As summer approaches in Australia, we're eager to soak up the sun and taste the salty air by the ocean. We're preparing for endless weekends spent at the beach by organising our swimwear wardrobe. To get the most wear out of our swimwear this season, we'll be mixing and matching separates and styling our swimwear into daywear.
Not only is mixing and matching an easy way to give your swim wardrobe ultimate versatility, it is also a big money saver. At Public Figure, we sell our bikinis as separates so you can get the best fit and are able to style the pieces to match your existing swimwear. Our swimwear brands Peony Swim and Ziah are classic in design and made to transcend wardrobe categorisation.
Mixing two solid colours
Colour blocking is a fail-safe style choice when it comes to mixing and matching separates. The key is to either go for a monochrome look by matching different tones of the same colour or pairing a bold colour with a neutral such as black or white.
Stick to one key pattern
A classic black bottom is a swimwear staple - it is the perfect base for mixing and matching various statement bikini tops. However, for an equally chic look, pair a solid top with a patterned bottom. To best achieve the look, pull out a prominent colour within the pattern to help you choose your solid colour separate.
Match suits of similar coverage or style
To achieve the illusion that your bikini was purchased as a set, make sure the top and bottom are similar in coverage or style. Go for a full coverage top such as a balconette or bandeau paired with a high-waisted pant. A triangle string top with a skimpy coverage string-tie bottom will work seamlessly together. Matching with similar fabrics is another fail-safe way to make separates look cohesive - pairing a crocheted top with a shirred bottom is bound to look mismatched.
Styling your swimwear with everyday outfits
Swimwear can be worn as daywear to broaden the versatility and functionality of your wardrobe. Whether you're heading to an event by the beach or a night out, bikinis and one pieces can work effortlessly as bralettes or bodysuits.
For a beach to brunch look, thrown on an oversized shirt and denim bottoms for a casual beachy aesthetic. Our Kowtow Oversized Shirt and Nash Button Up by Lacausa are effortless options.
When it comes to wearing bikinis as regular tops, there are three key styling tricks. First, layer under other pieces such as a blazer, a cropped tee or a sheer blouse. Unless you'll be by the beach, it will most likely be more appropriate to wear the bikini as a base layer.
The Macaroon Holiday Balconette by Peony Swim and the Ella Top by Ziah both double as bralettes. They can be styled on their own or under a sheer top. The Petunia Crochet Swing Top gives an effortless beach vibe over any bikini top.
Second, avoid tops that are undeniably swimwear - choose ones that can be easily mistaken for regular crop tops or bralettes. Third, keep your bottoms high-waisted for the most flattering look.
The Philo One Piece by Ziah is the perfect bodysuit alternative - timeless and versatile worn under denim shorts or linen pants for hot summer days.