Not since the 1960s, when surf-centric films were in abundance and every teenager in America craved catching a wave, has the chilled-out aura of beach chic been so potent in pop culture. While this summer's The Shallows and other recent movies focus on the realities – and dangers – of the sport rather than beach blanket bingo games, fashion has taken a shine to the aesthetic with aplomb. One reason: the ongoing devotion to festival fashion, which calls for an "anything goes" approach (but is really quite studied, as anyone who searches for the perfectly distressed denim will tell you). Adopting a carefree attitude towards dressing has lead designers to mine the distinctive detailing of surf culture's trademark pieces. From BCBG's baja sweaters and bucket hats to Anna Sui's lush take on Tahitian and Hawaiian style, you'll be hard pressed to find a more on-trend look this summer.
Melissa Odabash bikini, $260 (U.S.), hat, $237 (U.S.), Anna Kosturova shorts, $157 (U.S.), hoodie, $241 at Neo One & Only Palmilla. Necklace, $575 at Hermès (www.hermes.com).
Carlyle Routh
This season's surf obsession is also a testament to the enduring allure of athleisure and its ability to transform a utilitarian wardrobe staple into something stylish. Until now, athleisure's reign has primarily relied on fashion-izing athletic wear, but surf chic is about a culture, not just an activity, which is why it's ideal for a sand-to-city transition. The vibe is assured and decidedly aloof – you don't want to look like you're trying to hard, after all. On the catwalk, the culture was literally represented in Sui's skilfully embellished board shorts (which are more town than beach-ready). In other cases it was about the overall effect; the laidback beachy waves and sunkissed skin at Thakoon would be ideal, minimalist beauty updates for a sultry day. Take inspiration from the many balmy locales where surfing reigns supreme – Southern California, the Baja Coast and the Polynesian Triangle – and mix liberally for a look you'll live in all summer long.
Hip lid
The pretty patchwork detailing of BCBG Max Azria's bucket hats elevate the potential of this often overlooked headgear. French millinery brand Maison Michel explores its luxe potential with a reversible offering, as does Polo Ralph Lauren – but with a more tropical approach. Herschel's simple denim style will be your go-to at the cottage.
Maison Michel Jason reversible hat, $565 through www.matchesfashion.com.
Lake bucket hat, $39.99 through www.herschelsupply.ca.
3. Polo Ralph Lauren reversible bucket hat, $69.50 at Hudson’s Bay (www.thebay.com).
Fringe element
As seen on the runway at Baja East's show, fringed bags lend an touch of boho flair to a sportier ensemble. Stella McCartney's prized Fallabella bag is covered in a scarlet swish of fringe, and Sam Edelman's ivory tote has fringe dripping from beaded embellishment – the ultimate mix of boho meets beach.
Sam Edelman Donna shoulder bag, $275 at Hudson's Bay (www.thebay.com).
Fallabella bucket bag, $1,470 (U.S.) through www.stellamccartney.com.
En Shalla shoulder bag, $742 through www.shopbop.com.
Board member
In her ode to South Pacific style, Anna Sui amped up a surf style staple, board shorts – a long, narrow silhouette favoured by dudes in the 1990s – by reimagining them in extravagantly embroidered silk. This season’s abundance of culottes, such as Sea’s pretty poplin pair, or Lisa Marie Fernandez’s trousers, which have the effect of a beach towel hung lazily around your waist, will achieve a similarly slouchy, SoCal effect.
Lisa Marie Fernandez layered linen pants, $485 (U.S.) through www.modaoperandi.com.
Sea broaderie anglaise-trimmed poplin culottes, $345 (U.S.) through www.net-a-porter.com.
Metallic linen culottes, $450 (U.S.) through www.kaelennyc.com.
Dream weavers
A beach-worthy knit should be rad but relaxed; Laura Siegel’s exposed-shoulder sweater was a hit at Toronto Fashion Week’s Mercedes-Benz Start-Up show. Esprit’s crochet vest is a perfect option for both a post-swim cover-up or brunch-time topper; Tory Burch’s cotton top trimmed with tassels features a playful crochet detail, too.
Virginia crepe sweater, $295 (U.S.) at Tory Burch (www.toryburch.com).
Esprit crochet vest, $119.95 at Esprit ( www.esprit.com).
John + Jenn Lilith crochet hoodie, $165 through www.johnandjenncollection.com.
Bodacious beauty
Take the approach seen at Thakoon and use products that will help you achieve a sun-soaked, less-is-more look. Redken’s Beach Envy line features a salt-free treatment that will give you wave-worthy locks. And for a refresh, Saje’s Cool Spray is a quick spritz of peppermint, basil and eucalyptus; ideal for inducing the calming effect of the ocean even when you’re at your desk.
Matte bronzer, $48 through www.beautycounter.com.
Cool Spray refreshing mist, $14.95 at Saje (www.saje.ca).
Needlepoints
Though not recommended for shredding any waves this summer, the bohemian feel of Tommy Hilfiger’s multi-hued crochet swimwear is perfectly in tune with surf culture’s laidback vibe. Mara Hoffman and She Made Me offer bikinis for the minimalist and maximalist alike, while Kiini’s combination of sport-meets-craft is a true bunny’s ideal suit.
Soley scoop back maillot, $315 (U.S.) through www.kiini.com.
Mara Hoffman crochet triangle bikini, $279 at Intermix (www.intermixonline.com).
She Made Me Savarna crocheted cotton bikini, $215 (U.S.) through www.net-a-porter.com.
ON LOCATION
The One & Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico, boasts lots of luxe amenities (personalized butler service, restaurants by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, breezy-chic suites among them), but its best asset may be its lush, beachfront property at the tip of the Baja peninsula. Its northern beach is where guests lounge in private swing beds, while its southern shore – the location for this issue’s swimwear cover – is lined with loungers positioned to take in the dramatic view. For swish surfers, the property offers a Tropicsurf guide who can set you up with everything you need to take on the Sea of Cortez, and stocks celebrity surfer Laird Hamilton’s line of board shorts and loungewear at its resort boutique. For more information, visit www.oneandonlyresorts.com.
Makeup and hair by Robert Weir for M.A.C Cosmetics/Judy Inc.; Model: Juliann H at Elite Model Management. Airfare, accommodation and additional support were provided in part by One & Only Resorts. The company did not approve or review this article prior to publication.
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