These 8 Trends Are Definitely Going to Be on the Coolest Beaches in 2018

It can be all too easy to buy your holiday wardrobe in a last-minute panic—I've often been that person who buys a bikini on my lunch break mere hours before my flight. But I've learned that in order to really feel confident on the beach, it's best to avoid that rush and buy your vacation wardrobe as soon as the best new pieces land in store.

This month, the new-in sections are awash with sarongs, swimsuits, and raffia sandals, meaning that this is the one time of the year when you'll find the best beachwear. But "beachwear" is no longer just all about bikinis and one-pieces—Net-a-Porter's Lisa Aiken notes that 60% of the beachwear sales on the site come from clothes, rather than swimwear.

Vacation shopping can be a tad overwhelming, so to save you from a pre-flight impulse shopping spree, we have broken down the eight key holiday trends for 2018 and the 32 pieces you should be buying.

1. Rainbow Stripes

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(Image credit: Sincerely Jules; PICTURED: Sincerely Jules wearing All Things Mochi rainbow dress.)

If you love rainbow-striped jumpers, then you'll be happy with this trend—as every item in your suitcase has been given a multicolored treatment this summer. We are most taken by rainbow-striped swimwear. 

2. Smocking

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(Image credit: LucyWilliams02)

Lucy Williams is the queen of beach dressing, as this summer she has said the one trend she's most into is smocking. We particularly love Tory Burch's smocked strapless bikini.

Related: The 5 Swimwear Trends That Are Spiking on ASOS Right Now

3. Big Statement Hats

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(Image credit: Doina)

Thanks to Jacquemus, OTT straw hats are one of the most Instagrammable items you'll spot at the beach this summer. The rule is the bigger the better.

4. Woven Accessories

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(Image credit: Camille Charrière)

Last summer it was all about the beach bag, and while raffia and woven totes aren't going anywhere for 2018, the trend has also extended into footwear. Camille Charrière's Mista pumps (above) are the perfect vacation evening shoes. 

5. Crochet Everything

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(Image credit: LucyWilliams02)

When it comes to beachwear, everything is in crochet this summer from bikinis to dresses to skirts. 

6. Fruity Prints

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(Image credit: Anna Vitiello)

This trend is perfect for anyone heading to the Amalfi coast. This summer, many of our favorite pieces are adorned with lemons, such as the below robe from We Are Leone.

Related: 18 Summer Dresses That Say "Take Me on Holiday, Please"

7. The Sarong

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(Image credit: Bella Hadid)

The sarong is officially back, thanks to designers like Jacquemus that are making it relevant once again. And given this is what Bella Hadid is wearing to the beach, you know it'll quickly catch on. 

Related: Summer 2018 Fashion Trends: The Only Looks You Need to Know

8. Jewelry to the Beach

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(Image credit: Anna Vitiello)

The Instagram crowd keeps overaccessorizing to the beach, wearing statement jewelry with their swimwear. Warning: This trend is for those who like to stay firmly under an umbrella rather than actually swimming. 

Opening Image: @solidandstriped

This post originally appeared on Who What Wear UK.

Emma Spedding