5 of this summer’s hottest swimwear trends

oliday season is here and when it comes to packing for summer getaways, swimwear is of the utmost importance.

Whether you’re jetting across the globe or staycationing in the sunshine, a stylish swimsuit or two-piece is a must-have – and there are plenty of incredible pieces to choose from this season.

From vintageinspired prints to bold colours and figure-flattering shapes, these are the five key swimwear trends to know about now…

These bikini and swimsuit styles will be everywhere, says Katie Wright.

H1. Retro florals

The groovy Sixties and Seventies fashion trend spills over into beachwear with flower-powered swimsuits and bikinis.

Amp up the vintage vibes by teaming yours with cork wedges, a floppy sun hat and a crochet cover-up.

Orla Kiely X

Regatta Seagrass

Passionflower Swimsuit, £27.95 (was £40)

Ted Baker Telisea Cut Out Detail Bikini Top, £45; Tiffnei Bikini Bottoms, £40

2. Barbie pink

After what feels like years of anticipation, Greta Gerwig’s liveaction Barbie film lands in cinemas right in the middle of vacation season –on July 21 – and the all-pink-everything trend is still going strong.

With a plethora of pink swimwear on the high street – everything from string bikinis to sporty suits, in every shade from pastels to fuchsia – everyone can live their best Malibu Barbie life this summer. SimplyBe Crinkle Plunge Swimsuit and Scrunchie, £32.40

Reign Studio Rosa Fuller Bust Bikini Top Fuchsia Pink, £50; Rosa High Waisted Bikini Bottoms Fuchsia Pink, £32

Monsoon Lace Trim Bikini Top with Recycled Polyester Pink, £40; Lace Trim Bikini Bottoms with Recycled Polyester Pink, £35

3. Bandeau

After several seasons of lingerieinspired multi-strap swimwear that leaves you, more often than not, with very weird tanlines (we’re blaming Love Island), minimalist styles are back.

Strapless swimsuits and bikinis are sleek and chic. Mix and match block colour separates for a sporty look or make a style statement with a printed two-piece.

Seafolly On Vacation Clip Back Bandeau

Bikini Top in Azure/ Multi, £55; Seafolly On Vacation High Waist Bikini Bottoms in Azure, £65, John Lewis & Partners

Jets Australia Oia Sunset Bandeau One Piece, £177

And/Or Shirred Bandeau Bikini

Top Blue, £24; Side Shirred Bikini Bottoms Blue, £18, John Lewis & Partners

4. Ring details

Bring vintage glam to your poolside look with a ring-detail bikini or bathing suit.

Tap into the Seventies trend with paisley or marble print, or go au naturel in caramel and coffee tones.

Very Lucy

Mecklenburgh Ring

Detail Halter Neck

Bikini Top in Orange, £18; Ring Detail

High Waisted Bikini

Brief in Orange, £15 Peacocks Womens Brown Leaf Print One Shoulder Control Swimsuit, £24

5. One shoulder

Asymmetrical designs combined with cut-out detailing make for one of the sexiest swimwear trends of the year – and it’s a look celebs and fashion influencers are loving.

Go for Grecian glam with a white one-shoulder bikini or jazz it up with a colourful print.

Boux Avenue Java

Textured Crop Bikini

Top White, £25; Java Textured High Waist Bikini Briefs White, £20

Matalan Be Beau

Multicoloured Wiggle One Shoulder

Swimming Costume, £21

Home to the picturesque Wye Valley is the Welsh county of Monmouthshire. With over 1,000 walking trails, the nicknamed ‘Food Capital of Wales’ also boasts tonnes of activities to enjoy, making this stunning county the ideal destination for a weekend getaway. Not sure where to start? Here’s our pick of top things to include in your Monmouthshire weekend break:

EXPLORE THE HISTORY: TINTERN ABBEY

Overlooking the banks of the River Wye is the national icon, Tintern Abbey. Founded in 1131 and benefitting from an abbey extension in the 1200s, the remains of this stunning British Gothic architecture is a sight to behold. Inspiring many artists and poets, including William Wandsworth (who wrote Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey following a visit in 1798), Tintern Abbey is an unmissable historical landmark which will enrich your cultural and historical Monmouthshire experience. Open yearround, entry prices start from £4.60 per child, £7.70 per adult or £21.60 per family.

