Ever since Ursula Andress and her gold belt bikini made their sensual exit from the sea in Dr. No, we've been hooked on the power of cinematic swimwear. From Liz Taylor's scoop-neck cossie in Suddenly, Last Summer to bella italia vibe of Gwyneth Paltrow's two-piece in The Talented Mr. Ripley, bikinis on film have been working up a niche of their own.

Even the more unlikely candidates - think Nicolette Sheridan's eye-watering string bikini in The Sure Thing or Bo Derek's nude and cornrows look in 10 - are somehow strangely beguiling.

As you get set to bare your limbs to the wind this summer, come grab some sartorial inspiration from the stars of some of our favourite beach films - with details on how to shop the look for a select few....

Photos: Rex Features

Swimwear inspiration from our favourite beach films