Words by Flora Macdonald Johnston
DiReCtOR’s cUt: fIVe sAROngS tO iNVeSt In tHiS sUMMeR
And why they should be in your suitcase
Ever since watching actress Dorothy Lamour in Road to Bali (1952), I’ve been obsessed with sarongs. And if you haven't seen this film, I implore you to do so (if only for the insanely bejewelled and incredibly intricate outfits Lamour showcases throughout). Although the sarong has a long lineage, with roots in South East Asia (and Indonesia in particular), since it’s glamorisation by Hollywood in the 1900s it now comes in a multitude of styles, cuts and colours.
Dorothy Lamour in Road to Bali, 1952
For me, the true joy of the sarong lies with its versatility. Practically speaking, they can be worn around the hips, waist or tied around the neck to create entirely new wardrobe staples of tops and dresses (be it halternecks or bandeaus). In terms of lifestyle, sarongs are no longer reserved for just the poolside or when needing to cover yourself on the beach. Now, they’re designed to be showstoppers in themselves. Partying at the newly opened Standard in Ibiza? There’s a sarong for that. Perhaps you’re off to have dinner in an exclusive restaurant on the Amalfi coast? There’s a sarong for that too. So, here are my five favourite pieces you need to invest in this summer.
Singers Rihanna and Dua Lipa are already fans of this sequinned tie skirt by Oseree, and it’s easy to understand why. I like how this skirt demands more than just the beach or pool. Wear with its matching bikini set and chunky sliders for a pool party or, cropped white linen shirt and trainers for a bougie day look while you explore beachside towns and expansive villas.
Sequin Skirt
£165
Singers Rihanna and Dua Lipa are already fans of this sequinned tie skirt by Oseree, and it’s easy to understand why. I like how this skirt demands more than just the beach or pool. Wear with its matching bikini set and chunky sliders for a pool party or, cropped white linen shirt and trainers for a bougie day look while you explore beachside towns and expansive villas.
Sequin Skirt
£165
Columbian label Agua by Agua Bendita is a summer favourite of mine thanks to their delicate feminine prints and frills, plus, all of their items are handmade by female Columbian artisans, so there’s a feel good element to their pieces too. This linen wrap skirt, with its pink and green print, is chic and retro – very Hollywood in the 50s. Wrap it around your neck to create a halterneck dress and pair with kitten heels (a crochet bandana would be the perfect accoutrement also) and you’re ready for a luncheon with friends. For the evening, simply tie around your hips, add your favourite top, and you’re all set for cocktail hour.
Lavanda Skirt
£120
Columbian label Agua by Agua Bendita is a summer favourite of mine thanks to their delicate feminine prints and frills, plus, all of their items are handmade by female Columbian artisans, so there’s a feel good element to their pieces too. This linen wrap skirt, with its pink and green print, is chic and retro – very Hollywood in the 50s. Wrap it around your neck to create a halterneck dress and pair with kitten heels (a crochet bandana would be the perfect accoutrement also) and you’re ready for a luncheon with friends. For the evening, simply tie around your hips, add your favourite top, and you’re all set for cocktail hour.
Paillettes Micro Bikini
£180
Vanda Jacintho is the queen of beachwear versatility, and this sarong is the ultimate holiday go-to. Crafted in crepe de chine with a gorgeous print of muted greens, reds and beige, it features a multi-tie closure design, so you can actually style it three ways (or more – the possibilities are endless).
Peggy's Panneau Sarong
£355
Why have one skirt when you can have two? This slinky two-tone lamé wrap skirt by Oseree gives you the freedom of choice – and isn’t that what we all strive for with our holiday wardrobe? Pair with its matching bikini set for a maximalist look, or style with a loose oversized shirt unbuttoned for a cooler, more laissez-faire ensemble.
Lamè Mini Pareo Skirt
£230
Why have one skirt when you can have two? This slinky two-tone lamé wrap skirt by Oseree gives you the freedom of choice – and isn’t that what we all strive for with our holiday wardrobe? Pair with its matching bikini set for a maximalist look, or style with a loose oversized shirt unbuttoned for a cooler, more laissez-faire ensemble.
Lamè Mini Pareo Skirt
£230
Ok, I am cheating here – this is not a sarong. However, for those who don’t enjoy a sarong, or even a skirt for that matter, this linen skort by Adriana Degreas provides the same illusion as a skirt but with additional comfort. I love the citrus orange tones contrasted by its white scallop hem, it feels uber mod. Keep the rest of your look in the same lane with chunky sliders, a cool white swimsuit and be sure to add some gold jewellery.
Scalloped Skort
£225