How Fashion Girls Make Their Basic Swimsuits Look So Expensive

Accessories are the best way to add personality to your outfit. Even the most basic of ensembles—blue jeans and a white T-shirt—can be made to feel completely bespoke with the addition of a few carefully selected add-ons. There's one place, however, where we seldom consider wearing them—on the beach or by the pool. But that looks set to change this season, as countless influencers have already showcased beach looks complete with accessories—a trick that makes any swimsuit look more expensive. If you're not sure how to accessorise swimwear, we've done the hard work for you by whittling down six key looks anyone can try. From the earring that'll instantly my your cossie look chic to the DIY way to re-create summer 2019's most in-demand swimsuit, keep scrolling to see how to accessorise your swimwear like a pro.

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1. START WITH HOOP EARRINGS
(Image credit: @natashandlovu)

Style Notes: This is probably the easiest look to replicate. By simply adding a pair of hoop earrings to your poolside attire, you'll look significantly more polished while soaking up the rays.

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2. LOOK FOR CO-ORDS
(Image credit: @monikh)

Style Notes: If your swimmer comes with matching extras to purchase (be it a sarong, hat or bag), be sure to snap them up for coordinated perfection. Simple gold jewellery and a straw hat will finish off your look seamlessly. 

Related: Heading Off for Some Winter Sun? Don't Miss These 5 Chic Beachwear Brands

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3. IF IN DOUBT, COLOUR-MATCH
(Image credit: @asos_lotte)

Style Notes: If your cossie has more than one colour, pick your favourite and simply match your accessories to it, just like Lotte has done with her scrunchie and sunglasses.

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4. CHOOSE A CLASSIC COVER-UP
(Image credit: @lisa.aiken)

Style Notes: Your cover-up deserves just as much consideration as the swimsuit underneath. As far as we're concerned, you can never go wrong with a white linen shirt knotted at the waist. As for jewellery, try some wooden stacked bangles.

Related: The Holiday Packing List Every Fashion Person Should Check Before Travelling

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5. ADD YOUR OWN BELT
(Image credit: @annarvitiello)

Style Notes: Belted swimsuits are a major summer 2019 trend. Re-create the look with your favourite swimsuit by layering a belt over the top. Opt for a belt in a contrasting colour like Anna to ensure it really stands out. Then, for more accessorising clout, why not add a printed headscarf and pearl earrings?

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6. SLINK ON A SARONG
(Image credit: @bettinalooney)

Style Notes: Make your swimsuit work for beachside drinks or an early evening dinner by layering a long wrap skirt or sarong over the top. For additional '70s appeal, finish with a pair of oversized acetate sunglasses.

Up Next: This is what the head buyer at Net-a-Porter packs for every holiday.

Maxine Eggenberger
Deputy Editor

Maxine Eggenberger is Who What Wear UK’s deputy editor and has over thirteen years of experience in fashion journalism. She been creating engaging and elevated style content specifically for Who What Wear UK since 2018, covering runway reports, emerging trends, long-form features, self-styled shopping stories and columns, including her edit of the best new-in buys. She ensures the highest editorial standards are met across the site, leads the editorial team in their SEO strategy and keyword planning, works closely with the beauty team on content initiatives, represents the brand at industry events, and regularly contributes to social media, including her own Who What Wear UK TikTok franchise, French Style Fridays. Previously, Maxine appeared on ITV's This Morning in her own fashion segment and has interviewed countless celebrities—everyone from Victoria Beckham to Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o.

Prior to Who What Wear UK, Maxine’s career began when, after completing her first-ever internship at Look magazine, she was offered a position on the brand's fashion desk. She accepted, leaving university a year early in the process. Her passion and natural talent for writing and styling meant she swiftly rose through the ranks to become the title's fashion news and commercial content editor, with a stint as InStyle.co.uk’s fashion and beauty writer along the way. She later served as Look’s acting Editor in Chief, overseeing both print and digital, before embarking on a successful freelance career, working with Grazia, The Pool, and Marie Claire amongst others.

Maxine is based remotely from her countryside home near Edinburgh where she spends her downtime renovating her house, walking her dogs, hosting friends and trying to master the art of making Old Fashioned cocktails.