It’s hard to argue a better way to kick off summer than with 2023 Miami Swim Week. Having taken place in early June, the Paraiso runway shows and Summer Fashion Summit showcased the biggest emerging swim trends and need-to-know designers for the beach season ahead.
Brands like Luli Fama and Sigal played into trending shades reminiscent of the ocean with hues of cerulean blue, teal, and aqua. Meanwhile, metallic hardware, decorative ties and closures, and whimsical buttons ranging from seashells to under-the-sea creatures made their appearance in a playful yet tasteful way. Plus, designers seemed to be in agreement that textures, rather than prints, will be the look of the season, though ONEONE offered mismatched graphics for a fresh spin on the look if prints are what you seek.
Whether you’re curating your shopping list for a quintessential European summer, a Caribbean beach getaway or simply tanning on your apartment rooftop and still want to look the part, we’ve gathered up the hottest swim styles you’ll want to “add to cart” now. Below, discover the seven trends that you won’t want to miss straight from the runways of Miami Swim Week.
Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Shades Of Blue
The perfect beachside palette? Obviously the shades of the sea themselves. This season, designers tapped into hues inspired by the water, with mid-to-light shades of blue, green, and everything in between making waves over Miami Swim Week.
Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Texture
Minimalism with a twist is always a foolproof summer formula. To achieve an interesting yet elevated look, designers nixed over-the-top prints for a slew of textures. Ranging from crochet to tonal, the variety of fabrics allowed for creativity and an option for every personal style.
Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Hardware Details
For an added dose of decoration, designers turned toward hardware details. Brands like Azulu leaned into seashell buttons and rope trim on coverups while Kittenish and Luli Fama opted for belts, metallic O-rings, and ties with beads on swimwear.
While textures and minimalistic prints were on the rise during Miami Swim Week, some took the opportunity to be bold with abstract-style prints. Designers expertly mixed prints for a purposefully imperfect look that lends a cool twist on a tried-and-true look.
Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Blood Orange
Despite the wise words of Elle Woods, (blood) orange is actually the new (hot) pink this season. As the Barbiecore bubble nears bursting, other haute hues are ready to take over. Between blood orange and cerulean blue, there are plenty of fresh alternatives that are ready to liven up your swimwear assortment.
Miami Swim Week Trend 2023: Ruching
Delicate details like ruching and shirring bring a touch of romance to swimwear. While this may not be the trend to lean into for sporty days on the water, it’s perfect for poolside lounging or beach-to-bar moments on vacation.
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In a world where all we want to do is stand apart form the rest (and quickly spot our luggage at baggage claims), a personalized bag is the way to go. Getting one monogrammed just feels so special, and it’s an accessory that you can truly call your own (and luckily won’t be obligated to share with your siblings or roommates). Monogrammed tote bags are especially all the rage right now, perfect for beach days, weekend market strolls, and vacations.
We’ve compiled the best monogrammed bags that you can personalize to your liking. Have your initials hand-painted, embossed, and embroidered onto your handbag or or have custom patches or charms added for an extra touch. Whether you’re looking for monogrammed luggage to take on your next vacation or a monogrammed wallet to make your daily errands a tad fancier, there’s plenty of options to fit your exact style.
Monogrammed Tote Bags & Beach Bags
Monogrammed beach bags will instantly elevate your seaside (or poolside) style. From large straw bags to canvas tote bags, personalize them for a one-of-a-kind summer staple. There are options where you can add your initials for subtle detail or your name (or favorite phrase or mantra) for extra flare.
Monogrammed Wallets
Whether you prefer zip-up, coin purse, or card-case styles, wallets can be personalized. No, monogrammed wallets aren’t only reserved for Father’s Day gifts. You can buy them for yourself too, adding your name or initials through sophisticated, metallic embossing or whimsical, colorful hand-painting.
Monogrammed Luggage & Travel Bags
There’s nothing worse than trying to find your black luggage among a million lookalikes on the airport conveyor belt. If only you had a monogrammed travel bag to stand out. Just as there are carry-on suitcases and duffle bags that can be personalized, there are also travel accessories like toiletry bags and jewelry cases that you can (literally) put your stamp on.
Monogrammed Mini Bags
Mini bags aren’t going anywhere, so if you want to take on the small-size trend, consider personalizing your handbag. Whether you’re looking for a top-handle bag, mini backpack, fanny pack, or clutch, there are styles out there that can be monogrammed. They also make for great festival accessories or bridesmaid gifts.
Monogrammed Luxury Bags & Wallets
Now for the luxury bags. Wearing a designer bag is an experience in itself, but wearing a custom designer bag is even more special. More affordable brands like Michael Kors along with higher-end brands like Gucci offer customization on their signature styles. These are more subtle, with monograms being placed on straps or under flaps. Quiet luxury, much?
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There are plenty of names in the swim game, but when an intimates brand doggy paddles its way into these waters, it makes us very excited. Parade — which you likely know from its size-inclusive, ultra-comfortable, and cheerful bras and underwear — has graced us with equally colorful swimsuits, available in sizes XS through 3XL for the summer. Among the brand’s signature colors are a few fresh colorways, such as a sea blue, deep orange, bright yellow, and palm green. The tropical palette is available in a range of bikini separates that can be mixed and matched as well as some unique one-piece swimsuits and funky coverups.
