Although the summer season is coming to an end, we still have a few more weekends to take advantage of the blue skies and sweltering Hong Kong heat! Natalie and Gabriella, the sassy fashion duo from The Duality, have come up with swimwear inspiration for beach trips, junk boat rides and tropical holiday getaways. Using the right accessories and swimwear to flatter your shape, these easy outfits are glam enough for sundowner cocktails but comfortable and practical enough to chase after sandy kids.
Gabby’s Outfit #1
1. Victoria’s Secret Swimsuit
Victoria’s Secret may be known for their cheekily cut bikinis, but with this swimsuit, they have managed to still retain that sexiness, all the while taking into account the differences and changes in a woman’s body. This ‘Magicsuit®’, as they call it, boasts a banded waist and supported cups. The gathered material at the tummy works to smooth out any bumps and bulges, whilst the structured bust makes everything a little more lifted. And it comes in lots of bright colours!
Available for $1,209 at Victoria’s Secret
2. Han Kjøbenhavn Timeless Sunglasses
These Han Kjøbenhavn sunnies are ones you’ll be able to pair with a lot of pieces, since they’re neutral and understated.
Available for $1,550 at J.Crew
3. Panama Fino
I stumbled upon this shop in Paris and was so happy to see that they’re operational online! Personalise your hat, picking the style, material and colour – doesn’t get much easier or more chic than this. I love the Panama Fino style for the perfect beachwear look.
Available for $1,506 at La Cerise Sur Le Chapeau
4. Civilian Goods Cork Accessory Bag
Going from day to night? Trade in the backpack for this Civilian Goods Cork Accessory Bag, which still screams summer, but gives more structure to the outfit.
Available for $256 at ZAOZAO
5. Soft Leather Backpack
Channel a little bit of Alexander Wang at the beach with this minimalist soft leather backpack, practical and very cool.
Available for $1,155 at COS
6. Seed Cross Over Slides
If you’re still not convinced by the Birkenstock trend but still want to test out the leather slide phenomenon, then these Seed Cross Over Slides are for you. They’re not going to break the bank and they’re very easy to pair with other pieces.
Available for $624 at Seed
Nat’s Outfit #1
1. Bop Basics Thick Raffia Braid Hat
Currently on sale, this Bop Basics Thick Raffia Braid Hat perfectly suits the feminine playsuit.
Available for $322 at Shopbop
2. Kitsune Tee Canvas Tote
This simple Kitsune Tee Canvas Tote continues the nautical theme and is large enough to carry all your beach necessities. It also has two interior pockets so you’re not searching for your keys, phone or wallet at the bottom of a sandy bag!
Available for $580 at Kapok
3. Zimmermann Hydra Playsuit
Zimmermann is another great Australian label (slightly biased I know) and I’ve been wearing their bikinis for years – they always have the best prints! This pretty Hydra Playsuit has a matching neckline to the bikini so you don’t end up with too many strap lines.
Available for $2,800 at Net-a-Porter
4. Three Anchor Bralette Bikini
I love this bikini for its new take on the typical nautical stripe, decent bottom size (way too many bikinis have non-existent bottoms that can make the most body-confident person a little self-conscious) and the different style of bikini top that offers a bit more support than the typical triangle bikini.
Available for $980 from ZULU & ZEPHYR
5. Paloma Barcelo Braided Leather Wedge Espadrilles
These neutral espadrilles are the perfect thing to dress up the playsuit without sacrificing comfort, whilst the tan shade gives the illusion you have naturally elongated legs. They will also go perfectly with the neutral shades that are in stores at the moment for the Autumn/Winter season.
Available for $2,690 at Net-a-Porter
6. Sleep Naked Blue Beach Towel
This Stripe Cotton Cool Blue Beach Towel is 100% cotton and is thick enough to dry mamas AND multiple little ones. It also comes in a hot pink version.
