You wait so long for swim season to arrive—or, at the very least, to be able to go somewhere that requires a swimsuit. You spend so much time scouring the market for that perfect one-piece or bikini. And yet, most likely, you'll only end up wearing it a handful of times this summer. More and more, though, we're seeing swim styles that are, yes, first and foremost functional, but also lend themselves to everyday wear, with pieces already in your closet.

Ahead, you'll find nine outfits that illustrate the tips, and offer some fresh inspiration—and motivation—for wearing your favorite summer suit off the beach. There are a few styling tidbits that translate pretty much across the board. First: Combine a patterned swimsuit with a solid bottom, or vice versa, so that the graphic really stands out. Also, play with proportion—if your swimsuit of choice has a low-cut neckline, find a high-waisted bottom to balance it out; if it features ruffles, pair it with pieces that are more fitted, so that those details are highlighted in the silhouette.

Cheers to making the most out of your seasonal wardrobe.

A one-piece swimsuit is a no-brainer swap for a bodysuit, so treat it as such when you're putting together an outfit: A patterned, cap-sleeved style goes well with wide-legged khaki bottoms, a colorful mule, and punchy accessories.Eloquii One-Piece … — A one-piece swimsuit is a no-brainer swap for a bodysuit, so treat it as such when you're putting together an outfit: A patterned, cap-sleeved style goes well with wide-legged khaki bottoms, a colorful mule, and punchy accessories.
Eloquii One-Piece Swimsuit With Ruffle Shoulder, $119.90, Eloquii; H&M+ Chinos, $39.99, H&M; GAP Block Heel Mules, $56, GAP; Cuero & Mor Mini Cross Body Bag, $485, Shopbop; Laruicci Wide Circle Hoops, $99, REVOLVE

Balance out the crop of a tank-style bikini top with a boxy bomber jacket and a high-waisted pant. Keep accessories minimal—strappy sandals with a subtle heel and a barely-there chain necklace will do the trick.Triangl Malibu Blues Set, $89, Tr… — Balance out the crop of a tank-style bikini top with a boxy bomber jacket and a high-waisted pant. Keep accessories minimal—strappy sandals with a subtle heel and a barely-there chain necklace will do the trick.
Triangl Malibu Blues Set, $89, Triangl; Wilfred Clovis Jacket, $178, Aritzia; Everlane The Wide Leg Crop Pant, $68, Everlane; By Far Shoes Krista Patent Leather Sandal In Brown, $370, Need Supply; Mejuri Trio Pearl Necklace, $225, Mejuri

Build an outfit around a particular swim trend—for instance: Unexpected cutouts and silhouettes allow for some pretty inventive, arty outfits... Pair a checked one-piece with a patent mini skirt in a complimentary hue. Throw on some clear sandals an… — Build an outfit around a particular swim trend—for instance: Unexpected cutouts and silhouettes allow for some pretty inventive, arty outfits... Pair a checked one-piece with a patent mini skirt in a complimentary hue. Throw on some clear sandals and a printed tote, and you're good to go.
Skye & Staghorn Isodore Full Piece, $61.23, Skye & Staghorn; Uniqlo Women IDLF Soutien Collar Coat, $49.90, Uniqlo; COS Coated Crinkle Pleated Wrap Skirt, $135, COS; Dr. Martens Vibal Sandal, $105, REVOLVE; V&A Seaweed Tote Bag, $11.41, V&A Shop

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THE TEAM AT SWIM WEEK CALENDAR

How to Wear Your Swimsuit As Part of Your Outfit

A one-piece swimsuit is a no-brainer swap for a bodysuit, so treat it as such when you're putting together an outfit: A patterned, cap-sleeved style goes well with wide-legged khaki bottoms, a colorful mule, and punchy accessories.

Balance out the crop of a tank-style bikini top with a boxy bomber jacket and a high-waisted pant. Keep accessories minimal—strappy sandals with a subtle heel and a barely-there chain necklace will do the trick.

Build an outfit around a particular swim trend—for instance: Unexpected cutouts and silhouettes allow for some pretty inventive, arty outfits... Pair a checked one-piece with a patent mini skirt in a complimentary hue. Throw on some clear sandals and a printed tote, and you're good to go.

SWIM WEEK CALENDAR