How to wear swimwear on your staycation

Summer holidays abroad (remember those?) still remain off the agenda for many this year, spelling sizeable sulks from those of us who consider 168 hours spent languishing on a sun lounger to be our heaven on earth. But we’re not the only ones missing out on the fun. Spare a thought for your poor, abandoned bikini.

However, just as ice cream and ice-cold sangria should not just be saved for Spanish beach holidays, neither should our collection of cossies. This summer savvy stay-at-home city dwellers are experimenting with swimwear, whether that’s pairing a one-piece with cut-off denim shorts for a day in the park, or using a bikini as the perfect layering item under a sun-dress. It’s starting to seem as if there’s much more to beachwear than a beach. How will you wear yours? 

Whether you’re headed to your favourite park to catch some rays or hitting the garden after an early finish, a one-piece and shorts combo is the city sunbather’s dream. It’s also a look with a celebrity seal of approval – Gigi Hadid and Kristen Stewart are fans.

To join the party, seek out swimmers with simple cuts (avoiding bulky ties or frills) and don’t be afraid to experiment with colour. A scoop back one-piece looks excellent with denim – think of it as a rock ’n’ roll look you can swim in. Shorts with a bit of slouch are a great option for those who like a loose and languid look.

If you’ve ever attempted to wear a strapless bra in a heatwave, you’ve lived through agony. You’ll also know that summer with its spaghetti-strapped dressing, and backless tops is a veritable minefield for those of us who like to keep things under wraps. A bikini could be the perfect solution, especially when the mercury rises.

Try teaming a contrasting print under long billowing sundresses for a high summer look with tons of metropolitan appeal. Bonus: you’ll feel like you’re on holiday even if you’re just queueing at the post office.

Instagram posts populated by hotdog legs and swim-up bars may be down in their numbers this year, but wild swimming shots are most definitely up. If you’re inspired to join the alfresco swim crew, you’ll need a new look to match. A classic, sculpted bathing costume could be the way to go. Indeed, they are among the most photogenic with a little black costume a clear cut winner. For pre-swim chats by the ponds, wear yours with an A-line skirt. Just remember to pack a dry T-shirt to avoid a soggy journey home.

You don’t need a balcony overlooking a Balearic enclave or a sun lounger by a pool in the Seychelles to appreciate the joy of fabulous beachwear. Cover-ups double up as perfect warm-weather attire for those of us staying on UK shores. For a laid-back weekend look, try layering a bohemian style with oversized earrings and – you guessed it – a bikini top. A pair of structured espadrilles will finish this look.

So what if squinting at your Kindle from a sticky seat at the local paddling pool is not precisely the idyll you imagined for the summer of 2021? Make the best of it. Use it as a chance to perfect your lido look. Seek out swimwear from a sports-approved brand – at least you’ll look like a pro when the triathletes show up – and layer with preppy pieces such as a sleeveless hoodie and toweling shorts. Swimming is optional.