doubled over for volume. If you’re new to sarongs, pre-tied skirts or dresses that appear to be one wrap of fabric, are an effortless way to dip your toe in the trend. If you’re all across sarongs and looking for something even more diaphanous, ballerina skirts have a beautiful flow to them and are easy to care for.
Almost Muumuus
Of course, we cannot forget our ultimate inspiration. These loose-fitting, organic fabric tunics and kaftans may offer fuller coverage, but they reveal much about the wearer’s sense of style.
