Bikini Tops Are the New Going-Out Top: Here’s How To Style Them
Usage Guide
Overview
A heatwave? No problem. As temperatures continue to rise, bikini tops are no longer just beachwear; they’ve become a practical and stylish solution for summer style, whether you’re on vacation or in the city. This is the trend we’ve all been waiting for, because your bikini top definitely deserves a chance beyond the pool side this summer.
There’s just something about an outfit that feels slightly unfinished that perfectly captures the carefree spirit of summer and gives me a real sense of freedom. Even when I’m not on holiday, summer itself inspires me to be more creative with the way I dress.
This season, the bikini top has evolved from being that “just in case” item tossed into your vacation suitcase to becoming one of the go-to tops for grabbing a coffee, stopping by the market on the weekend, or heading out for dinner. Thanks especially to Dua Lipa’s summer wardrobe, the line between swimwear and citywear feels more blurred than ever this season.
There are countless ways to style your bikini top, but with the rising temperatures and ever-changing trends, it can be more confusing than ever to know where to start. Need some styling tips? There are a few celebrity-approved ways to wear the trend. From Kylie Jenner’s latest bikini rotation and Gigi Hadid‘s effortless off-duty style to the festival style inspired by Charli XCX’s Brat era, your starting point for making this trend your own is ahead.
Swimwear design is also starting to shift in parallel with this trend. Rather than relying on traditional swimwear prints and beach-inspired aesthetics, recent collections are increasingly drawing inspiration from everyday city life.
For example, in the recent KHY x Frankies Bikinis collaboration, founder Francesca Aiello told WWD that the collection was inspired by her shared love of Los Angeles with Kylie Jenner, hoping that it “felt as unique and sexy as the city itself.” So, rather than looking to the beach as its primary source of inspiration, the collection looks to the city’s aesthetic for a modern approach.
How To Style Bikini Tops
Details
And just like that, this summer’s unofficial “holy trinity” has practically formed itself: a timeless bikini top, comfortable flip-flops you can walk all day in, and a hand fan you’re never willing to put down. Suddenly, getting dressed during a heatwave feels much less complicated. My favorite styling trick is letting colorful bikini details and string straps peek out from under a tiny white tank top and barrel-leg trousers.
Throw a lightweight linen shirt over your shoulders or tie it around your waist, then accessorize with chunky gold earrings, layered necklaces, and a tote bag. Just a few touches make the outfit feel intentional rather than accidental, turning the bikini top into a natural part of your everyday summer wardrobe.
If you’re spending your sunny days in the city rather than on vacation, take inspiration from Dua Lipa’s effortless vacation aesthetic by pairing a black triangle bikini top with relaxed denim shorts, a lightweight oversized jacket, and simple strappy sandals. Boldly colored bikinis with relaxed jeans also simply give an instant cool-girl feel.
For a summer night out, you can swap the shorts for fun pants, adding a metallic bikini top, black sunglasses, and kitten mules. The look is instantly evening-ready, making it a great choice for a club or festival.
My personal favorite is wearing a polka-dot bikini top over a white baby tee with a midi skirt, flip-flops, and a mini handbag. The fun part of this trend is that there are no rules; it’s just an experiment with different silhouettes, colors, prints, and accessories until you find your own style.
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Source
Originally published at www.refinery29.com.