5 Ways to Wear Swimwear as a Top

By Avery Matera
Instagram | adenorah
Instagram | adenorah
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When it comes to Summer styling, all rules should be thrown out the window. While I'm a proponent of that all year, there's something about the warmer weather that acts as a constant whisper in your ear to take even more fashion risks than you might have in the months prior. First up? Styling that swimwear you love so much in the real world. We prepare our beachside wardrobes so excitedly, it would be a shame to just stop there, no? This Summer, consider swapping out some of your more traditional tops for swimwear instead.

Personally, I love my growing collection of maillots and bikinis so much that I've spent the better part of the past few Summer seasons taking particular care to create an army of go-to looks that effortlessly gather them into the fold. After all, a one-piece swimsuit is basically just a waterproof bodysuit, right? And how does that French bikini top reallydiffer from your favorite lace bralette.

Ahead, find my five favorite ways to style my swimwear in real life, and try them all out for yourself this Summer!

The Classic White Tee
Courtesy of designers

The Classic White Tee

When you want something that gives the same vibe as the classic white t-shirt, but isn't a classic white t-shirt, consider swapping the topper out for a one-piece swimsuit of the bright white variety instead.

Marysia Mott Scalloped Halterneck Swimsuit ($340).

Madewell The Boardwalk Ankle-Strap Sandal ($60).

What Goes Around Comes Around Chanel Red Tweed 2.55 Bag ($4750).

Jennifer Behr Emilia Grosgrain Bow Barrette ($128).

Hunting Season Large Straw and Leather Shoulder Bag ($680).


The Graphic Glimpse
Courtesy of designers

The Graphic Glimpse

When styling that button-down-and-denim combo, slip a fun printed bikini top underneath that will show just enough when you leave that last button undone. Consider it a summertime stand-in for the flirty lace bralette style you rock all year round.

Belize Chiara Seersucker Triangle Bikini Top ($140),

Equipment Slim Signature Silk Shirt ($230).

Boyish Jeans The Tommy Distressed Jeans ($168).

Tabitha Simmons Hermione Floral-Jacquard Mary Jane Flats ($556).

Medina Mercantile Leather-Trimmed Market Basket ($80).

The Layering Technique
Courtesy of designers

The Layering Technique

If you're looking for a way to show off your bikini top but don't want to walk around with your stomach bared to the world, consider layering your favorite colorful swimwear bralette underneath a jumpsuit or pair of overalls instead.

Amir Slama Hot Pants Bikini Set ($472).

Levi's Skinny Denim Overalls ($128).

Vince Wilden Platform Slip On Sneakers ($225).

Roxanne Assoulin Tropical Candy Necklace ($175).


The Bikini That Looks Like a Shirt
Courtesy of designers

The Bikini That Looks Like a Shirt

There's no better way to style that head-turning bikini that's designed to look exactly like a top than, well, wearing it as a top. Who says that just because it's waterproof you have to wear it in the water?

Tory Burch Costa Printed Tie-Strap Bandeau ($138).

Raey Rail High-Rise Straight-Leg Jeans ($173).

Gucci Princetown Leather Slipper ($790).

Staud Bisset Bag ($350).

Jennifer Fisher Baby Kevin Hoops ($450).

The Sporty Take on Flirty Feminine
Courtesy of designers

The Sporty Take on Flirty Feminine

We love a mix-and-match look, especially when it comes to those of the after-hours variety. When heading out for an evening event this Summer, trade your silk camisole or statement blouse for a cropped swimwear top instead. We especially love this look when paired with the most girly of midi skirts.

J.Crew Cropped Halter Bikini Top ($54).

Sacai Draped Pleated Floral-Print Satin and Chiffon Midi Skirt ($1415).

Sam Edelman Yaro Suede Sandals ($100).

Mango Zipped Biker Jacket ($80).

Prada Panier Small Bucket Bag ($1190).