THE spring/summer 2011 catwalks

vogue:  THE spring/summer 2011 catwalks were awash with retro references that called to mind the beach side glamour of starlets from the Sixties and Seventies as designers were inspired by the refined glamour of Brigitte Bardot, Jerry Hall and Marissa Berenson.


SEE THE TREND IN PICTURES
When packing your holiday wardrobe, make sure you mix-up your bikinis with some one-pieces: they're big news this season. Marc by Marc Jacobs worked the Fifties into a belted floral costume that had sweet buttons up the front, while DKNY's were bolder in colour and in shape - think one shouldered silhouettes in cobalt and cerulean. "Panic not," says Beach Tomato's Kirsty Hathaway, "these aren't your run of the mill costumes for doing laps - reminisce back to school swimming class one pieces, but sexier and more directional numbers."

Nanette Lepore, Michael Kors and Elie Tahari teamed high-waisted bottoms with bikini tops for a grown-up but subtly sexy look. The good news is that while wearing more fabric, you can style it up with different accessories. "Scarves are the perfect beach accessory, given their versatility," recommends Hathaway. "They can be worn as a sarong, used as a towel, fashioned as a turban or head scarf, not to mention a cover up for those quick-to-turn-pink areas." Or make like Elizabeth Taylor and wear one around your waist, as a belt; another around your hair; and another one still looped through your bag handles.

Shade yourself with a giant sun hat - one from Marc Jacobs or Prada will be sizeable enough - or add a whimsical nautical edge with one of Christian Dior's sailor caps. Alternatively, channel Atonement's Cecilia Tallis with one of Marni's swimming caps.

If OTT beach styling is taking things too far for your taste, Annabel Hume - founder of brilliant e-boutique Bellinski, recommends letting your bikini or cover-up do the work for you. "A simple yet chic Bellinski 'Bijoux' bikini teamed with Lanvin's crystal-embellished straw hat and an effortless maxi is all it can take to the stand out from the crowd - for all the right reasons," she says.

Look out, also, for bikinis in flesh and neutral tones. "Nude swimwear is a new and rather risqué trend for the season," continues Hathaway. "Yes, from afar you may look a little naked on day one, but alas, when you turn that beautiful bronze there is no better way to show it off."

Give ethnic kaftans a year off and opt, instead, for a diaphanous maxi dress for when you want to cover up. Marc Jacobs' burgundy gown is the perfect glamour injection to see you from the beach to the bar. And if your style's more low key, go for a men's shirt and shorts.

And leave the heels at home - they don't work in sand. Better to go for metallic sandals by Aspiga for a glamour hit or down-to-earth brown sandals.