NO longer can the Seventies be remembered as the decade that style forgot.

For the summer of 2008, striking looks of the 1970s are revived and mixed with tribal and safari-inspired trends to create bold, glamorous styles ideal for beachwear.

Start with the swimsuit and go for a white all-in-one, with plunging neckline, halter-neck and gold fastening detail (gold rings and chain, for example). Team with a golden tan and a huge, wide-brimmed floppy hat for a truly iconic glamour look.

All black works too and both team fabulously with gleaming metallics and with ethnic, tribal and animal print kaftans, sarongs and cover-ups, to give an air of well-travelled, opulent chic.

Look out for one-shoulder and cut-out swimsuits, especially in gold and bronze, gorgeous peeping out beneath white, black or animal print transparent cover-ups. Bikinis look cool in black, mocha and caramel, again teamed with molten gold and bronze and look out for fab sequin, jewel and mirror embellishment for posh totty, hippy chic flair.

Or go all artistic, à la French Riviera, seeking out swimsuits and bikinis with graphic or floral, swirly, splashy prints, which can be flattering for tummies, as well as ultra-chic. Emilio Pucci showed fabulous psychedelic beaded swimsuits while Michael Kors showed bold block colour brights with matching accessories for a retro continental flavour. Don't forget that the brights really do need a tan.

Accessories are huge news on the beach this year, so don't forget your headgear – a statement floppy hat or a headscarf tied round bandeau style for Seventies' high-octane glamour – your beach bag (make it big and glitzy), maxi beads and bangles, jewelled and metallic sandals and your sultriest sunglasses.

Kaftans come in long and short versions, full and flowing or more fitted, so something to suit all heights and figures and really your best friend when it comes to achieving a truly glamorous look on the beach or at the pool. Try a gold bikini under a long white or animal-print kaftan (slashed to the thigh, if you like), flowing headscarf, big Joan Collins style sunnies, gold statement jewellery, glitzy wedges or sandals, waterproof mascara and shiny red lips. Sexy, classic, elegant, and very glamorous – does it get any better?