Available for $170 at Sleep Naked
Gabby’s Outfit #2
1. Bond-Eye Goddess Bind One-Piece
One-piece swimsuits don’t need to be boring or frumpy, nor do you need to feel like you’re letting go of youth by waving goodbye to bikinis – you can keep it playful with colour, interesting cuts, and detailing. The frill detail on this Bond-Eye Goddess Bind One-Piece makes it ideal for smaller busts, and the pale colour allows you to deviate from the safety of black, without resorting to the slightly more daunting all-white swimsuit. It has subtle inward seam panels over the stomach area, which provides some structure. This swimsuit is the furthest thing from being old fashioned or ageing – it is feminine and modern.
Available for $980 at Surf Stitch
2. Hammam 34 Succulent Love Towels
Hammam 34 towels are chameleons, serving the purpose as not only a towel, but also a sarong and shawl. Made from 100% organic cotton, they’re so light-weight and super soft. Each is hand-woven in a Turkish seaside village.
Available for $320 at Hammam 34
3. Quay Frankie Sunglasses
Bring the sun to you with these bright and light Quay Frankie Sunglasses!
Available for $280 at The Iconic
4. ELA Stone Gold Plated Cuff
In terms of jewellery, a cuff is less likely to get in the way when you’re handling lots of bags, toys or kids – or all three! This ELA Stone Gold Plated Cuff adds a burst of colour and can be worn well layered together and with other existing pieces.
Available for $1,030 at Net-a-Porter
5. Maria Black Janine Earrings
I love a good simple gold stud which you can wear everyday, and not have to worry about taking out when you head to the beach. Maria Black does lovely pieces, such as these Janine Earrings, that are practical enough to fit into an active lifestyle. They are sold by the piece, not the pair, so you can mix and match.
Available for $542 at Maria Black
6. Topshop Shirtdress
I love wearing white and shirtdresses have definitely made their mark again this summer! This one from Topshop is a little more feminine and less demure, whilst still being very flattering for the figure.
Available for $403 at Topshop
7. Jerusalem Eden Sandals
These Jerusalem Eden Sandals remind me of the handmade sandals I bought on a trip to Capri – and only after leaving, seriously regretted not buying more! They have an array of colours, but I love this rich brown and minimal two-strap style.
Available for $589 at Jerusalem Sandals
Nat Outfit #2
1. River Island Kimono
Kimonos have been everywhere this summer, and they are so easy to team with denim shorts for a festival look or with a bikini at the beach. This vibrant kimono will give your swimwear a nonchalant hippie vibe and provides some cover for when it gets too hot.
Available for $526 at River Island
2. Ray-Ban Round Metal Flash Lenses
This summer, Ray Ban have released their classic round sunglasses in a variety of cool reflective lenses. The reflective lenses trend is big at the moment and nothing is more classic than a vintage style pair of Ray Bans.
Available in store at selected optometrists
4. One Teaspoon Brando Bandits
The most perfectly distressed, bleached denim shorts you can find. Go up a size from your usual jeans for a more slouchy relaxed fit. If you’re not comfortable in ripped up shorts, One Teaspoon also make some great slouchy boyfriend jeans, which will also work with the kimono.
Available for $693 at One Teaspoon
5 & 6. Triangl Elly Featherstone Bikini
The bandeau bikini is definitely a favourite amongst our friends and I really like the sports luxe design of this Triangl one with white piping and a mesh overlay. The mismatched turquoise bottoms will look great against a tan and again provide a little bit more coverage compared to some skimpier bikinis.
Available for $690 at Triangl
7. Arizona Birkenstocks
Although many designer labels (Givenchy, Celine, Marni) have created their own take on the simple slide, the original Birkenstock is still the best version. They do come in a narrower version if you’re worried they look too bulky and wide.
Available for $830 at Net-a-Porter
Have a fashion puzzle that you can’t figure out, mama? Send your style dilemmas to us at [email protected] and we’ll do our best to help!