Take the plunge inside a new swimsuit.
“Bold, bright colors will always be popular for summer,” says Jody Schwartz, executive vice president of Free Country. “This summer’s on-trend colors are bright pinks, turquoise and violets. Pastels are also creating a comeback with soft aquas, mints and citrus at the forefront. Animal prints with a twist are fun options. They are best when they’re not too literal but instead hint of skin and texture with pops of color.”
Great prints to wear to the beach are medallion and cool-color ombre styles, as well as paisley, says Cathy Hernandez, vice president of Tommy Bahama women’s swimwear.
“These kinds of prints tend to be ‘no-print prints,’ ” Hernandez says. “They are smooth and complicated and won’t scream out ‘Here I am’ when arriving poolside in the resort.”
Once more, vintage-inspired long and lean silhouettes in both tankinis and one-piece suits — some with flounce ruffles at the hems — are on trend, Hernandez says. And it is Okay to mix and match bikinis — not only solid with print mixing, but two different prints worn together, Hernandez says.
Stripes will always be popular for that more active-inspired customer, says Schwartz. A diagonal stripe pattern can help distract out of your tummy area, making your waist look smaller. Large color blocking is also quite popular, especially this season using the influence from the “mod” trend.
Neoprene fabrics are great simply because they offer additional defense against the sun.
“The one-piece is big come july 1st; it gives a feel of retro glam,” says Allure magazine market editor Tiffany Reid. “Another method of getting this ’50s and ’60s look is with a high-waisted bottom and bra top, that was featured within the Michael Kors spring runway 2014 show.”
When searching for swimwear, keep in mind the body type.
Busty? Try tops with underwire or separates that allow you to mix bottom and top sizing.
Curvy? Try a one-piece with vertical panels in black or navy to narrow the waistline.
If you are heavy at the base, opt for bottom pieces that are simple and not too fussy. Save the prints or embellishments for your tops, to draw the eye for your chest, Reid says.
“The 2014 color trends are only for impact,” says Kathleen Bruening, owner and head designer for Kate Swim. “Look for bright neon or saturated jewel tones to accent the skin. Consider the skin color. Black is a fantastic classic, but it does absolutely nothing to pull the astonishing colors inside your skin. Start with rich saturated colors like navy blue, plum or a deep ruby to see what your individual color palette is and what you should look out for inside your next grocery shopping.”
You can never go wrong having a bright floral print, or opt for nautical stripes for any fresh, clean look that doesn’t go out of style, says Jenny Altman, Aerie style and fit expert.
“If you’re worried about keeping it visually slimming, look for a smaller print having a darker background,” Altman says.”If you’re slim, feminine details like ruffles and bows are a nice method to add volume to a stream-lined swimsuit.”
The retro look is extremely popular right now, Altman says.
“I love the high-waisted bottoms, which hide bulge while still looking sexy, along with the corset tops that provide great support,” she says. “I also love Aerie’s new hipster bottom, that is a higher version of a classic bikini — the above extra inches make a huge difference.”
Swim shorts and skirtinis are bathing-suit bottoms which have built-in bikini briefs. They provide a flirty and flattering look that can help hide hips and thighs and eliminate the requirement for a coverup. What’s nice is you don’t have to spend a great deal on a new swimsuit, Altman says.
When bikinis can be found in bra sizes, you’re more prone to find the perfect fit — so look for the bra style that flatters you.
“If you discover the right bikini top, you shouldn’t be afraid to purchase exactly the same one in multiple colors and patterns, which you’ll always mix and match with a bottom that appears great you,” Altman says.