Styling Your Bikini: From Beach to Bar
A bikini is a versatile piece of clothing, perfect for soaking up the sun on the beach. But with the right styling, it can also be a chic outfit for a casual bar outing. This guide offers creative tips on how to style your bikini for different occasions, with suggestions for cover-ups, accessories, and footwear to elevate your look.
1. Choosing the Right Cover-Up for Your Bikini
A cover-up is essential for transitioning your bikini from beachwear to a more appropriate outfit for other settings. The right cover-up can add style, comfort, and a touch of sophistication to your look.
Types of Cover-Ups
Sarongs: A classic choice, sarongs are versatile and can be tied in numerous ways – around the waist as a skirt, across the body as a dress, or even as a top. Choose a lightweight fabric like cotton or silk for breathability.
Kimono: A kimono adds a touch of elegance and can be paired with any bikini style. Look for kimonos with vibrant prints or delicate embroidery to make a statement. A longer kimono can provide more coverage, while a shorter one is ideal for a more casual vibe.
Beach Dresses: Opt for a flowy beach dress made from breathable materials like linen or rayon. A maxi dress can be dressed up with accessories, while a shorter dress is perfect for a more relaxed look. Consider a dress with interesting details like ruffles, lace, or cut-outs.
Oversized Shirts: A crisp, oversized button-down shirt is a stylish and comfortable cover-up option. Wear it open over your bikini, tie it at the waist, or button it up and roll up the sleeves for a more polished look. Linen or cotton shirts are ideal for hot weather.
Crochet Cover-Ups: Crochet cover-ups add a bohemian touch to your beach look. They come in various styles, from dresses to tops to pants, and can be paired with any bikini style. The open weave allows your bikini to peek through, adding a playful element.
Choosing the Right Fabric and Colour
Fabric: Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, rayon, or silk. These fabrics will keep you cool and comfortable in the heat.
Colour: Choose a cover-up colour that complements your bikini. Neutrals like white, beige, and black are always a safe bet, but don't be afraid to experiment with bold colours or prints. Consider your skin tone and hair colour when choosing a colour palette.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Choosing a cover-up that's too heavy: Avoid thick, heavy fabrics that will make you feel hot and uncomfortable.
Wearing a cover-up that's too revealing: Make sure your cover-up provides adequate coverage for the occasion. If you're going to a bar, you might want to opt for a more modest cover-up.
Not considering the occasion: Choose a cover-up that's appropriate for the setting. A sarong might be perfect for the beach, but a kimono might be more suitable for a bar.
2. Accessorising Your Beach Look: Hats, Sunglasses, and Jewellery
Accessories can transform your bikini from a simple beach outfit to a stylish and put-together look. The right accessories can add personality, flair, and a touch of glamour.
Hats
Wide-Brimmed Hats: A wide-brimmed hat is a classic choice for sun protection and style. Opt for a straw hat with a wide brim to shield your face and shoulders from the sun. Choose a hat with a neutral colour like beige or white for versatility.
Baseball Caps: A baseball cap is a more casual option, perfect for a sporty or relaxed look. Choose a cap with a fun print or logo to add personality to your outfit.
Visors: A visor is a practical choice for keeping the sun out of your eyes without covering your entire head. Choose a visor with a wide brim for maximum sun protection.
Sunglasses
Classic Sunglasses: Timeless styles like aviators, wayfarers, and cat-eye sunglasses are always a good choice. Choose a frame that complements your face shape and a lens colour that suits your style.
Trendy Sunglasses: Experiment with trendy styles like oversized sunglasses, mirrored lenses, or colourful frames. These styles can add a fun and fashionable touch to your look.
Jewellery
Minimalist Jewellery: Delicate necklaces, bracelets, and earrings can add a subtle touch of elegance to your bikini look. Opt for simple designs in gold or silver.
Statement Jewellery: Make a statement with bold necklaces, chunky bracelets, or oversized earrings. Choose pieces that reflect your personality and style.
Body Jewellery: Body chains and anklets can add a touch of glamour to your bikini look. Choose delicate designs that won't get in the way while swimming.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Over-accessorising: Avoid wearing too many accessories at once. Choose a few key pieces that complement your outfit.
Wearing jewellery that's not waterproof: Avoid wearing delicate or expensive jewellery that could be damaged by water or sunscreen.
