Lets go Swimming - the latest in swimwear fashion

Lets go Swimming – the latest in swimwear fashion

17 May 2011 No Comments

By Janielle Mckoy

With summer finally here, we’re all eager to go on vacay or just hit the beach. But whether you’re soaking up the sun in Cuba or Jamaica the most important decision won’t be the SPF of your sun tan lotion, but which swimwear pieces you’ll be wearing.

In this article I will be taking a look at the ‘in’ styles of swimwear, helping you choose the piece of swimwear that is perfectly inline with 2011 and your figure.

Vintage-inspired swimwear

Of course it’s the bombshells, the pin-ups, of the same era we’re more inclined to think of when it comes to 1950s swimsuits in particular – the Marilyn Monroes and the Jayne Mansfields. They’re playful, curvaceous, steeped in sex appeal. Vintage-style swimwear has a huge place in 2011 and onwards, and the right piece can be whatever you want it to be–as bombshell as Monroe or as sophisticated as Kelly. Keep in mind the vintage bikini or swimsuit does not have to be a pin-up girl costume. In 2011 many designers are infusing vintage-inspired details into modern pieces – a high-waist here, a vintage print there – and the results are remarkable.

Ruffled bikini / swimsuit

Ruffled bikinis and swimsuits are another of the swimwear trends for the coming season. The fact that ruffles are on-trend at the moment is just about where the rules end. Unlike vintage swimwear or even one-shouldered bikinis, ruffled swimwear has no distinct style ‘rules’. Instead we’ve seen it styled and cut in a lot of different ways for spring / summer 2011 and 2012, often working alongside other one piece and bikini trends for the year.

Crocheted bikinis

Influenced both by the return of 1970s fashion and the popular crochet clothing trend seen this spring / summer 2011, crochet bikinis, crochet swimsuits and open weave pieces that have the same effect, are not just on-trend this season, they’re the must-have fashionable swimwear style.

When worn the right way, crochet swimwear offers that elusive cocktail of sex appeal and reality that every woman wants from her swimsuit. After all, the perfect crochet swimwear doesn’t just show off the body and allude to more of it, its intricate wide stitch catches the eye, drawing the viewer in while distracting them from any flaws.

Tips on your Swimsuit!

The reality is that when it comes to swimwear, not every cut is going to flatter every figure. This is something that all women should definitely keep in mind. But between all of the trending 2011/2012 styles there’s certainly something for everyone. Always go for a swimsuit that compliments your figure. Here are some shape-based suggestions:

Fuller figure

Embrace the vintage trend and use it to accentuate rather than try and hide your curves. Try halternecks or cupped styles, and anything that brings in the waist to play to an hourglass shape. Also one pieces are perfect and hot for the season. They cover your tummy or disguises other problem areas, while giving a sleek slim look. Not to mention no embarrassing wardrobe malfunctions.

Pear shape / small bust

Use ruffles to your advantage by adding volume at the top half. Ruffles around the bust can make it seem visually larger. You can also use vintage cupped styles with padding to create curves.

Top heavy

Use ruffles to your advantage by conversely adding them to the bottom to balance your hips with your bust. Avoid unstructured crochets or string bikinis if they don’t offer any support; instead stick to structured styles and halternecks.

Short legs

To lengthen the body pair a printed bikini top with a block-coloured bottom, drawing the attention upwards. Avoid boy-legs and go for high cut thighs instead so as to not shorten the legs further.

Athletic figures

If you’re not big on the curves make the most of styles like statement strapping, backless styles and crochet that instead show off a toned physique.

Choosing the right swimsuit can be complicated. Thankfully, there are a bunch of styles to choose from – depending on how much skin you choose to flaunt on the beach. So woman up and start shopping for a suit to get you through the summer. We only have three months of summer, might as well enjoy it to the fullest in a swimsuit!!

Janielle Mckoy is an established fashion stylist who would love to share her expertise on staple pieces for the season, and tips on the transition from winter to Spring. Stay tuned to this column for ongoing fashion advice from Janielle.