Water Works
Swim styles that make a splash
The dog days you’ve been dreaming of are around the corner, leading to beach days, pool parties, and day trips to nearby springs.
You may be used to pulling frayed denim shorts and a baggy T-shirt over a trusty swimsuit you’ve had for years, but swim style can be just as statement-making as any other outfit.
Jane Spivey Nicholson, designer and founder of Summer of Spivey, epitomizes Emerald Coast style at her Grayton Beach studio and store. Her swimwear is ideal for those who spend more time in the water than on land as her emphasis is on versatility.
Photos by LA Free Film Swim – Summer of Spivey
One swimsuit can be converted to up to 10 different looks with reversible colorways and prints; addable or removable fringe and frills; varying tie options; and attachable hardware accents. You can style your suit based on your mood, location, or current trend preference, making it a wise investment for swim seasons to come.
Sarah Villella, manager and buyer at Narcissus in Tallahassee (which also operates a web shop), is seeing fabric trends including crochet, metallic, and seersucker in neon and bright saturated hues for 2026.
Popular silhouettes like triangle tops and side-tie bottoms will call us back to the early 2000s. Elevated one-pieces with cutouts, asymmetrical necklines, twist-front details, structured bustlines, and intricate hardware are at the top of the trending list.
Nicholson and Villella provide insights on what to wear no matter where the water takes you.
Photo courtesy of Narcissus
Beach Babe
Some of the world’s most beautiful and coveted beaches are located on the Emerald Coast. Whether you call these beaches your backyard or vacation here, many anticipate planning their beachwear.
“For a beach day, starting with a swimsuit you feel fabulous in is key, then layer a breezy cotton cover-up dress to toss on (like the Sos Bali dress), water-friendly flip flops, a chic straw tote full of the essentials, and a Turkish towel you could wrap around your waist as a cover-up,” says Nicholson.
For the sunbathers and beach readers, Villella suggests Maaji for their reversible styles or Hutch for their vibrant prints.
“For more active beachgoers, we suggest styles from Beach Riot, like their high-waisted shimmer set, or L’Agence color-blocked one piece with matching skirt and cardigan,” says Villella. “Both keep you cute but covered.”
If you plan on popping into a beachside boutique or waterfront restaurant, Villella advises a gauze cover-up from Malai.
Photo by Alicia Osborne
Pool Party
Whether it’s a friend’s poolside barbecue or a trip to the neighborhood pool, when in public, you’ll want to love your look.
The easiest way to do this is with a coordinating swimsuit and cover-up combo.
“Whether you’re lying by the pool or diving in, chic looks come together effortlessly from brands like Minkpink and Staud because of the coordinating cover-ups,” says Villella.
To any swimsuit, add a sarong wrap skirt or sheer kaftan in a cool color to complete the look.
“If you’re seeking an easy all-in-one option, the fringe Summer of Spivey one piece is like a cover-up and swimsuit,” says Nicholson. “Just toss on a straw Panama hat and your Krewe sunglasses, and you’re all set for a day in the sun!”
Photos by LA Free Film Swim – Summer of Spivey
Waterway Wonders
Northwest Florida brims with natural springs, rivers, and watering holes. Swim, paddle, canoe, or float in fashion.
“The Summer of Spivey daily top and high-waisted bottoms are sporty enough for a kayaking or paddleboarding adventure, and chic enough to layer under a sheer cover-up dress to toss on for lunch on the dock,” says Spivey Nicholson.
Bohemian crochet looks, which are taking over stores this summer, indulge in the natural vibes.
“One of the biggest trends in swim is crochet, soft, breathable, and easy to layer,” says Villella. “O’Neill offers lightweight fabrics in tunics and pants that match back to your suit.”
Before you slip on your water shoes or flippers, consider a jelly shoe like Tory Burch’s Kira padded flip flop or Intentionally Blank’s jelly Mary Jane.
Photo by Alicia Osborne
Accessories and Add-Ons
Your look doesn’t have to stop at the suit. Look flawless from head to toe with accessories that are both necessary and fun.
“For this summer, we are stocking plenty of jelly shoes, bag charms, and cheeky hair clips,” says Spivey Nicholson.
The charm trend that’s been taking over for the past year has made its way to swimwear in the form of whimsical hardware and accents on both suits and cover-ups. This includes beading, pearls, crystals, colored stones, tassels, and more.
“Grab a full-brimmed hat from BTB to protect your gorgeous face, I-Sea polarized sunglasses for your eyes, and throw it in one of the reversible Tory Burch Ella Totes—the perfect-sized tote for a full day,” says Villella.
If you’re unsure where to start or what look is for you, entrust a local boutique.
