The models heating up the pages of our Summer’s Sexiest Swimsuits cover story are the winners of our 2009 Swimsuit Contest. Thank you to everyone who submitted photos ~ it was really tough to choose the winners, so we hope to hear from you all again next year.

Photos by: Dan Vallaincourt
Hair & Make Up by: Mark Conlon & Jessica Mansfield
Location: Special thanks to Regatta Point and Regatta Point Community Sailing for their gracious hospitality. Make sure to check out www.regattapoint.org.

Summer’s Sexiest Swimsuits
By Emily Kopec

Three words: Cut-away swimsuits!

While the bikini has reigned supreme for countless seasons, there’s a new player in town and it’s understandably turning a lot of heads. Cut-away suits boldly go where no swimwear has gone before, taking cues from the unlikely combination of bondage fashion and a scarcely seen swimsuit design from the late 1970s that’s finally getting its day in the sun. A favorite of Kim Kardashian, cut-aways are brazenly cut in creative angles to reveal some areas of skin while covering others. They’re way sexier than a standard one-piece and more interesting than a bikini.

Also hot on the beaches? One-shouldered styles, nearly neon shades, and animal prints. If it’s bold, we want it.

Don’t worry; most of these trends ~ cut-aways included ~ are wearable on real bodies, we promise. And speaking of bodies, if you look like Adriana Lima, go roll around on the sand in nothing more than an itty-bitty bikini and some lip-gloss. Life is good, no? For the rest of the non-Brazilian supermodel population dealing with “quirks” such as a splattering of cellulite and non-pregnant pooches, we’re letting you know exactly which trends are best for your body…because blood-curdling screams are never in style.

Cut it out.

Although the cut-away suit may not seem so at first glance, this #1 sexy style of 2009 is made of just one piece of fearlessly cut out fabric. That’s not to say it covers much more than a two-piece, although there are variations offering varying degrees of coverage. Rejoice ~ you can expose your favorite areas while covering your least favorites by choosing a suit that’s cut out accordingly.

The most popular design features cut out sides, highlighting the waist, while covering the stomach. This style is great for girls with the aforementioned, ahem, pooches. There are also styles that bare the sides and the stomach, so the option to bare abs is alive and well. The legs don’t have to be high-cut; in fact, a lower hipster cut looks great on a cut-away suit. As far as the top, you can go from modest with full coverage to revealing with a deep plunge ~ perhaps featuring a strategically placed gold ring. It goes without saying that this is not your grandmother’s one-piece.

What’s cool about cut-aways is not just their fashion forward factor, but also their subtle retro appeal. The style was first introduced in the late 70s and early 80s, but never developed into the rage it’s becoming today. Seems the bikini was still demanding the world’s full attention back then.

A more risqué take on the cut-away is the “band-aid” style in which the top and bottom pieces of fabric are connected by snug-fitting strips of fabric that criss-cross in a geometric pattern. We’re not gonna lie; you need a slammin’ torso to pull this particular number off. But curvy girls look smashing in the standard cut-away style; in fact it’s hard to wear those cutout sides without having voluminous hips and thighs. Cut-aways seem to have been designed with dangerous curves in mind because they highlight and flatter them so well.

By the way, don’t dismiss this style as unwearable because it seems risqué. You will see these cut-aways all summer long on all kinds of figures. It’s even highlighted in the coveted Victoria’s Secret bible – er, catalogue, and we all know the swimwear in there sells like hotcakes.

Right on in nearly neon.

Feeling washed out? Invigorating shades like bright mango and zesty lemon are ripe for the picking and give your look a punch. The touch of neon carried in these shades is flattering ~ not overwhelming ~ and when you find your perfect shade your skin will seem to glow. Badgley Mischka is featuring bright solids in their New for Cruise 2009 line (cut-aways included), and we likey. You can also up the ante by combining two bright shades in one swimsuit; for example, a bikini featuring bright aqua and lime stripes is sure to make a splash.

The liveliness of these shades really sets the mood for summer. Rules of color? We’re not ones to follow. We have, however, noticed that tanned and darker skin tones really glow in these bright hues. We’ve also observed that brunettes look especially hot in fuchsia and tangerine, while blondes sizzle in delicious watermelon and blueberry. Be sure to select a shade you can live with all summer and won’t tire of prematurely.

If you have small boobs, this could be your look. Bright colors on top give the illusion of a fuller bust. Bonus points if your top is triangle or strapless with some padding. Pssst ~ Nothing draws attention away from cellulite like a bright suit and some self-tanner.

Give them the hot shoulder. ..

Newsflash: not all chicas want to be exposed in a triangle bikini, but that doesn’t mean they don’t want to flash a little somethin’-somethin’. Keeping with spring’s one-shouldered fashions ~ most notably in couture gowns ~ one-shouldered bikinis and one-pieces are sophisticated and sexy. The diagonal line across the clavicle is tastefully hot without putting on a skin show. The one exposed shoulder draws attention to your top half and adds shape to your suit, and you still get the perks of a traditional bikini.

Body-wise, this is a great look for girls who are heavier on bottom. The asymmetrical line immediately draws the eye up. Wear a pair of statement earrings to encourage the eye to, y’know, stay up there! Likewise, top-heavy girls appreciate the extra coverage of a heavy-duty shoulder design that gives needed support. Smaller busted girls wear the more minimalist one-shouldered bikinis whose “one shoulder” consists of a mere bikini string over the shoulder.

