It's the summer of the sarong (and they're not just for the beach any more)
- Wear your sarong everywhere, from the beach to out and about when home
- READ MORE: Why your denim jacket, ballet flats and cross body bag are making you look ten years older. Our fashion expert reveals which of this summer's trends you should avoid if you're over 50
You probably think of a sarong as a ‘holiday wardrobe’ garment, an item that makes its annual appearance by the pool but is swiftly confined to the back of the cupboard after its week in the sun.
But this summer, the sarong has had a radical revamp. Yes, you should still throw one in your suitcase — but you can wear it everywhere, from the beach to out and about when you return home.
If you’re having visions of David Beckham circa 1998, rest assured sarongs have had a trendy makeover. Fashion houses, including Alaia and Erdem, have all produced pareos this season — the Spanish name designers prefer for sarongs.
LEFT: Top, £179, neveandnoor.com; skirt, £25.99, newlook.com; shoes, £29.99, zara.com; earrings, £110, byalona.com RIGHT: Sarong set, £175, the87london.com; jacket, £135, sister jane.com; earrings, £195, laurence-coste.com
Top, £170, casaraki.com; sarong, £145, wiggykit.com; earrings, £185, giovanniraspini.com
And the top end of the High Street is also embracing the sarong as everyday wear. With Nothing Underneath, a classically stylish shirt brand, recently launched its first range of sarongs.
They can each be styled with the matching shirt to create an effortless ensemble. Tie the sarong short for the beach, or create a longer skirt if you’re heading to the office on a warm day.
Stuck for what to wear to the airport? New Look has the perfect sarong skirt with a pre-tied waist, so no readjusting needed. The lightweight textured fabric means it won’t crease on the plane.
Those after a high-fashion look should check out The 87. Founded by artist Zoe Zimmer, daughter of Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer, the statement offering is a two-piece scarf set, in printed fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying.
Tie one as a top, the other as a skirt — don’t worry, there’s a handy ‘how to tie’ page on its website (the87london.com) showing you all the different ways to do it.
LEFT: Shirt and sarong, £185, withnothingunderneath.com; shoes, £49.99, zara.com; sunglasses, £209.99, mulberry.com; earrings, £120, carrieelizabeth.co.uk RIGHT: Swimsuit, £325, and sarong, £195, heidiklein.com; shoes, £200, bobbies.com; bag, £275, and jewellery, stone-and-mason.com
Leaf-print sarong (as dress), £20, johnlewis.com; Willow Panama hat, £325, lockhatters.com
All thumbs? A simple yet effective trick to create a stylish knot is to use a hair tie (or butterfly clip) to secure it.
For a more traditional poolside look, make a chic statement in a vibrant piece from English designer Alice Temperley and luxury swimwear brand Heidi Klein’s capsule collection.
