2014 Swimwear Trends for Vancouver Beaches

Equipped with tennis, basketball and beach volleyball courts, Kits Beach is where the young and sporty come to play. This bad-ass bikini by Vancouver designer Beth Richards touches on this season’s surf-inspired rashguard trend and will make you the rock star of any shorefront tournament.

Get the Look: Swimsuit Beth Richards Elle top, $129, and Naomi bottom, $100; Belt $275; Jewellery Pyrrha cuff, stylist’s own Shoes Ash leather high-top trainer, $185 from Holt Renfrew; Sunglasses Derek Cardigan Sun 7010 in grey haze, $119

If you’re heading down to this little hideaway between English Bay and Second Beach, you’ve got to wear – as the name suggests – a bikini. Exotic patterns like this Marc Jacobs botanical print are hot this summer and there’s nothing more glamorous than accessorizing a swimsuit with bold accessories like a statement pendant and tribal-inspired ankle bracelets. Finish off the look with a cosy shrug to keep you warm as the sun goes down.

Get the Look: Swimsuit Marc Jacobs Maddy botanical string bikini, $76 bottom and $80 top; Jewellery Irit Sorokin double-sided pendant necklace, $180; Hailey Gerrits ankle bracelets, $130 each; Shrug CiCi, $75; Sunglasses Marc by Marc Jacobs Blue 62, $119

Anchoring the West End, one of Vancouver’s oldest neigbourhoods, English Bay is the perfect place to showcase your retro suit. Feel like a pin-up in Seafolly’s nautically inspired boy-shorted one-piece and dream of days gone by. (Is that Joe Fortes patrolling the beach?) Click here for a glimpse at English Bay back in the day.

Get the Look: Swimsuit Seafolly Coastline boyleg maillot retro one-piece, $199; Jewellery BuenoStyle Lovely Light and Large earrings, $30; Shoes Franco Sarto red patent pump, $115; Sunglasses Raen Arkin Crystal Rose 47, $119

Vancouver’s notorious nude beach is also one of its most beautiful, so prepare yourself for breathtaking views both on and off the shore. If you’re not brave enough to bare it all, then leave a little (just a little) to the imagination with local designer Anna Kosturova’s Flashback monokini, which has been featured in Sports Illustrated magazine.

Get the Look: Swimsuit Anna Kosturova Flashback monokini, $216.95; Jewellery BuenoStyle Postal cuff, $46, and postal cuff dainty, $38; Sunglasses Marc Jacobs nude glitter 60, $169

Spanish Banks

Cuchè’s Julie bikini by Vancouver designer Eden Rausch (pictured above) channels the femininity of Flamenco with its ruffles and polka dots – perfect for a day of tanning at Spanish Banks (no straps means no tan lines).

Get the Look: Swimsuit Cuchè Julie bikini, $175; Sunglasses Gucci Havana violet pink, $179; Earrings Irit Sorokin earrings, $32; Flip-flops Native Paolo sandals in tartlet purple, $40