Get stylish in this season's swimwear trends
Get stylish in this season's swimwear trends
Spring break is finally here. Ladies, you know what that means: Intense tan lines and lazy days full of sandy feet and Corona beer.
It's almost time to break out your bathing suit — but what if you left shopping until the last minute? Before you go roaming through aisles of polyester with carts full of items to try on, here are the hottest trends when shopping for that perfect swimsuit.
Florals will be big in spring swimwear lines, as always. Also expect to see lots of the classic pin-up girl look with retro bathing suits, high-waisted bottoms and bustier tops.
As history repeats itself, some designers are showcasing a more modern take on '80s color blocking, without repeating the mistake of matronly shoulder pads. These usually neon color-blocked suits have athletic silhouettes reminiscent of scuba suits, and some are even equipped with zippers.
On a more sultry side of swimwear, designers are amping up the erotic lingerie vibe with pieces that include cutouts, multiple straps and deep V-necks.
As far as what designers are seeing in their spring swimwear shipments, Claire Harvey, a stylist at BCBG Max Azria, said, "Many of the swimsuits that the store has been receiving have crochet details. This seems to not only be a trend with BCBG specifically, but other stores as well.
"BCBG has also seen an increased inventory of our laser-cut suits to give an eyelet effect," she added. Eyelet swimsuits look like they're crocheted or fashioned out of thick lace.
"We also have some tops that look like the Acacia [Swimwear] tops, that are bandeau, have a 'ripped' back and a few that have braided detail," Harvey said.
Whether you plan to spend spring break wading in the waters of Rocky Point, raging on the balcony of a house in Mission Beach or lathering up with sunscreen on your boat on Lake Havasu, these trends are sure to impress.
Summer is almost here; What is the best bikini for your body?
The best bikini for your body
Holy cow, it's here already? Bikini season! Uh-oh. Breathe in and out, slowly. Don't have a panic attack. It's all going to be okay. We'll get through it together, girls!
Even if your quote-un-quote "New Years resolution to get a killer, I-look-like-a-Victoria-Secret-model body" actually turned into a big chow-down on those Girl Scout cookies you bought in front of Target, there's still hope! I mean, Fat Amy was confident and fierce, why can't you be?
Let's be honest, you look fantastic right now and you always will. And no, just because I used her as an example doesn't mean I'm saying you're fat. What I'm trying to say is, it's not about what the scale tells you, it's about what you're telling yourself when you whip that towel off for the first time over spring break. You have to feel good in your own skin to look good in your own skin. Whether you're flat, small, busty or boyish, we've got tips for finding the best bikini for your body!
Let's start off with the fabulously flat-chested women out there. It seems as if the only option for us...I mean, you... is to buy the bikini top that "miraculously adds three sizes! Wow!" But is that really the only solution? Why can't we just accept what we have? I'm not ashamed, and you shouldn't be either. It's better to look naturally beautiful than like a want-to-be Barbie.
A resolution that I've come to love is a corset halter-top with underwire. This old-school style, with obviously a teeny bit of added padding and push, is perfect for women with a tinier top-half. It nudges you up in just the right spots and gives you that help you were looking for. With the halter strap cutting perfectly across your feminine collar bone, this bikini also emphasis your petite nature. Much love to all the little people out there, you can look hot, too!
Secondly, I'm going to cover the back end. Calling all bootyliscous ladies! When you have larger legs or a serious gluteus maximus, we know you don't want to draw people's attention to that area. One thing you should avoid when dressing for this silhouette is added detail. Frills, bows, cinching, boy-shorts, tassels; all these embellishments aren't for you. You don't need them. You've got enough going for you as it is!
The key for you is simplicity. Look for broad side-straps that caress your hips instead of squeeze. There's nothing better than a tender hug, and that's what you want from your bikini bottom! Search for a piece that has additional fabric that you can fold over at the waist. This will add some depth to your bikini and reduce your rear-end.
Oppositely, if you are lacking a behind, no matter how many squats or lunges you try, then detail is your perfect partner. Pile it on! Go for the big bows and the cute, cheeky cut. You can pull this off because you need the assistance! Don't knock it; rock it.
I think it's time for a shout-out to the busty babes on campus. Put your hands in the air like you just don't care! You're well endowed, and we're jealous; but there are a few rules.
First, let's discuss the bandeau. We all love the look. It's cute, it's simple, it's beachy and fun...but it's just not right for you. You're going to have to end the big-boob, bandeau relationship. I'm sorry I had to be the bearer of bad news, but eventually you would've realized y'all weren't the best match. Don't fret, there are more fish in the sea, and one of them is a racer-back bikini top! Yep, you read that correctly. This look isn't just for the gym (that you may or may not have been to) it's also for the sand!
Racer-back bikinis can add that lift and security that you need. Anything structured is now your new best friend. Even a halter-top bikini with a little lift will do you a world of wonders. Let's repeat: structure, structure, structure! Don't look at those skimpy string things. All those will do is make you weighed down and droopy...and the last time I checked, that wasn't the most appealing thing on earth. If you've got 'em, flaunt 'em in the right way! Push them up and take control. You've got way more to work with than a lot of people. Go big or go home (pun-intended).
Last but not least, I'm going to bring my attention to the ladies with boyish figures. You're in so much luck right now; it's pretty unbelievable. Want to know why? It's because of this new "high-waisted" trend that's going around the fashion world. Have you heard of it?
Well if you haven't, then you need to stop living under a rock and look around because this style is larger than life! Wearing a bikini bottom that is hiked up to cover practically your entire stomach can add curves for days. Although you may have on more fabric than your peers, you definitely won't be looking like a prude. This girly get-up accentuates your minute waistline and makes you look like a retro celebrity! Throwback threads are in—take advantage.
So what did we learn here, ladies? Yes, we covered some fabulous trends. And sure, we may have given ourselves a copious amount of compliments...but the moral of the story is confidence. No matter what your swimsuit choice may be, wear it with poise and self-assurance. Keep your head up, your hand on your hip and a smile on your face. You look hot, so spend spring break reminding yourself of that!
Figure flattering bathing suit tips just in time for Summer
Figure flattering bathing suit tips
With Personal Stylist Jill Marinelli at Macy's
Most women dread bathing suit shopping. To help lessen the pain, The Rhode Show headed to Macy's with Personal Stylist Jill Marinelli to get some figure flattering tips.
Polka dots, stripes, solids, color blocking, and fun funky prints. There are so many suits to choose from, but what are 2012's must haves?