TAKE A WALK: SYMONDS YAT

See the stunning River Wye and enjoy a country stroll around famous Symonds Yat. Forming almost a complete loop, the walk starts below Symonds Yat Rock in the tranquil village of Symonds Yat East. At less than 3 miles, following mostly level terrain with zero styles to navigate, this circular walk is perfect for enjoying some of the best Monmouthshire countryside alongside the River Wye. Find the start at Saracen’s Head Pub by taking the ferry across the river. Happy strolling! Car parking is available in Symonds Yat East. Charges apply.

DINE OUT: THE CLYTHA ARMS

Voted ‘Country Pub of the Year’ in 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2011, The Clytha Arms has been a popular pub and restaurant for over 25 years. With a warming open log fire, comfy sofas and tasty beer, the family-run Clytha Arms is a great choice for a drink or meal out. The Clytha Arms is situated just outside historic Abergavenny and is also within walking distance of Raglan Castle. If Cider is your thing, look out for the annual Cider Festival held every May bank holiday to enjoy local cider, live music and camping. Open 7 days a week.

CATCH A MOVIE: SAVOY THEATRE AND CINEMA

Faced with a rainy day or free evening? Head to Monmouth town for the historic Savoy Theatre and Cinema. Tucked away in Church Street, the Savoy Theatre and Cinema is the oldest theatre site in Wales and perfect for a varied programme of feature films, special cinema events and live entertainment for affordable prices. Ticket prices from £5 per child and £6 per adult.

A Brilliant Weekend Away

With so much to explore in Monmouthshire, a weekend break is really the minimum time you need to skim the surface of its offerings. Go to VisitMonmouthshire.com for more information and to start planning your stay.

David Beckham designs new car collection with Maserati

The former English professional football player, who announced his partnership with the luxury Italian car company in April 2021, has now curated the first edition of Fuoriserie DB Essentials collection.

The 48-year-old said cars were “a big part of his childhood” and family holidays.

Inspired by his love of the classic Trident brand and traditional bespoke men’s tailoring, Beckham re-imagined two classic models.

“It was a big part of my family vacations. I remember that we always used to drive where we went with my sister, that’s why cars are a big part of my childhood,” he said in an interview with French magazine L’Officiel.

“I am really interested in cars, like my dad, he used to love cars and he always talked to me about them. But then when I looked forward to buying my own car that’s really when it changed to me.”

The dad-of-four’s first choice for the new collection was the 1967 Maserati Ghibli coupe, where he matched a tan leather interior with a ‘night interaction’ blue colour for the exterior.

He then selected the 1986 Maserati Quattroporte Royale, where he went for a ‘verde royale’ (dark green) exterior, paired with a brown leather upholstery inside.

From Manchester United and England star to all-round national treasure, global charity and brand ambassador and fashion icon, Beckham is known for his impeccable style. So why not design luxury cars next?

Last year The Sun estimated that Beckham could have spent £3 million on cars – reportedly more than 30 cars and motorbikes over the years.

It’s a long way from his first car – a turquoise 1994 Volkswagen Golf – that he sold in 2015 to raise money for Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Famously, the first supercar he owned was a Porshe 911 Carrera that he bought in 1997 after he hit the big time at Manchester United.

He and Victoria were often pictured in it together in the early days of their relationship. It was later auctioned off for £171, 400.

Over the years he’s been known to own Jaguars, Ferraris, Range Rovers and a Lamborghini. But his new collection will be seriously exclusive – with only 51 cars made of the Quattroporte Royal.

“Fuoriserie means ‘custom-built’ in Italian,” said Klaus Busse, head of design of Maserati, and the brand’s luxury clients can “express their personality and passion by creating their very own Maserati”.

Both of Beckham’s designs will only be available on the MC20 super sports car and the new SUV Grecale, which is equipped with 4-cylinder hybrid powertrains – moving the brand closer to its 2025 goal of running on electricity alone.