If you like the one-shouldered look in all areas of fashion, you’re in good company. We’ve seen this look repeatedly rocked by trendsetters such as Kate Moss, Rihanna, and Heidi Klum. It works so darn well on the red carpet, it’s about time we’re seeing it show up on the beach. Keep in mind that the tan line can be tricky, so slather on plenty of sunscreen.

Womanimal.

Ravishing animal prints were spotted in both wild and tame terrain in spring fashion, and now they’re finding their way to beaches and pools near you. Fear not, they don’t bite…hard. Like spring, this summer’s animal prints come off classy, not trashy. When in doubt, choose smaller prints that come off subdued, such as a luxe leopard print that will look perfectly in place poolside.

If you’re not quite ready to wear an animal print suit but you love the look, wear a solid suit with animal print accessories or sandals to the beach. It’s an easy way to test-drive the look.

Color wise, leopard, tiger and zebra prints are typically neutral, so the hues work for all. Those who really want to push the envelope can wear an animal print in a shade like pink or blue, but that’s not recommended for beginners. Black and white zebra stripes and orangey-brown mammal tones keep it more than interesting enough.

Animal print swimsuits are very accessible since many lines carry them. They’re also available in a variety of prices so you can make a statement without blowing your bank account. And let’s face it ~ animal prints never really go out of style, especially in swimwear.

Who can wear these wild prints? Small and full figures alike. As long as you don’t go with a suit that’s overly skimpy, you should be able to pull it off. We’ve seen the photos of Mariah Carey frolicking with her hubby on a Caribbean beach clad in a leopard print string bikini. Her body is not stick-thin and she looks great from head to toe. She’s also wearing a big smile on her face in every picture, showing that confidence can make you seem like the most fashionable woman on the beach.

What’s New in Men’s Swimwear.

Guys, we haven’t forgotten about you. We know what you’re thinking: another summer on the beach, another summer to seek out some fine female forms who will – with a little luck – seek you back. But how do you get noticed amongst the bro-llercoater of dudes wearing seemingly identical board shorts? By wearing swim shorts that stand out for all the right reasons. Listen up!

Tropic Thunder.

We’re digging the tropical floral patterns on swim shorts that are bright, loud, and ~ most importantly ~ bold. For example, bright red shorts with large white and orange tropical flowers will hit the target. This fashion forward look shows you’re a confident guy who can handle being the center of attention.

The hype on stripes.

Skinny guys were born to wear swim trunks with horizontal stripes. (Heavy guys will want to take a rain check on this look). These shorts feature at least three different colored stripes of varying widths. Fit-wise, they should hit just above the knee and they shouldn’t be too baggy. This colorful striped look pays homage to old school style without being too retro.

Surf’s up, bro.

You don’t have to be riding the waves of Oahu’s North Shore to get it on the surfer look. Subtle designs like stripes and side angles of color blocking let you look pulled together without taking a fashion risk. While surfer shorts are traditionally long, shorter guys should choose a more cropped length ~ which happens to be a hot look right now.

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ACCESSORIES AND MORE

Let’s get real: wearing a swimsuit doesn’t always mean you’re going for a swim. You could be at the beach comfortably lying on your towel reading and working on your tan with no intentions of even dipping your toe in the water. That’s okay. But to swim or not to swim, accessories are a must.

The big news in cover-ups? They’ve gone sheer. Lightweight, translucent garments that hit mid-thigh or higher are the glamorous way to cover up this summer. Done in hues like soft aqua and peach, these soft silhouettes offer a peek of what’s underneath.

Sheer cover-ups can be plain (yet still elegant) or they can have embroidered details or metallic embellishments around the neckline and/or bottom hem. Crystals and beads go a long way in adding originality to your piece. Wear it with simple white or metallic flip flops to show you’re not a total diva.

Maxi dresses are the most stylish choice when more coverage is wanted from your cover-up. Long and roomy, they pick up on both the voluminous and gypsy trend with their fitted tops and roomy, flowy bottoms. More than a few gorgeous maxis are available all over at great prices, skimming the floors as they patiently wait to be snatched up.

The top of a maxi dress can be halter, reverse halter, spaghetti strap, or strapless, so pick the style that works best for you. These dresses pose no problem in the lower body department since they fluidly drape to your ankles. They’re also extremely versatile as they can be worn as a regular day dress sans swimsuit, and they can take you from beach to bar as just one piece. Footwear-wise, skip the heels and go with flip-flops, flat sandals or wedges. A stack of bangles jingling around your wrist looks hot and gives you a dressed-up bohemian feel. Nicole Ritchie, eat your heart out.

Looking for some new accessories to kick your swimwear up a notch? Fedoras are making a surprise comeback, but with a fresh take. They’re made of tightly wowen straw so they’re lightweight and water-friendly, yet they maintain their hipster feel. If fedoras aren’t your thing and you’re in the market for a sun-shielding hat, go for the tried and true cowboy hat. They somehow look good on just about everyone, and they have a fun party feel.

Long, layered necklaces are still going strong, as are earrings and rings with bright stones. If you have a more intricate swimsuit on, stick with one understated necklace or pair of earrings. When you go overboard with details, it comes across as cluttered and unorganized.

Of course, you’ll want a good pair of shades when you hit the beach: choose aviators or oversized lenses.

Last but not least, don’t forget the all-important sunscreen. Red is never a flattering color when it’s on your skin!