Whether you’re spending the summer getting toasty under the sun, taking a dip in the pool, or staying at your favorite seaside location for weeks on end, a bathing suit is more than likely to be involved. While we love using a water activity filled vacation as an excuse to purchase a new bathing suit just as much as the next person, it can be frustrating to feel like you’re not getting your cost per wear out of these barely there fabrics. But why does a bathing suit have to be restricted to just the beach?

Incorporating your bathing suits into your everyday wardrobe can make realizing that the top and bottom of your bikini are sold separately a little less jarring, and might also save you some packing space in your suitcase when suddenly your beach outfit can also work as your brunch outfit. We’ve decided to help you get creative with the bathing suits you already own, or perhaps with ones you’re adding to your cart as you read on, by putting together some outfits with the help of one of summer’s biggest staples.

Bikini Top: SKIMS Signature Swim Triangle Top in Cocoa

Overalls: R13 D’Arcy Overalls in Clinton Blue

Shoes: Miu Miu Riviere Cord and Leather Sandals in Tobacco

A plain triangle bikini is probably the most common bathing suit, but might also feel like the trickiest to style because of its obvious purpose. Think of your bikini top as a bralette and use it the same way. Layer it under a shirt, or in this case, overalls, and go about your day as you normally would!

Bikini: Oséree Lumière Bikini

Top: Rick Owens Mohair Blend Top

Skirt: Y/Project skirt

Shoes: Ann Demeulemeester Alec High Boots

This one's for everyone having a BRAT summer and for someone who wants to, not only have fun with that delicious shade of slime green, but also wants their bikini to work with something a bit heavier and edgier. Again, layering is key!

Bathing Suit: Maygel Coronel One-Piece in Soleil

Pants: Jacqeumus Ovalo Cuir Pleated Leather Balloon Pants in Red

Shoes: Saint Laurent Suite Mules in Kaki Green Satin Crepe

Really, what’s the difference between a bodysuit and a one-piece bathing suit? If you’re looking to purchase something that’s a bit more elevated, make sure it’s something that can take you from margaritas at the pool to wine at dinner. Also, it is summer after all, so have fun with color!

Bathing Suit: Sporti Solid Piped Thin Strap One Piece Swimsuit in Navy/Gold

Pants: BRONSON MMFG. Co. US Army M-1951 Arctic Trouser-Shell

Shoes: adidas Gazelle Indoor Shoes in Core Black / Cloud White / Gum

Sporty Spice would approve of this outfit, we’re sure of it! A simple one-piece that reads more race than Riviera pairs perfectly with some cargo pants or baggy jeans and a classic sneaker.

Bikini Top: J.Crew Balconette Underwire Bikini Top in Black Dot

Skirt: Christopher John Rogers skirt

Shoes: Manolo Blahnik heels

There’s just something about a balconette bikini that is begging to take inspiration from the 1950s, especially when there’s polkadots involved. Think of it as a crop top and pair it with your favorite, high-waisted, bell shaped skirt and kitten heel. It’ll make you feel as if you’re on a sailboat off the coast of France (maybe you actually are)!

Bathing Suit: Lisa Says Gah x OOKIOH Lisbon One Piece in Buon Appetito Ivory

Pants: Polo Ralph Lauren Stretch Cotton Twill Wide-Leg Crop Pant in Red

Shoes: Church’s Nevada Leather Fisherman Sandals in Walnut

What better time than summer to eat (and wear) delicious food? The red pants here pull out the colors in the one-piece really beautifully, and the fisherman sandal ties in the Mediterranean feel of it all. Throw on your favorite gold jewelry and you’re all set!

Bikini Bottoms: Miu Miu Swimsuit in Red

Shirt: J.Crew Classic Mariner Cloth Boatneck in Carter Stripe Evening R

Other Shirt: Everlane The Relaxed Oxford Shirt in White

Shoes: G.H.Bass Womens 1936 Willa Flat Strap Weejuns Loafer

Socks: Gap Crew Socks in Slipper Red

Jacket: Miu Miu Garment-Dyed Gabardine Blouson Jacket in Cord

This one might be a little bold for some, but as they say, no pants, no problem! If Miuccia Prada says it’s okay, then we simply have to agree. If you’re wanting to try out the no-pants trend but feel a little nervous, try pairing your bathing suit bottoms with a closed toe shoe and a lot of layering on top. You can always add a pair of tights for some extra coverage, or put on a pair of low waisted pants and tuck your shirt into your bathing suit bottoms!

Bikini Top: Hollister High Apex Ribbed Underwire Bikini Top in Multi Color Floral

Bikini Bottom: Hollister Ribbed V-Front High-Leg Cheekiest Bikini Bottom in Multi Color Floral

Dress: Etsy Vintage 1930s Dress

Shoes: Tecovas The Annie in Caramel

What better way to let everyone know that you’re aware your dress is see-through than by wearing a brightly colored bathing suit underneath? Not only is there something very dreamy about the colors subtly shining through, but there’s also something fun about pairing a classic, vintage piece with something modern and a little bit unserious.

Bikini Top: Pull&Bear Printed Balconette Bikini Top in Yellow

Board Shorts: Vintage Abercrombie & Fitch Board Shorts

Shirt: Levi’s Joyce Short Sleeve Resort Shirt in Bright White

Shoes: Havaianas Top Flip Flops in Navy Blue

If you’ve had a picture of Carrie Bradshaw at the beach in the Hamptons, from that one episode of Sex and the City, on your moodboard for as long as you can remember, then this one’s for you! There’s something very Prada, ugly chic or Dries Van Noten does athleisure and florals about a pair of vintage board shorts that we can’t help but get behind. This one might feel very beachy regardless, but the key here is to take it out of its normal environment and wear it somewhere like a bustling city.

Bikini Top: Fella Julian Top in Navy Stripe

Skirt: Dries Van Noten Silia Cotton Midi-Skirt in Beige

Jacket: Prada jacket

Shoes: The Row Combo Kitten-Heel Sandals in Chocolate

Take your bikini from the beach to the boardroom with this outfit. Okay, maybe don’t actually go into the office with this on if you plan to leave the jacket open, but perhaps a summer garden party or brunch will do it justice.

Bathing Suit: Louisa Ballou Strapless Sex Wax Swimsuit in Black

Pants: Proenza Schouler Eleanor Pant in Stretch Suiting in Black

Shoes: Jil Sander Leather Sandal

Simple, sleek, and sexy. A one-piece with cutouts is the perfect piece to use for an evening wear look. We like creating some tension with more of a masculine, suited trouser, but the possibilities are endless.

Bathing Suit: Pucci Iride-Print Swimsuit

Shorts: Willy Chavarria Borracho Pleated Shorts

Shoes: Nike Shox R4 Retro ‘OG’

Socks: Hanes Premium Performance Cushioned Crew Socks

We just couldn’t not include a Pucci print in this outfit idea roundup– the brand screams summer! A one-piece with an eye-catching print is perfect for when you want to dress like a dad at a summer barbeque but also want to be a little more chic.

Sometimes it’s hard to think outside of your usual outfit formulas, but removing a label from a specific piece of clothing can help your imagination get a little more creative. Whether you follow one of the outfit formulas we’ve provided you or come up with one of your own, breathe new life into your bathing suits this summer!

Article by Caroline Nycek, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine

Bathing Suits Beyond The Beach