The playful swim pieces are all made from Parade’s EcoSplash fabric, a sustainable material made from recycled water bottles. Swimwear that spares the environment?! That’s hot. And it doesn’t mean these pieces are going to disintegrate when you take a dip in them. The durable fabric is even double-lined for extra coverage and an extra-smoothing effect. We on the Shopping team are all about this, so we put some Parade swimwear pieces to the test to see just how well they fit and if they pass the swim test. Scroll on to read our honest reviews of Parade’s new swim collection and where we’ll be sporting the cheery pieces this summer.
“I’ve had my eye on Parade’s zany colorblock swimsuits for a while now, and I love how the different styles can be mixed and matched. The only thing that was giving me pause was how there seems to be a lot of side boob and under boob in some of the try-on photos I’ve seen. Don’t get me wrong: It’s a great look on the models, but I personally prefer something with more coverage.
“Testing out the Scoop Bikini Top was enough to silence my doubts: Even though the design was slightly skimpier than what I’d normally go for, at no point did I feel like I was about to flash everyone, and there was enough support for my chest even without underwire (I did size up to an L to make sure I feel adequately covered). I did half an hour of swimming in an indoor pool and not once did I feel like I needed to stop and adjust my straps or reposition the fabric. The neon pink color is so fun and makes me feel SO ready for the Barbiecore summer.
“I’ve been eager to try out Parade swimwear pieces for a while, and I was excited to cop a few pieces of the new collection. With so many fun and colorful options, it was truly a challenge to narrow down my selection, but I wound up going with the Triangle Bikini Top and High Rise Bottoms in bright blues. I opted for a Medium in the top — which ultimately fits, lifts, and supports me, thanks to the adjustable straps — but I think a Large would have been better for less side-boob action. So while I wouldn’t say I have a big bust, I’d still recommend sizing up in the bikini tops. I got a Large in the bottoms and they fit perfectly. I think the cut was really flattering. They were high-waisted yet sat below my belly button, which actually looked really nice and didn’t harshly cut into my torso. They also had a not-too-revealing high cut around my thighs and not-too-revealing cheeky coverage from the back.
“While I loved the bikini separates, I really love the Parade coverup pants. I love a good coverup dress, but I often fall victim to chafing thighs, so a pair of flowy mesh pants seemed like the perfect alternative. I chose the new Golden Hour hue for a bright yet complementary contrast to my bikini. They are not only buttery soft and cooling, but from the front, they look like a pair of trendy lounge pants. You more so notice their sheerness from the back, with my bikini bottoms showing through. This summer, I’m definitely looking forward to bringing these pieces to the Jersey Shore for casual beach days and on vacation for Mediterranean Sea photoshoots.” —Victoria Montalti, Associate Affiliate Writer
“As someone with outward-facing boobs, this bathing suit is a godsend. The crisscross design fully catches each breast on the side and keeps them in place perfectly — which is actually why I picked this silhouette. I have to do a little shifting to make sure nipples stay hidden but when I find the right spot, the top stays put. It’s, of course, not supportive like a sturdy, underwire-laden top. But the suit definitely swaddles and somehow survived six full-fledged jumping jacks before my groceries fell out? I think the secret is in the double-layered fabric, thoughtful stitching, and adjustable straps. The worst bathing suits I’ve tried were just thin triangular cutouts that could barely handle a nipple.
“I do wish that the bottoms were cut a little lower because my torso is short and the bathing suit’s crisscross accent already cuts it in half. However, I can imagine that if you have a longer torso, it’s perfect. And as the thong bottoms’ on-site description says, they don’t move. Yes, they reveal my entire backside to the public, but they’re locked in once put on. Lastly, it takes some brain power to successfully put on the top — that being said, once it’s all fastened the finished look is 100% worth it. I will be wearing it aplenty this summer.” —Alexandra Polk, Affiliate Lifestyle Writer
“I’ve always heard such great reviews about Parade’s swimwear and was curious, but I’ve always been on the fence since I don’t swim often. However, my new buttery soft one-piece is encouraging me to get out there this summer and wear it as much as possible for pool days or night swims on the lake. The style is truly so unique and adorable. It looks like a halter bikini in the front, but it’s a one-piece. I’ve never seen a frontal cutout for swimsuits, as the cutouts are usually by the back waist, but it didn’t look unnatural or awkward at all. Also, the wine color gives off a chic modern flair. Since my go-to coverup when lounging out of the water is a silky, loose button-down and a baseball cap, I paired that with my one-piece.