Not considering the occasion: Choose accessories that are appropriate for the setting. A statement necklace might be perfect for a bar, but a simple bracelet might be more suitable for the beach.
3. Footwear Options: Sandals, Espadrilles, and Wedges
The right footwear can complete your bikini look and add comfort and style. Choose footwear that's appropriate for the occasion and complements your outfit.
Sandals
Flip-Flops: A classic choice for the beach, flip-flops are comfortable and practical. Choose a pair with a fun print or colour to add personality to your outfit.
Slides: Slides are a more stylish alternative to flip-flops. Choose a pair with a minimalist design in leather or rubber.
Strappy Sandals: Strappy sandals can add a touch of elegance to your bikini look. Choose a pair with delicate straps in leather or suede.
Espadrilles
Flat Espadrilles: Flat espadrilles are a comfortable and stylish option for the beach or a casual bar outing. Choose a pair with a classic design in canvas or leather.
Wedge Espadrilles: Wedge espadrilles can add height and sophistication to your bikini look. Choose a pair with a comfortable wedge heel and a stylish design.
Wedges
Cork Wedges: Cork wedges are a lightweight and comfortable option for the beach or a casual bar outing. Choose a pair with a neutral colour like beige or brown.
Platform Wedges: Platform wedges can add height and drama to your bikini look. Choose a pair with a bold design in leather or suede.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wearing heels that are too high: Avoid wearing heels that are too high for the beach or a casual bar outing. Choose a comfortable heel height that you can walk in easily.
Wearing shoes that are not waterproof: Avoid wearing shoes that could be damaged by water or sand.
Not considering the occasion: Choose footwear that's appropriate for the setting. Flip-flops might be perfect for the beach, but wedges might be more suitable for a bar.
4. Transitioning from Beach to Bar: Quick Styling Tips
Transitioning from the beach to a bar doesn't have to be complicated. With a few quick styling tips, you can easily transform your bikini look into a chic and appropriate outfit.
Add a Cover-Up: As mentioned earlier, a cover-up is essential for transitioning your bikini from beachwear to a more appropriate outfit. Choose a cover-up that's stylish and versatile.
Change Your Footwear: Swap your flip-flops for sandals, espadrilles, or wedges to elevate your look.
Accessorise: Add jewellery, sunglasses, and a hat to complete your outfit. Choose accessories that complement your bikini and cover-up.
Touch Up Your Makeup: Apply a fresh coat of lipstick or gloss and add a touch of bronzer to enhance your glow.
Style Your Hair: Tame your beachy waves with a quick braid or bun. Add some hairspray to keep your hair in place.
5. Makeup and Hair Ideas for a Beach-to-Bar Look
Your makeup and hair can also contribute to a seamless transition from beach to bar. Here are some ideas to consider:
Makeup
Natural Glow: Focus on enhancing your natural features with a light foundation or tinted moisturiser, bronzer, and highlighter. This will give you a healthy, sun-kissed glow.
Bold Lips: A pop of colour on your lips can instantly elevate your look. Choose a bright red, coral, or pink lipstick to make a statement.
Smoky Eyes: A smoky eye is a classic choice for a night out. Use neutral shades like brown, bronze, and gold to create a subtle and sophisticated look.
Waterproof Mascara: Ensure your mascara is waterproof to avoid smudging or running in the heat or after a swim.
Hair
Beachy Waves: Embrace your natural beachy waves by adding some texturising spray or sea salt spray. This will give your hair a tousled and effortless look.
Braids: Braids are a stylish and practical way to keep your hair out of your face. Try a French braid, fishtail braid, or Dutch braid.
Buns: A bun is a chic and sophisticated hairstyle that's perfect for a night out. Try a top knot, messy bun, or low bun.
Ponytail: A ponytail is a simple and versatile hairstyle that can be dressed up or down. Try a high ponytail, low ponytail, or side ponytail.
By following these tips, you can confidently style your bikini for any occasion, from a relaxing day at the beach to a fun night out at the bar. Remember to choose pieces that reflect your personal style and make you feel comfortable and confident. For more style inspiration, learn more about Bikinis and explore what we offer to enhance your swimwear collection. If you have any questions, check out our frequently asked questions section. Enjoy your summer!