In the Mood For…A Swim

Memorial Day means one thing first and foremost: Beaches are open for business. But swimwear doesn’t need to be limited to the seafront or poolside; here, we offer a few swim styling inspirations straight from W’s archives over the years.
Keep cool with a few strategically placed cutouts.
“Paolo Roversi: Swim,” photographed by Paolo Roversi, styled by Alex White; W magazine April 2008.
A classic halter is very Monroe by the beach.
“A Brighter Shade of Pale,” photographed by Willie Vanderperre, styled by Olivier Rizzo; W magazine June 2011.
Model Elizabeth Bennett is most at home on the beach — right down to her bed-as-surfboard.
“The Montauk Moment,” photographed by Benedict Brink, styled by Caroline Grosso.
Brigitte Bardot was the consummate chic French girl, which explains why she fits in so well in the south of France.
“This Side of Paradise”; W magazine November 2012.
Cara Delevingne proves that you don’t need a swim suit to hit the beach (though a cute, beach-ready dress doesn’t hurt).
“Heavenly Creature,” photographed by Mikael Jansson, styled by Edward Enninful; W magazine February 2013.
Don’t forget to buckle up.
“Gold Digger,” photographed by Emma Summerton, styled by Edward Enninful; W magazine April 2012.
A lace shift can double as a beach coverup — or a swimsuit on its own, if you’re daring enough like Kate Moss.
“Summer Camp,” photographed by Bruce Weber, styled by Alex White; W magazine July 2008.
Leotards look an awful lot like swim suits in the right (beachy) light.
“First Ladies,” photographed by Bruce Weber, styled by Camilla Nickerson; W magazine May 2010.
… And a swim suit doesn’t have to be limited to the beach.
“Chic Mystique,” photographed by Mario Sorrenti, styled by Camilla Nickerson; W magazine March 2010.
Though one-pieces are all the rage this season, we’ll never say no to a good bikini like Joan Smalls.
“Survival of the Chicest,” photographed by Mikael Jansson, styled by Edward Enninful; W magazine June 2013.
Leave it to the men to bare it all.
“Blame it on Rio,” photographed by Steven Klein, styled by Arianne Phillips; W magazine March 2009.