What to wear over the swimsuit?

Our first advice is to always bring along a second swimsuit in your bag. This prevents the discomfort after it gets wet and the unsightly fabric wrinkles on the couch. But if that is not an option – or you happen to forget to bring one – here are some ideas about what to wear with your swimsuit once you step out of the water.

–  The traditional sarong tied low on the hips or wrapped around the shoulders can be a dressy look. Choose a cotton version and forget about trying to match it with your swimsuit!

– Leave the denim shorts for the younger ones and wear cotton or linen instead. Avoid wearing oversized ones for it will look as though you’re wearing your boyfriend’s shorts, just to avoid wrinkling your swimsuit. Not a good look.

– Choose a long, light and flowy skirt if you prefer to not show your legs.

– A linen shirt-dress can be both chic and feminine.

– A long tunic shirt that reaches mid thigh is a trendy option – and was spotted on runway of Isabel Marant Spring/Summer show (photo above).

– The long cotton dress is a chic hippie version of the shirt-dress and works well if you’re vacationing in a place like Ibiza.

And to complete the look, you can match everything either barefooted or with a pair of ultra-simple flip-flops like Havaianas. Leather sandals can also be worn at the beach house.

Christine Lombard

Shopping: Joyce Lui