7 Trends Every Cool Person Is Pairing With Their Swimsuits RN
We're just about in the full swing of summertime. Although everyone chooses to fill their calendars for the season differently, some experiences seem largely unanimous—e.g., sitting in the sun on a patio, sipping something spritzy, and packing for a vacation to the buzziest destination. The most quintessential summer experience involves slipping into a slinky swimsuit to spend the day by the sea. Maybe it's just me, but it never feels like a truly fulfilled summer if at least one day wasn't spent by a body of water, whether it's an ocean or a local pool.
If you happen to share the same sentiment, then it's likely that you're already plotting your day by the water. Maybe you've added a few trendy suits to your shopping cart, or perhaps you're sweeping the dust off a timeless one-piece you already own. Whatever the case, I know that you can make any swimsuit you choose to wear more stylish with accessories. Hear me out. There's no better way to make the little black bikini in the back of your closet feel brand-new than by incorporating a few recent trendy bits and bobs. I promise that you do not have to be jetting off to a far-off destination or buying an entirely new swimsuit (unless that's your prerogative) in order to look Instagram ready this summer.
Don't believe me? Well, in an effort to prove my point about the power of swimwear accessories, I scoured social media to identify the trends that will be coming to a beach near you. Ahead, I'm sharing a breakdown of seven trends that the style set is already wearing despite it being early on in the season that are super photogenic. Fair warning: These trends will make you want to book a trip immediately.
1. Sheer, Cont'd.
For those religiously following recent runway collections, it should come as no surprise that sheer clothing has remained one of the most significant trends. What may come as a surprise, however, is how the textile has transformed from being eveningwear-focused to being resort-friendly. While a part of that change can be attributed to recent resort collections, it's really taken off because the style set has embraced taking more formal sheer skirts and dresses and styling them as cover-ups. It's a great alternative to the traditional cover-up, as it provides a new way to accessorize your swimwear while showing it off in style.
2. So Many Sun Hats
Looking for a bit more coverage when it comes to your swimwear this summer? I get you. Luckily, there's one accessory that will give you more coverage from the heat at least—the sun hat. Sure, styling your swimsuit with an oversize floppy hat may seem reductive, but with so many spring/summer and fall/winter 2024 collections featuring every type of hat imaginable, there's no better time to embrace headgear. Plus, we've already seen the style set wearing this swimwear with oversize hats, so it's basically a given that you'll see this trend everywhere this summer.
As the moniker suggests, it will be incredibly easy to pack this in your suitcase.
3. Excessive Earrings
Let this be your reminder that you don't have to stick to the more obvious accessories when styling your swimsuit this season. In fact, I'd implore you to incorporate jewelry into the mix. More specifically, I'd suggest opting for one of the '80s-inspired jewelry trends to come back into style—excessively oversize earrings. What's great about this trend is that it can add a bit more shine to even the simplest swimsuit, giving your look a little more extra. Just be sure to take your earrings off before you go for a dip so you don't tarnish them or end up losing them like Kim Kardashian lost her diamond earrings.
Sadly, these won't talk to you like the starfish earrings in the film Aquamarine, but nevertheless, they're still cute.
4. Strong Scarf Game
Say sayonara to how you used to wear your sarong because there's a summer styling hack for the season. Across social media and the spring runway collections, we've seen swimwear styled with scarves wrapped around the head, neck, and shoulders rather than go-to paleo wraps. Although it might seem like a slight distinction, switching up how this traditional resortwear item is styled gives swimwear an understated elegance that screams, "Take me to the South of France." Plus, it's the perfect alternative for those who might not be keen on packing an oversize sunhat or sheer cover-up for their summer getaway.
Pair this silk scarf white bikini bottoms and your styling game will be strong.
5. Crochet Carryalls
Every summer, we see one handbag style surface again: raffia bags. Although I have no personal beef with this type of purse, if you're like me, you might be looking for an option that feels fresher. Enter crochet bags into the conversation. Crochet is as ubiquitous as raffia during the summer, but in the form of a carryall tote, it feels a bit cooler than the cliché crochet suits and matching sets that come around. It's still as functional as raffia bags but feels a bit more fun for the summer, as the style comes in trendy colors, sizes, and shapes.
You can shop this crochet tote in four other colors, including blue, pink, white, and black.
Although she's smaller, she's sure to secure you compliments throughout the season.
6. Mesh Mayhem
Although most might associate summer with sandals, there is another shoe trend worth trying this season. If you hate the idea of meandering the streets of a beach town with bare feet, mesh flats can give you the best of both worlds, as they provide coverage but are still breathable. Plus, the trend continues to be one of the biggest shoe trends of the moment, so it's a surefire way to style your swimwear in a way that shows you're style-conscious this summer. Once you hit the sand, I'd recommend slipping them off so that you can keep them in the best shape possible until the end of the season.
The pointed toe gives the style a polished touch.
7. Nautical Necklaces
Lastly, it wouldn't be an homage to swimwear accessories without mentioning a trend that's so summer coded. Ahem, nautical necklaces. Maybe it's a little cliché, but I don't care. Since last summer, we've seen jewelry with ocean-inspired elements come to the surface—such as glass beaded necklaces in the shape of fishes, chokers made from shells, and metal pendants cast in the shape of a conch. It's a jewelry trend that's not cooling down anytime soon, as we've continued to see women from various countries style their suits with these necklaces. Whether or not you'll embrace this trend is your call, but I can guarantee you'll spot someone by the sea wearing this accessory trend with their swimwear this summer.
Jasmine Fox-Suliaman is a fashion editor living in New York City. What began as a hobby (blogging on Tumblr) transformed into a career dedicated to storytelling through various forms of digital media. She started her career at the print publication 303 Magazine, where she wrote stories, helped produce photo shoots, and planned Denver Fashion Week. After moving to Los Angeles, she worked as MyDomaine's social media editor until she was promoted to work across all of Clique's publications (MyDomaine, Byrdie, and Who What Wear) as the community manager. Over the past few years, Jasmine has worked on Who What Wear's editorial team, using her extensive background to champion rising BIPOC designers, weigh in on viral trends, and profile stars such as Janet Mock and Victoria Monét. She is especially interested in exploring how art, fashion, and pop culture intersect online and IRL.
-
These Chic Finds From Amazon's October Prime Day Feel Very 2025—30 I’m Adding to Cart
Most are under $50.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
My Stylish Aunt Asked Me What to Buy From Amazon—I Sent These 29 Compliment-Worthy Accessories
From belts to bags.
By Anna LaPlaca
-
Last Call: These 30 Fashion Finds From Amazon's October Prime Day Are Guaranteed to Make Your Outfit Look More Elevated
Chic and affordable? Yes, please.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
These Elegant Belts, Bags, and Flats Will Make Your Favorite Jeans Feel So Chic
Let's talk fall accessories.
By Natalie Cantell
-
I'm a Fashion Editor That Loves to Shop the Men's Section—35 Fall Pieces That Scream Cool Girl
These picks are super chic.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
32 Elegant Accessories From Revolve, Shopbop, and Nordstrom I'm Eyeing for My Fall Wardrobe
Add instant polish.
By Caitlin Burnett
-
I'm an Accessory Designer and Fashion Creative—30 Chic Fall Items I Have My Eye On
Bring on the elevated outfits.
By Jennifer Camp Forbes
-
The Accessory Micro-Trend Making a Big Comeback in Copenhagen, Paris, and NYC
Sorry, minimalists.
By Jasmine Fox-Suliaman