The Best Beachwear of Summer 2023, According to a BAZAAR Editor

Living in New York City, I’m always dreaming of frolicking on the beach in the fresh air of my favorite season: summer. With Memorial Day weekend around the corner, a magical warm-weather escape is finally in sight—which calls for a packing list tailored to the destination.

Whether you venture to a tropical island in the Caribbean wearing your best crochet separates, journey to the South of France for days at sea with the perfect black one-piece, or wander to the point-break waves of Montauk wearing a sporty two-piece, I believe a carefully packed suitcase makes summer travel all the more exciting. Ahead, I have your itinerary covered with a beachwear guide including the best swimsuits, summer attire, and everything in between, as seen in the pages of Harper’s BAZAAR. Read on for a breakdown of my favorite looks to inspire trips of a lifetime.

Chanel’s leather Mini Macramé handbag provides the perfect amount of ’70s-style warm-weather flair and comes with an extra set of straps to be worn as a crossbody.

For a Tropical Island Vacation

Hit the sand in a breezy mix of bright colors and woven separates

FROM LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN LISTON. MODEL: NORA ATTAL; ISTOCKPHOTO/GETTY IMAGES; MARA HOFFMAN: COURTESY THE DESIGNER; HERMÈS: COURTESY THE DESIGNER

Natural waterfalls, towering palm trees, and a delicious treat infused with coconuts—sounding like paradise yet? On a dreamy tropical vacation, vibrant knit pants or a colorful crochet dress are exactly what you should wear to jaunt across the island. I love the idea of accessories with accents made from natural material, and my favorite bangles from Hermès are wooden and lacquered in brilliant hues. For a touch of special sun protection, Colville makes the most beautiful, vegetable-dyed raffia hats, sourced and handwoven in Madagascar.

In the spirit of an island vacation, adding a playful touch just feels right. Loewe x Paula’s Ibiza delivered a fun pair of flower-shaped sunglasses for basking on the beach. For a finishing touch, you can’t go wrong with a bright Swarovski pendant necklace to match.

Why Don’t You...

Wear summer’s most versatile layering piece, the string bikini, as a bra top

Louis Vuitton Monogram Jacquard Bikini Top

Eres Mouna Small Triangle Bikini Top

Ulla Johnson Maya Bikini Top

Moschino Mare Terry Embossed Triangle Bikini Top

For a Mediterranean Getaway

Make a splash in an elevated black one-piece and polished accessories

FROM LEFT: MICHAEL KORS COLLECTION: COURTESY THE DESIGNER; MARA HOFFMAN: COURTESY THE DESIGNER; ROMAIN REGLADE; PHOTOGRAPH BY CAMILLA AKRANS. MODEL: BIRGIT KOS

Cue Sofia Richie Grainge’s South of France wedding-week wardrobe: If you’re heading to a sparkling coastline with beautiful seafront views, true classics will pop against the skyline’s colors and scalloped umbrellas.

Designers like Michael Kors and Brandon Maxwell consider swimwear part of a full look. A classic black one-piece swimsuit can easily be tucked into a skirt or pants for an elevated summer dinner outfit. White shirting is also a big part of my wardrobe throughout the year; in the summer, an oversize organza version is an easy cover-up that feels effortless. When it’s time to cool off, Celine’s bamboo fan creates the most glamorous summer breeze of all.

Even when you’re in full vacation mode, you can still seek out investment pieces that will last beyond beach season. From a designer tote bag that can be carried to the office before summer Fridays kick in to collectible watches you’ll keep forever, shopping for long-term use is always a good idea.

Why Don’t You...

Go with classic black sunglasses to polish off any look

For an All-American Beach Trip

Catch a wave in surf-ready swimwear with sporty accents

FROM LEFT: PHOTOGRAPH BY BRYAN LISTON. MODEL: NIKKI McGUIRE; GETTY IMAGES; KARLA COLLETTO: COURTESY THE DESIGNER; CASABLANCA: COURTESY THE DESIGNER

Whether you’re having an active time at the beach out East or by the Pacific, suiting up in sporty swimwear is the best way to go. A crop-top two-piece with high-waisted or biker-short bottoms, or a sleek rash-guard suit, will give you the freedom to catch all of the waves. When you’re strolling on the beach, keep it cool with a vintage graphic tee as a cover-up. (When else can we lean into beach merch at its finest?)

In between splashing around, dry off with Dusen Dusen’s colorful striped towels and snap memories of the whole sun-soaked day with Kodak’s waterproof digital camera. Then, carry it back to the resort or Airbnb in Longchamp’s mesh tote, a beach bag that’s also a colorful accent piece.

Why Don’t You...

Go with a sporty shoe to gear up for an active day in the sun

Jaclyn Alexandra Cohen is Harper's Bazaar's Senior Fashion & Accessories Editor. Outside of the office she can be found downtown with her twin sister, figure skating somewhere or on the hunt for the perfect striped top. Follow her on Instagram @jaclynalexandra

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