Swim shorts … what’s the skinny?

Last time I looked, swim shorts were all a bit 1970’s spandex with odd geometric patterns on them. But to be fair, last time I looked I was probably 13 and heading off on some sailing camp or other, with my cagoule and dunlop green flash trainers neatly packed in my backpack. These days, I’m pleased to inform you, swim shorts have come a long way from those  scary functional items I was forced to wear.

Whilst you might not think swim shorts are up your street, take a moment to consider their practicality. You can still wear a bikini or cozzie underneath, and for those of us who no longer have the nubile hips of our youth, and our rear end has either depleted, drooped or doubled in size, there’s a lot to be said for the comfort factor of a pair of swim shorts in that I’m-kind-of-covering-up-but-I’m-still-a-hot-surf-chick-in-my-head kind of way.

Thank heaven for brands like Orlebar Brown who are busy rewriting swim shorts history, punting out awesome printed versions which have you dreaming you are in sunnier climes, even if you’re on a bleak pebbled beach on the South coast.

Swim shorts … how to wear them.

I’m absolutely smitten with these Orlebar Brown cuties with their in your face print. I’m pairing mine with simple neutrals to ensure that they remain the talking point.

J.Crew (who currently have a great sale on) are always genius at producing beach ready sweaters which are light enough to layer up on any outfit. This tunic sweater is working the high-low hemline which is super hot this summer.

I’ve added a Heidi Klein bandeau bikini – I’ve got one of these and it’s seriously delicious. The crochet detail gives the bikini a little more structure too.

For accessories you can’t go wrong with some sweet sandals to take you from beach to BBQ – these from Tory Burch. A classic Panama hat helps you stand out from the Fedora crowd. Add some colourful bracelets & bag from Accessorize, sunnies by Marc by Marc Jacobs and you have your weekend beach look covered.