Fashion: Sun-smart for summer

Carena West High Hopes One Piece $149. Photo / Supplied

One of the true blessings of our Christmas season is the fact it's summer and, in true Kiwi tradition, we will migrate to the beach.

Some of us are happy to frolic in our swimwear and the rest of us want a little cover - thankfully there are options for all.

Local swimwear designer Carena West's collection, above, is made up of separates designed to be mixed and matched and West's one-pieces feature her prints and highlights of silver metallics. I love this tongue-in-cheek seagull print from Gorman, 5, recently seen on pop queen Katy Perry. The high-waisted brief is so flattering. For a retro feel, try Sylvester's Chevron Bathers, 4, and have your own 1950s pinup moment. And Lonely has released its first swimwear collection. Its version of a rash vest, 6, is super chic with mesh inserts and is definitely on my to-buy list.

When wanting to wear a little more than your swimsuit, check out these options from Moontide, 3, Witchery, 1, and Boohoo, 2, which will give you a little modesty and keep you super styly, too. Instead of "cover up", think Kaftan, Kimono and Resortwear.

Everyone needs a fabulous beach tote. I've put some of my favourites in The Line Up from Kmart, Max and a limited edition collab from Ruby x Gattobravo. Of course you need some essentials in your bag which should always include sunblock, hat, towel and sunglasses.

1. Barbados Bikini Top $79.90; Viscose Pleated Pant $109.90; Macie Aviator $89.90. All from Witchery
2. Chevron Bathers $195; Bucket Hat $95. All from Sylvester
3. Lily Pom Pom Trim Tropical Print Kimono $35; Nancy Mid Blue Wash Denim Hotpants $18; Jasmine Basic Oversized Tee $18. All from Boohoo
4. Mine! Mine! X-Back Bikini Top $119; Mine! Mine! High Rise Bikini Bottom $109; Mine! Mine! Floppy Hat $89; Mine! Mine! Tote $59; Polka Face Slides $209. All from Gorman
5. Moontide Ziggy Kaftan $99.99
6. Short Sleeve Vest $195; Tri Brief $75. All from Lonely Swim

Kmart Beach Tote $19
Max Resort Beach Bag $49
Ruby x Gattobravo See You Later Sports Sack $89
Mighty Ape Orla Kiely Luxury Bach Towel $99.99
Glassons Multi Wide Brim Hat $24.99
Alex Perry Sunglasses $299, exclusive to Specsavers
Eco Tan Natural Coconut Sunscreen SPF 30 $39.95

Stockists:
carenawest.com
gormanshop.com.au
lonelylabel.com
katesylvester.com
boohoo.co.nz
witchery.co.nz
moontide.com
glassons.com
mightyape.co.nz
specsavers.co.nz
ecotan.co.nz
rubynz.com
maxshop.com
kmart.co.nz

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