Notting Hill’s top swimwear designers and experts offer their advice on the key trends for seaside fashion

Melissa Odabash

Heralded for fifteen years as the go-to designer for glamorous beach wear, Melissa Odabash teams stylish bikinis and one-pieces with luxe cover-ups and her signature beach accessories…‘Every time I travel to a new place I get inspired,’ explains the designer. ‘This season it’s a bit boho, a bit nautical and my favourites are the lace styles. Sport styles are very on trend as are two-tones and brights.’

So what are her top tips for looking chic despite hot temperatures? ‘Wear what suits you,’ says Mellissa. ‘I prefer flats in metallic colours as they match any bikini or swimsuit. A white cover up is a great look while less bling keeps you chic – and no saggy bikini bottoms! Choose a style that fits snug and finish your look with a great hat and sunglasses.’

48B Ledbury Rd, W11 2AJ; 020 7229 4299; odabash.com

Beach Cafe

‘There are some really amazing trends for summer 2014,’ explains Natalie from Ledbury Road’s Beach Café, who stock swim wear by everyone from JETS by Jessica Allen, to Seafolly and Juliet Dunn; ‘our favourite is the rash guard – we have stunning lace ones by Vitamin A, perfect for cocktails on the beach. Beach shorts are also huge this summer and lace and crochet from brands such as Charo Ruiz, Anjuna, PilyQ and Ondademar. Just don’t be afraid of colour! A splash of neon by Seafolly or a Lem Lem jumpsuit will update your look instantly.’

123 Ledbury Road, W11 2AQ; 020 7243 9395; beachcafe.com

Heidi Klein

With names such as Kerala, Jumby Bay and Abaco Beach, it’s easy to be immediately drawn in by Heidi Klein’s designs, not least of all because they drum up images of white sands and blue skies. Since launching in 2002 duo Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein have been creating collections which span a range of holiday wear – most importantly, all year round. ‘Penny and I always listen to our customers who tell us what works – and what doesn’t – and what they want to see next season,’ explains Heidi. ‘I switch up my summer wardrobe with classic bikinis, a perfect fitting one-piece and a few lightweight cover-ups. I’m particularly drawn to the oversized, white Seville Pin Tuck shirt at the moment, it goes with everything and is a perfect cover up at the beach or when heading to lunch!’

174 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RW; 0207 243 5665; heidiklein.com