“However, one of my worst fears about the actual ‘swimming part’ is that my top will fall off when I jump into the pool and rigorously drift away before I can grab it. Thankfully, I was confident while practicing different swim moves at home that it wouldn’t happen with my new swimwear. (I did a few jump tests, too, in case you like to cannonball into the water.) Therefore, if you’re in the same boat as me, you can cast your worries aside with this secure one-piece. The extra coverage on the back has (literally) got your back for any wardrobe mishaps — just make sure you tie the halter tightly.” —Vivien Lee, Affiliate Fashion Writer
“Even though high-leg bikinis are all the rage right now, I’m still partial to a high-waist, fuller coverage bikini if I can find it. The Boyshort Bikini Bottoms were literally perfect. I’m 5’8” and wear a size Small, so I’m always impressed when the butt isn’t too cheeky, and the front covers all the important bits without any pinching elastics or uncomfortable bands. I love the colorblock pattern, which makes me feel like a vintage Barbie or an extra in a ’50s beach movie.
“I also got the Scoop Bikini Top in a size Small, but despite my lack of chest, I wished I’d sized up to a Medium. Even on the loosest hook, it did feel like it was pulling a bit. I did like that the straps were adjustable, though, which made it wearable, and who knows? Maybe it’ll loosen up as I wear it. Regardless, the set looked great on, and I can’t wait to lounge in it poolside all summer.” —Charlotte Lewis, Sexual Health & Wellness Writer
“I love the beach and swimsuit season. There’s nothing like the feeling of wearing a brand-new bikini to the beach — especially if it’s in a fun color! I love the colors in Parade’s new swim lineup, especially this deep bronzy orange. The swimsuit is so cute and so soft; however, if I were to purchase from the line again, I would size up in the top and bottom as I feel like they are a little too tight for me. I’m usually a size Small bottom and size Medium top, but both were too small from Parade, so I know to size up next time. The thong is definitely the definition of an itty-bitty bikini, so if you are not comfortable showing all that junk in your trunk, beware.” —Becca Sax, Affiliate Coordinator
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I’ll go right ahead and say it: I am not a summer fashion person. Growing up in Puerto Rico, warm-weather clothing made up my year-round wardrobe and I hated it all my life. But my disdain for stereotypical resortwear goes beyond my love of tailoring, textures like plaid and knits, and black clothing. I find that, often, summer styles are romanticized to levels I can’t quite wrap my head around. In fashion campaigns and cruise shows, the vibrant prints, maxi dresses and caftans, and raffia accessories promise an escape from the more buttoned-up fashion of other seasons, yet never quite deliver IRL. A Caribbean villa with a private beach has yet to materialize whenever I bring out my gladiator sandals. Instead, I find myself running around with straps falling off my skin and sunglasses slipping from sweating my makeup and SPF off.
Not only does stereotypical summer fashion strip away the layers available to play with in other seasons, but, beachwear aside, it’s also never functional for everyday life. Not to mention, uncomfortable for people with skin conditions that can’t be exposed to the sun — take, for example, my keratosis pilaris — or those who don’t enjoy wearing revealing clothes.
I’ve long rebelled against the hot shorts and spaghetti straps agenda, choosing breathable pants, neutral colors, and more structured pieces come June. In the process, I’ve found ways to make summer fashion work for me with outfit formulas that balance sharp tailoring that I’ve come to love with the effortless nature of warm-weather styles.
If you also feel hostage to sundresses and tank tops, here are five foolproof outfit formulas to cope with the season’s heat without trading your personal style.
Flowy trousers & top
I’ve long relied on wide-leg trousers to keep me cool in the summer. I often pair them with equally flowy, oversized button-down shirts that don’t stick to my skin and allow me to open and close buttons depending on how hot it gets. The key is to keep the colors in this formula as neutral as possible, so you can accessorize for all types of activities. Add a raffia hat and flat sandals, and it’s a brunch outfit. Mix in heels and a leather handbag, and you’re ready for dinner or rooftop drinks.
Oversized shirt & shorts
In the summertime, there are few worse feelings than wearing clothes that stick to your body, which is why a boxy shirt and flowy shorts are always a good idea. I also like adding a harness or corset on top — depending on the temperature — and heels to add some interest to the fairly simple formula.
Over-the-shoulder sweater
One of the best ways to add texture and layers to your summer wardrobe is to simply tie a sweater around your shoulders. I’m not talking about a scratchy winter sweater; a lightweight striped crewneck or an open-knit cardigan will protect your skin from the sun without scorching your body. Although this styling trick is an old one, it’s been popularized recently by It Girls like Sofia Richie and Kendall Jenner, who are spiking the stealth wealth trend. If the sweater’s too warm on your shoulders, you can always wrap it around your waist.
Monochrome summer suit
A flowy top and tailored shorts is my hot-weather version of a tailored suit. (Alternatively, you can go for a matching vest set.) In the summer, I like to play with prints, like stripes, to keep the look from looking boring or wintery. A neutral-colored monochrome suit will also be easier to style with a wide range of accessories and pops of color (if that’s your thing).
Shirtdress
From summer concerts to fashion shows, shirtdresses are one of my most versatile hot-weather pieces. They are the best blank canvas for accessorizing, easily paired with anything from a pair of sneakers to glitter platforms. (A black T-shirt dress can also double as a fall essential come September.) For the past two summers, I’ve worn my white shirt dress with everything from a leather harness to raffia platforms and corsets.
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