Why now is the perfect time to buy your beachwear, from the most sought after swimsuits to the hottest accessories
EVER left your holiday shopping right to the last minute, only to find yourself desperately scrolling for pieces as all of your favourite items have been snatched up?
The British weather may still be less than tropical, but the likes of H&M, Primark and Zara have already launched their first summer collections, and this year, it’s well worth getting prepared.
You don’t have to spend a fortune to look great on your summer holiday, as the high street is already full of designer dupes and total bargains.
So save yourself the last-minute stress and stock up now on some beautiful pieces, from chic cossies to stylish sandals and gorgeous beach bags.
Our Fashion team have picked their top pieces to get your hands on before they’re all gone – be quick!
Emily Regan, 24, Fashion Assistant
- Sandals, £44.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Bag, £79, French Connection – BUY NOW
- Bikini top, £14, George at Asda – BUY NOW
- Bikini bottoms, £10, George at Asda – BUY NOW
- Hat, £55, COS – BUY NOW
- Necklace, £12.99, Bershka – BUY NOW
As someone who shops on the high street every week, I’ve learnt my lesson too many times – if you spot something that you love, don’t leave it behind, because the chances are by your next visit, it’ll be gone!
When it comes to swimwear, I’m a different size on top and bottom, so I’m always on the lookout for separates.
A bikini top that ties around the back and neck suits me best, and I really like this one from George at Asda.
I’m loving the shimmer and beaded detail and am super-impressed with the quality – supermarkets have seriously upped their game this summer.
It would look so glam at a beach club styled with a beaded necklace, wicker hat and these brown sandals – these Hermes Oran dupes from H&M are slightly more elevated than some of the others on the high street.
And if you’re on the hunt for a new beach bag, this crochet number from French Connection is so worth investing in.
Abby McHale, 29, Deputy Fashion Editor
- Swimsuit, £49.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Scarf, £12.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Bag, £59.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Sunglasses, £55, Le Specs at Selfridges – BUY NOW
- Necklace, £40, Orelia – BUY NOW
- Trousers, £24.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Sandals, £35, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
I’ve been lucky enough to jet off to sunnier climates a few times already this year, so I feel like I’ve got my holiday wardrobe figured out.
But I still want to stock up on some high street heroes, before they all sell out!
Mango has some great swimwear at the moment and I love this pink sun-printed swimsuit, which even comes with a matching scarf that you can wear as a bandana.
I like to be comfortable in my beachwear, so these elasticated linen trousers from H&M are perfect, as they’re stretchy and lightweight and won’t take up much room in your suitcase.
These sandals from M&S look super-comfy and I know I’d be able to wear them with so many other things in my wardrobe, whether on hols or at home.
I’ve shunned the traditional beach bag in favour of this beaded bag from Zara, as it screams summer to me.
It’s big enough to fit in my SPF, purse, phone and book, and will look great at a bar while I sip my Aperol spritz!
Is it time for me to book another holiday now?
Tracey Lea Sayer, 52, Fashion Director
- Swimsuit, £35, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
- Shirt, £32, Next – BUY NOW
- Necklace, £17.99, Mango – BUY NOW
- Trousers, £149, Massimo Dutti – BUY NOW
- Flip flops, £49, Tkees – BUY NOW
- Shorts, £135, ME+EM – BUY NOW
- Bag, £85, The Jacksons at Harrods – BUY NOW
Warning! Don’t leave buying your swimsuit too late.
My heart always sinks when I find the perfect cossie and then I can’t get my size.
A swimsuit needs to work hard for me because I have no natural curves, so I’m always looking for something that will give me shape.
Step forward this gorgeous olive one-piece from M&S.
How do I know it is flattering? Because I bought it in a deep lilac last year and, if something works for me, I am big on repeat buying.
It acts in the same way as a pair of compression leggings, sculpting and holding me in, plus, it even gives me a nice decolletage!
I hate shorts that ride up my bum, so I always go for high-waisted but not tight, ideally frayed at the edges to give a beach-club vibe.
These ME+EM shorts tick all those boxes, so while they might be expensive, I know I will still be wearing them in 10 years’ time.
The same goes for these Massimo Dutti trousers, which will look just as good on a night out as they will over a bikini.
Add in an overshirt, a slogan beach bag and a pair of flip-flops and I’m already dreaming of jetting off!
Clemmie Fieldsend, 33, Fashion Editor
- Linen shirt, £29.99, Zara – BUY NOW
- Shorts, £43.99, Levis at Zalando – BUY NOW
- Hat, £88, Reiss – BUY NOW
- Swimsuit, £21.99, H&M – BUY NOW
- Bag, £55, M&S Collection at Marks & Spencer – BUY NOW
When it comes to high-street swimwear, I always love what H&M has to offer.
But after a few years of leaving my favourite pieces in my saved basket and finding they’ve sold out, I’ve already bought this white, crinkle number with black piping already – and in the reverse colourway, too.
A sporty style design never dates and I know I’ll wear both cossies on repeat, plus I can just slip the uncomplicated straps off for no tan lines.
Plus, this beach bag is unmissable.
Structured enough to be used day-to-day back home for my laptop, lunch, water – everything but the kitchen sink – it’s also the perfect cram-everything-in bag when heading to the beach.
A linen oversized shirt is a must for heading to and from the sand, and my all-time favourite denim shorts are this A-line shaped pair from Levis.
All I have to do is shove my hair up in a claw clip and tuck it under this stylish hat from Reiss, and I’m ready to go!
How To Pick The Best Travelling Outfit
The Sun's Deputy Fashion Editor has broken down essential travel attire to get from A to B in style.
Abby McHale says: “When it comes to deciding on what to wear to the airport several factors need to be taken into consideration.
“What the weather is like in the countries you’re travelling from and to, how long your flight is (as comfort is key) and how much luggage you are bringing with you.
“If you’re going from one climate to another then you’ll want to make sure you have layers, plus this may be your only option if you don’t have lots of space in your luggage.
“A light jacket over a T-shirt with a thin scarf or jumper in your bag in case the plane is cold would work.
“Also don’t forget your sunglasses, although the hot burst of air is lovely as you step off the plane, you’ll need your sunnies in your handbag.
“Bottoms-wise – go for something loose and comfortable, there are so many lovely pairs of wide-leg elasticated trousers around at the moment, look for fabrics such as linen that are nice and light for a stylish yet comfy look.
“Finishing off with accessories, trainers are the most practical option, however, flat sandals can also look lovely (just pop a pair of socks in your handbag for the plane), and a high cross-body bag is perfect for keeping all your important documents near to you.”