Our Editor-in-Chief shares her new season heroes

sarah tomczaks picks
Our Editor-in-Chief on what to buy nowHearst Owned

For my Editor’s Picks this week I’m shopping for my favourite time of the year – the holidays. Whether you’re looking for summer dresses, perfect swimwear or beach cover-ups, the Red fashion team has done the hard work for you (and me!), leaving me to whimsically wander through my favourite brands’ websites to create a few beach-worthy ensembles I’d love to have.

Below you’ll find a little of everything – PJ bottoms to wear with a bikini, chic co-ords that work on the beach and everywhere else, baseball caps for a sporty edge, a Palm-Royale-inspired kaftan for added glamour. I’d wear all of it. In fact, now I’m just figuring out which look I’ll go for. See you by the seaside…


Shop Sarah Tomczak's swimwear shopping edit...


Sporty Swim

“This is on my shopping list for summer – the ‘70s shape of this bikini top reminds me of one my mum used to wear.”

“I love that this textured fabric resembles terry towelling but with a bit more support and structure.”

“These fabulous striped pants would make a statement on the beach, worn low-slung with a bikini top.”

“I’ve started buying caps for the beach and like that they bring a sporty vibe to my swimwear.”


Beachy Boho

“I’ve always been a bit obsessed with Zimmermann’s towelling collection and this statement bucket hat is a good way in – especially as it’s in the sale.”

“Madly-tasselled straw bags catch my attention every summer, so I think this one has real staying power.”

“Lisa Marie Fernandez is another designer always on my covet-list, so I invest in her swimwear in the sale. Her signature rope belt is my favourite detail.”

“A nice departure from black, there’s something really elegant about this burgundy cover up.”


Nautical Chic

“Nautical? Irresistible! Also, Boden’s swimwear is great quality and designed to be size and shape inclusive, so you know it’s going to work for us all.”

“Hear me out. As a beach-friendly buy to wear over your swimsuit these knitted shorts will elevate everything else and sailors are always in style.”

“A good pair of neutral sandals are made for holidays.”

“To keep the nautical motif going strong, a straw visor is a must.”


Summery Stripes

“This figure-flattering suit comes in myriad colours and patterns, but in green it’s fresh and unexpected.”

“While I go classic tortoiseshell most of the time, I like the idea of choosing more playful shades for the beach.”

“With Nothing Underneath is everyone’s shirt saviour. Buy a size of two bigger for a slouchy look and wear this open over your swimsuit with sleeves rolled up.”

“Stripes and stripes? For sure. And I prefer to keep everything else a bit more pared back and make my accessories more whimsical.”


The Timeless Black Swimsuit

“This jacket is so chic for summer – you could wear it over anything from a black sundress to a white tank top, but I really like it as a beach cover up.”

“These shorts match the jacket before, but could easily be worn solo with a black tank top or simply over your swimsuit.”

“Is there anything more chic than a black one-piece? I think not. I like the gathering on this one that gives it a ballet-dancer feel.”

“I have a version of this cotton canvas hat that rolls easily to squish into a suitcase. It’s a life-saver.”


Shades of Chocolate

“This cover up gives good Palm Royale but its graphic quality makes it more modern than retro.”

“I’ve just bought a brown one-piece as a wardrobe update, so now I’m suggesting you do the same.”

“A good beach bag never dates. And this is a good beach bag.”

“Fisherman’s sandals are having a moment. Buy into the trend without breaking the bank.”


The Versatile Co-ord

“This *might* be inspired by a very well know designer brand – but is a fraction of the price.”

“Scallops show no sign of going anywhere.”

“I bought this hat about a decade ago and it comes back every summer. More big hats. Less sun damage.”

“More than just a beach ensemble, but also a great beach ensemble.”

“I really like shorts and a shirt instead of a dress on the beach – and a co-ord is even more versatile.”


The Do-it-all Dress

“I just got this dress and can’t wait to wear it – by day throw it over a swimsuit, by night use the belt to give it more shape and polish.”

“Ursula Andress, eat your heart out.”

“A white bikini is the height of beach glamour.”

“I am not sure I can resist this clutch. Watch this space.”


The Classic Shirt Dress

“I tend to gravitate to more neutral colours on the beach but this orange is hard to ignore.”

“If you buy one thing from this entire edit, make it this shirt dress. Utterly classic and effortlessly cool.”

“The Jacksons – with their witty jute bags – bring a bit of charm to every holiday ensemble.”

“A lovely neutral pair of sunglasses in a new shape for the season.”


Looking for more shopping inspiration? Check out our Fashion Editor's pick of the best new season dresses, the spring trends we're buying into and how to style white jeans...


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