One swimsuit, five ways

The time has come again for us to start planning our summer holiday suitcase and the idea of a ‘capsule wardrobe’ is about everywhere at the moment. I love fashion, but life with four children can make it especially difficult to really spend time on perfecting my own personal style. Pieces that can be styled up in a range of different ways are therefore at the top of my shopping list, especially when it comes to holiday wear.

I’ve spoken before about my own struggles with my post-baby body. The scars and wobbly bits are something that I continue to cherish, not least because they’re a mark of the four most important people in my life. But even so, no matter how comfortable you are with your post-baby body, swimwear shopping can be a struggle. Heck, it can be a struggle even for those without kids.

This year I’m going simple. A plain black swimsuit like this classic black number from Tu will never go out of fashion and even features hidden support for the tummy area. What’s more, a style like this can be worn in a number of different ways, from pool to dinner and everything in-between.

Look 1

With statement jewellery

Great for: Sunbathing poolside
I’m a firm believer that accessories can make or break an outfit. Statement jewellery is huge again this year and is potentially the easiest way to jazz up a look that’s otherwise pretty plain. Reds, oranges and turquoise work particularly well for summer – just watch out for any unfortunate tan lines!

Look 2

With a colourful kaftan or sarong

Great for: A laid-back, festival vibe
If you’re looking for a bit of extra coverage or just want to give the look a sexy, bohemian edge, a kaftan or sarong is the way to go. There are countless styles and patterns on the high street, while your basic sarong can be styled up in so many different ways and makes an invaluable investment to your summer holiday wardrobe.

Look 3

With cut-off denim shorts and gladiator sandals

Great for: Casual daytime style
Much in the same way as a leotard or ‘body’, add a pair of shorts to a swimsuit and you can easily turn it into a top. Opt for high-waisted styles if you want to slim your midriff even more and team with a funky pair of gladiator sandals to really give the look some edge.

Look 4

Layered with a simple black day dress

Great for: Effortless evening wear
No matter your shape, there are very few styles out there that promote as much instant sex appeal as an LBD. Swimsuits are a great layering piece even for the evening, particularly if you’re going straight from the beach to dinner and don’t have time to get changed back at your hotel.

Look 5

As it comes, with flip flops and sunnies

Great for: Days spent by the beach
The most classic look of all – teaming a plain and simple swimsuit with some sunnies and your favourite pair of flip flops. One-pieces are bang on trend again, with stylish mums like Kourtney Kardashian and even Kate Moss demonstrating just how great this timeless style can look when everything else is kept as simple as possible.

What are your must-have summer holiday staples?

This is a collaborative post.