Chic à la plage

I’m as Parisian as they come, but there is one thing I long for in the summertime : savouring a moment of pleasure by the waterfront, beneath the warm Mediterranean sun. I am somewhat reluctant, though, when it comes to dealing with the wardrobe constraints of the summer season.

For those of you keen to maintain a certain allure, sunbathing and swimming must be done elegantly. If, like me, you are not the sort to cram a few creased up clothes into a gym bag, here are a few tips on how to stay chic at the beath this summer.

Rule number one : gentlemen don’t strut about in t-shirts, trunks and flip-flops! Plan out a casual chic outfit for strolls along the promenades. As far as upper-body attire is concerned, vest tops are best left in the bedroom. Wearing a shirt is the best way to succeed in remaining elegant. Tip : for the less muscular among us, rolling up the sleeves of a long-sleeve shirt is more flattering than a simple short-sleeve model.

A pastel-tone shirt from Sidian, Ersatz & Vanes is ideally suited to your beachwear needs. On a more subtle note, this checked shirt from Stephan Schneider is both discreet and chic.

When it comes to lower-body attire, don’t subject yourself to ridicule by wearing micro shorts : the 80’s are long gone. A well-cut pair of shorts ought to fall comfortably above the knee, as demonstrated by this splendid belted number from Alexis Mabille.

Another option would be to wear a light pant. Daring to try this bold horizontal stripe motif by Opening Ceremony and Lane Crawford, will enable you to reappropriate the famous marinière.

If you are aiming for head-to-toe chic, you mustn’t underestimate the importance of picking the right shoes. Sandals will forever remain a grey area in fashion. If you are determined to wear them, make sure you go for a simple pair in muted tones such as these ones designed by Pierre Hardy.

Espadrilles are the ultimate beach shoe. Luckily they have made a resounding comeback this season. When buying espadrilles, make sure you consider quality and comfort by choosing a brand such as Castañer.

Riveiras Leisure Shoes are a must-have item this season. The proof? Our beloved editor-in-chief wears them regularly (the red-white-blue model, naturally). These highly comfortable shoes are made from an extremely light and breathable material.

The centrepiece of any beach look, swimwear presents endless possibilities. When looking for a bathing suit, apply the same rigour as for underwear : opt for simple, monochrome pieces rather than garish colours and loud prints.

Robinson les Bains is a leading swimwear brand whose flattering designs stir up a delightful nostalgia. The Amalfi and Benirras models are particularly tasteful.

While you’re at it, check out their wonderful range of beach accessories, ranging from document wallets to glasses cases.

An elegant man is a well-armed man. This clearly means carrying the right bag. Forget the negative connotations of ‘beach bags’ and head for designs that are as aesthetically pleasing as they are functional.

The famous « Zooey » bag by Trémoulière immediately springs to mind, as does the Mismo Deck Tote, a refined blend of leather and canvas. If you like all your beachwear to be matching, you’ll just love the beach kit bag by Orlebar Brown for WANT Les Essentiels de la Vie risquera de vous plaire.

A well-chosen pair of sunglasses is all that is required to pull this look together. Leave your Ray Ban’s to one side and stand out from the crowd with a pair of tortoise shell Garrett Leight’s or of clear plastic Miltzen’s by Moscot.

All that’s missing from this picture is a chilled cocktail in your left hand, a good novel in your right hand and a stunning view of the Amalfi coast.

SHARE THE LOVE

Tweet