Here comes the sun! Summer holidays are just round the corner and whether you’re spending your two weeks lounging by the pool in St Tropez or just soaking up the rays in St Ives, with any luck you’ll be practically living in your swimwear. This calls for one thing - an honest inventory of your current beachwear situation.
If you’re still wearing the same frayed and faded bikini from ten years ago, you’re definitely due an upgrade. But what deserves its rightful place on this year’s holiday packing list?
One quick glance at all the beach-frolicking celebs on your Instagram feed will tell you that, when it comes to summer fashion, things have moved on. These days all the best-dressed babes are rocking luxurious one-pieces, retro high waisted bikinis, sexy sarongs, maxi dresses - even elegant beach trousers.
It’s enough to send you into a frenzy of pre-holiday panic shopping. But don’t. Because here at Pour Moi we’ve created a pared-down list of everything you need for total poolside gorgeousness. With these five must-pack items stashed in your wheelie suitcase you’ll really stand out from the lounger crowd this summer, even if you don’t know your cover-up from your kimono...
Rule the pool item one: the statement swimsuit
Bikinis may have ruled the pool for about as long as most of us care to remember, but the time when the swimming costume was all about practicality has long gone. One of the hottest swimwear trends, swimsuits let you show off your fashion credentials without revealing too much of you. And with tummy control swimwear options available they can be supremely flattering - hello, breakfast buffet.
But they’re sexy, too. Daring plunge options, enticing zip fronts and alluring panels in mesh or lace can make the one-piece every bit as seductive as a two. Or use your swimming costume as a creative canvas to show off playful patterns, animal print, classic stripes or retro polka dots. You could even choose a classic red swimsuit and relive all your Baywatch fantasies.
And the best thing? The right one piece swimsuit can lighten your holiday suitcase. By doubling up as a cute top, you can wear it by day with denim shorts or by night with a midi skirt. All the more room for shoes...
Shop Pour Moi swimsuits here
Rule the pool item two: the Kardashian-style bikini
From sporty swimsuits to barely-there Brazilian briefs, no one does swimwear quite like the Kardashians. But if you thought you couldn’t rock Kim’s super-sexy ‘less is more’ look, think again.
Kim’s all about the itsy bitsy triangle bikini - an item that’s notoriously hard to wear if you normally like enough support to lift a small family car. Wondering how she does it? Well, apparently Ms Kardashian West gets many of her bikinis custom-made to fit those fabulous curves.
Luckily, you don’t have to head down the dressmaker’s to steal her poolside look. At Pour Moi, our triangle bikinis come with clever features like secret underwire, plunging necklines and double halter straps - check out this halter neck top from our Puerto Rico collection to see what we mean. You get to nail that lighter, itsy bitsy look and get all the support you need. Now you just need to decide whether you’ll copy Kim’s famous cheeky underboob, too.
Shop Pour Moi bikinis here
Rule the pool item three: the clever cover-up
From scarves and sarongs to clever kaftans, the right cover-up can be your summer saviour. Lightweight enough to be thrown into your bag, you can use it as your lounger pillow, then slip it over your shoulders when they’ve had enough sun.
One of the best around though has to be the beach kimono, such as this one from our Orchid Luxe range. Elegant yet so easy to wear, the kimono instantly ups the fashion ante, letting you breeze around the pool looking fabulous. Do it up or leave it underdone, you can layer it over your bikini, or just throw it on over skinny jeans if the weather suddenly turns a bit British.
Shop Pour Moi beachwear here
Rule the pool item four: the ultimate pool-to-bar item
The maxi beach dress is always a holiday winner, year after year. Casual enough to throw on over a bikini by the pool, it’s dressy enough for evening cocktails no matter how glamorous the location. All that, and it takes up next to no space in your suitcase. But could there be a contender to its crown?
Step forward the wide-leg beach trouser, like this beautiful pair from our Mixology range. Just as floaty and airy as a maxi dress, go for a pair with a split up the side to keep you feeling cool, no matter how hot it gets. Walking down to the pool? Slip them over your swimsuit or bikini. Heading out to a restaurant? Just slip on some wedges and you’re good to go. Plus, they’re so loose and figure-skimming that you won’t feel like you have to skip dessert.
Shop Pour Moi beachwear here
Rule the pool item five: the finishing touches
You’ve spent ages tracking down the best bikini, the most sought-after swimsuit and the coolest cover-up. Now it’s time to use your accessories to pull your look together.
Straw beach bags are always in vogue, but this year’s must-have poolside accessory has to be the statement earring. Hugely glamorous yet taking up the teensiet space in your suitcase, going for something dangly can instantly bring together your entire look. Tie your hair up and leave your tanned shoulders bare to really show them off.
Looking for more ways to make a splash by the pool this summer? Dive right into our swimwear page.
