It’s time to prepare for sunny days ahead by outfitting yourself with some stylish swimwear and other summer essentials, including sandals and bags.

“Nothing sets the tone for a great summer faster than some fabulous new swimwear,” says Jackie Storonianski, the owner of Seychelles Swimwear in London. According to Storonianski, current swim styles are both figure-flattering and fashionable.

"Many women are happily surprised to find that there are many swimsuit styles that can make them feel and look great,” says Storonianski.

Flaunt your curves in one- and two-piece swimsuits with decorative zippers, panels, ruching, fancy multiple straps, flutter trim and other head-turning details.

Swimsuits with high necklines, mini bustier tops, racer backs and high-waisted bottoms are also soaked with style.

“Barely-there bikinis and onepiece swimsuits with plunging necklines are always fashionable, but today’s swim styles offer varied degrees of coverage and more options than ever with which to express your personal style,” notes Storonianski.

Strategically placed panels on swimwear can lend extra support or may be purely decorative when fashioned from sheer mesh and sporty net materials.

“Eighties-inspired swimsuits with sporty scuba styling are emblazoned with bold zippers, colour blocking and contrasting trim for a modern look with a vintage vibe,” says Storonianski.

All hues of blue, teal and turquoise, along with orange, green, pink and basic black are awash with style in solid and patterned swimwear.

When it comes to prints, watercolour, tribal, and pixilated floral patterns are all making waves.

As for choosing a beach cover-up, it may be time to drop the sarong.

“Lightweight, flowing pants, caftans, maxi and tank dresses are among the many stylish cover-ups that double as casual daywear to look great both on and off the beach,” says Storonianski.

Warmer weather means it’s finally time to free your soles in comfortable strappy sandals and espadrilles that wear well with everything from swimwear to dresses.

“Nubuck, patent and leather sandals with one- to three-inch block and wedged heels are super stylish and comfortable,” says Patti Mugford-Pooley, the general manager of Mugford’s.

Colour blocking, snake print and decorative buckles make for fancy feet, and two-tone patterns go heel to toe.

According to Mugford-Pooley, other styles to keep you on your toes include double-band and cross-strap slip-ons, rope-soled espadrilles and lightweight running shoes in neutral and jazzy tones.

Neutral kicks in tan and black along with metallic shades of pewter and gold are all on call.

Pastel, navy and white shoes also step out in style, while red, hot pink, orange and turquoise offer energizing blasts of colour.

If you’re in need of a new handbag, top-handled satchels, cross-body, tote and bucket bags carry the day.

“If you can buy just one bag, I’d recommend investing in a high-quality leather cross-body bag in a neutral colour to look great this summer and for many seasons to come,” recommends Mugford-Pooley.