Some like it hot: Go for retro Riviera glamour to stand out on the beach this summer

1. Pistol Panties frill swimsuit

£130, www.topshop.co.uk

Pistol Panties' swimwear range strikes a good balance between sexy and sweet. This one-shoulder style, which offsets retro polka dots with a cute pineapple print, proves that a one-piece needn't be boring. The ruffle adds some old-school Copacabana charm; just watch the tan lines.

2. Yellow "Tasha" tunic dress

£152, by Diane von Furstenberg at www.net-a-porter.com

A dress you can pull on over your bathers is a wise choice if, like 99 per cent of the population, you struggle to tie a sarong stylishly. This canary-yellow shade will look great in bright, sunny climes and will easily pass for laid-back eveningwear after dark.

3. Raffia sun hat

£30, www.thewhitecompany.com

We'll spare you the lectures about the importance of wearing a hat in the sunshine, because you already know, of course, that tanning one's face is a cardinal beauty sin. A classic wide-brimmed floppy hat will only up your poolside glamour, so there's no excuse for going without.

4. Red, white and blue striped bikini

£30, www.lauraashley.com

The nautical look may be a summer trend that is more predictable than the weather, but not without good reason – after all, who wouldn't want to look like a Côte d'Azur habituée? The halter top and low-cut shorts are a great shape for an athletic figure.

5. Turquoise bikini

£55.95 (top) and £47.95 (briefs), by L'space at www.rigbyandpeller.com

Whether you are sunning yourself in Barbados or Brighton, you can still indulge your inner glamourpuss. The artfully twisted top and high-cut briefs are unashamedly sexy, and turquoise is a default colour choice for setting off a golden glow.

6. Black swimsuit

£120, www.acnestudios.com

This is a costume fit for a 1950s Hollywood film star, although depending on what you wear it with, the strict structuring could also look sporty and futuristic. Swedish label Acne can always be relied on to make simple, classic pieces that still look distinctive.