by Kristen Gray
Many of us have a love-hate relationship with swimwear. Personally, I love it because summer is one of my favorite seasons, and swimwear is another way to incorporate fashion trends into my wardrobe. Some trending styles this season have more coverage. This might come off as boring to some, but actually, these designs are even sexier than string bikinis because they have that added oomph!
HIGH-WAISTED
High-waisted bottoms are making a re-peat appearance—but with a twist! Prints, cutouts, and strappy sides are reinventing the look for more of a modern take on the vintage style. This suit is most flattering on ladies with longer torsos and wide hips, or for those who would like to cover up a little, but don’t want to commit to a one-piece.
6 Shore Road Halter Top & High-Waisted Cutout Bottom; $136; saksfifthavenue.com
Mara Hoffman Lattice High Waisted Bikini Bottom; $108.80; marahoffman.com
Victoria’s Secret Forever Sexy Lattice High-Waist Bottom; $38.50; victoriassecret.com
ONE-PIECES
Speaking of one-pieces, they too are hot right now. Okay, now I know you are wondering how on earth could a one piece be sexy? Well, these new styles incorporate thin straps, a low scooped back, and higher cuts around thighs and buttocks for more of a Brazilian cut. Some even have mesh cutouts to give the illusion of wearing less.
Robin Piccone Penelope Crochet Overlay One-Piece Swimsuit; $130; shop.nordstrom.com
L*Space Wild Side One-Piece; $139; lspace.com
Michael Kors Printed Bandeau Monokini; $199; michaelkors.com
FLORALS
Florals are abundant in our clothing and are now emerging in our swimsuits. Looks like the bloom is here to stay! This pattern is easiest worn in a bikini style suit. On larger material, such as a one-piece, it would be too overwhelming. Florals do not have to be reserved for the young crowd. For a mature look, try going with neutrals like black and white.
Clover Canyon Floral Discs Neoprene Swim Bikini; $190; bloomingdales.com
Nanette Lepore Fleur de la Mer Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit $164; shop.nordstrom.com
Felicia Young Swimwear Floral Bikini
CROCHET COVERUP
No beach ensemble is complete without the perfect cover-up. Crochet apparel is making a comeback, and a crochet dress looks great over a suit. Loose, flowy drawstring pants cover just enough if you have to leave the beach to grab lunch. Choose them in either lace or sheer fabric. Printed open tunics and caftans are also a great idea for added coverage.
STRAPPY SUITS
This trend appears in bikinis, high-
waisted bottoms, and one-pieces alike. While sporting too many straps is not ideal for getting your tan on, be sure to apply plenty of SPF sunscreeen to avoid awkward burn lines. Also, be mindful when choosing a strappy suit. Too many lines can so keep it simple.
Vitamin A Serra Keyhole Wrap Bikini; $88; shopbop.com
Beach Bunny Color Block Push Up & Skimpy Bikini Bottom; $110; beachbunnyswimwear.com
Agua Bendita Arco Iris Bikini; $249; canyonbeachwear.com
BALCONETTES STYLE
Bikini tops are becoming just that in the form of long balconettes-style, tiny crop tops. Even rash guards are being seen on runways! When paired with tiny bottoms such as a Brazilian cut, this style is fun and flirtatious.
Milly Antigua Underwire Bustier & St. Lucia Bikini Bottom; $195; millyny.com
Tori Praver Toledo Macrame-Detailed Bandeau & High Rise Bikini Briefs; $380; net-a-porter.com
Agua de Coco by Liana Thomaz Passaros Runway Bikini; $365; saksfifthavenue.com
GOLD ACCENT
For added sex appeal and glamour, add a piece of gold chain body jewelry over your bikini. This looks best with simpler style suits.
Aqua de Lara Black Label Dyla; $285; shop.aquadilara.com
Agent Provocateur Karine Swimsuit; $790; agentprovocateur.com
Michael Kors Side-Belt Cutout Maillot; $494;
michaelkors.com