[This post is sponsored by Target.
All content herein solely reflects my personal thoughts and opinions.]
Getting ready for summer means investing in sunblock and mosquito repellant, exchanging shoes for sandals, pulling out sun hats, and investing in a go-to swimsuit for the season.
However, it’s rare that one swimsuit can meet multiple needs, and investing in several suits can strain the budget. What’s the solution? Be smart and select coordinating swimwear pieces to create multiple looks.
For inspiration, I chose four Target swimwear separates to make three fabulous looks, all for under $80! (It’s still not quite summer in San Francisco, so I created my outfits at home, in preparation for warm weather ahead.)
I didn’t have a set idea of what I was going for, but I knew that I was bound to find something in Target’s staggering selection of mix-and-match separates. I was immediately drawn to a bright tropical floral top evoking fond memories of my Hawaiian get-away a few months back. Instead of choosing a matching bottom, I wanted a solid-colored bottom that complemented the color scheme and was versatile to build other looks upon. I found it in a swimwear version of an adorably flouncy mini skirt. It was love at first sight: flirty without the worry of a ‘wardrobe malfunction’ exposure, and forgivable of thigh-area insecurities.
1. Tropical Island Girl
I’m definitely packing this for my next seashore vacation! The playful print is perfect for the beach or boardwalk, and the top’s detachable strap is suitable for a (judicious) session of sunbathing. I love channeling my inner island girl groove by wearing a flower in my hair. In Hawaiian culture, a flower behind the right ear means you’re single; a flower behind the left means you’re taken. (That said, I didn’t go with tradition; I placed it based on my natural hair part.)
2. Classic Sophisticate
With smart stripes in white and navy blue and a little bow tie, this top is the swimwear equivalent of white gloves and pearls. Other chic style details include a wide-brimmed hat and a soft wrap. Drape the wrap over the shoulders, tie around the waist as a cover-up, or wrap it around the head, letting the ends drape down the back. Finish the look with pointed-toe pumps for a look that can go from poolside to country club. Gorgeous!
3. Festive Celebrations
For summer holiday celebrations from Memorial Day to the 4th of July, make a statement in red, white and blue. The top is sprinkled with small stars (a stylish nod to patriotism), and wears more like a crop top than a bikini – so cute! The layered ruffles echo those of the skirt. Together, the soft, feminine lines beautifully accent the inward curve of the waist. Add punch to the look with red accessories: a bag, jaunty hair accessory, and peep-toe sandals. All set for summer celebrations, from BBQs to pool parties!
Ready and excited to build your mix-and-match looks? Here’s a few tips:
- Select a color scheme of 2-4 colors. Consider colors and patterns that you’re drawn to. Find an overall theme that suits your skin tone and reflects your personal style.
- Identify a foundation piece from which your other looks will be based upon. Look for a piece that flatters your body, emphasizing features that you’re proud of. Build your collection from there!
- With each outfit you create, ask yourself if it makes you feel confident, comfortable, and beautiful. If you love the way you feel, you’ll carry yourself with more poise and self-assurance. That’s the best way to rock a swimsuit!
Which look(s) did you like, and why? Have fun creating your summer wardrobe at Target!
Aloha and xoxo,
P.S. Here’s one last look for a romantic tropical get-away with my husband. 😉 As fun as it is to mix things up, matching works as well… particularly when figure-flattering ruching is involved!
Find your style @TargetStyle! This post is sponsored by Target; all content solely reflects my personal thoughts and opinions.
[…] for their swimwear collections, featuring a beautiful swimwear look for a bargain, showing how to mix-and-match swimsuit separates, and brainstorming creative ways to incorporate swimwear into your regular wardrobe. I’m […]
Beautiful swimwear! But more importantly, how do I get your body? I prefer magic to you know – working out and stuff. So if you have a potion, let me know. 😉
I can’t believe these are from Target. I haven’t had luck swimsuit shopping there in the past but I am going to give them another chance this year. I adore all of these looks!
You look amazing Lauriel! Love all the swimsuits you styled here. So gorgeous!
xo, Alina
http://www.STYLEBYALINA.com
I liked the patriotic combination the best. That suit and the red purse were so classy and elegant looking. I don’t wear bikinis, but maybe I could find a cute suit and get a new purse to match. Girls always need an excuse for a new purse right? Now that we’re reaching summer temperatures, I’ll have to pop into Target and see what I can find. Thanks!
I am so not ready for swimsuits but those are awesome. I love the mix and match looks the best, you did a great job putting the looks together. I didn’t realize Target had such cute swimwear!
Oh goodness! It is bathing suit season already! Thanks for sharing your ideas! Love them! Target has a wonderful array to choose from. I may just shop for my swimsuit this week-end. Thanks for giving me that idea. 🙂
I don’t know which way I like the first top, with the navy blue bottoms or the matching bottoms! They’re all such cute tops and bottoms that they look good whether mixed or matched. I’ll have to stop by my Target tomorrow when we go shopping and what styles they have in stock there!
I don’t know the last time that my wife bought a new swimsuit, but I know that she didn’t buy it at Target because she didn’t like any of the one pieces that had available at the time. However, I think she would find several of these styles cute enough to wear the next time we go to the beach. Thanks for sharing (and I sure she would thank you too!)
Such cute bikinis! I love getting mine from Target so I don’t feel so guilty about getting a few different ones within my budget. I love that there are details like pleats and other features that help hide some parts that aren’t the same on me after having two little boys!
Amanda
http://www.queenofthelandoftwigsnberries.com
These are all gorgeous! I sadly can’t do bikini’s but you sure do rock them well! I love mixing and matching – it’s one of my favorite things about bathing suits. So, I let my girlies do it. They are young though, so I am a bit stern when it comes to what pieces but if I could do bikini’s I would do this for sure. These are awesome!
Love these pretty two pieces. They have great designs and colors, love them all! Thank God Summer is finally here, I can’t wait to head out to the beach and Target of course:)
Hooray for you rocking comfortably in bathing suits! I’m slim, but for some reason I’ve always been self-concious of my body and never really got comfortable wearing two pieces on the beach. Sigh lol.
I love the Tropical Island Girl top the best!