THE HOTTEST SWIMWEAR TRENDS

By Emily Kopec

Summer’s here, and you just can’t help it ~ You’re jonesing for a new swimsuit! Because no, you can never have too many (much like shoes) and yes, you want to get a little trendy and stand out from the rest when you’re tagged in all those Facebook photos at the beach. Check out these top picks and prepare to make a sexy splash!

TREND #1 – DENIM COOL

The awesomeness factor of your favorite pair of jeans can now be translated to your swimsuit! At Mercedes-Benz Swimwear 2011 Fashion Week in Miami, denim swimwear debuted on several runways and all but stole the show. Need more convincing? Pure Bombe Hilary Rhoda sizzles in a denim cutaway monokini on the cover of French Elle’s swimsuit issue. Swim styles making a buzz on the jeans scene include suits with halter tops, vests, corsets, triangle tops, boy shorts, studs, bright stitching and leather ties. FYI ~ Boy short bottoms work especially well with denim; they give the bootylicious look of daisy dukes but with a flattering stretch. We’re loving True Religion’s Jenius Halter Bikini, $166 (theorchidboutique.com), with its cute contrast stitching and signature horseshoe logo on the top and rear (without being overkill). By now you must be reliving that time you got pushed in the pool by your obnoxious cousin Mark and the pull of heavy, sopping wet jeans nearly dragged you back into the water when you were climbing out. Well darling, the new denim swimwear is nothing like that. It’s “swim-ready,” meaning there is none of that heaviness ~ it basically feels like any other swimsuit when wet. So definitely check it out; denim swimwear is a casual-sexy way to get your swim on (although we can’t guarantee you won’t get pushed in the pool).

TREND #2 – BOUDOIR CHIC

Quick, cover your boyfriend’s eyes ~ Lingerie has come to the beach (well, kind of)! Designers are getting racy ‘n lacy with their latest lines, infusing elements like bras, bustiers, statement strapping, sheer panels, scalloped edges, and bad-girl lace into their swimsuits. Go from bedroom to beach in Cynababy’s Dream Love Lace Bikini, $185 (cynababy.com). The contrast of sexy black lace trim against the mint green bikini teamed up with Swarovski crystal accents will make ‘em cry, “Ichiwawa!” But you can tone down the racy factor (er, somewhat) by donning a big black floppy hat with it, like the Cynababy model does. Other ways to keep it PG-13 include wearing casual flat sandals, oversized shades, and choosing a suit that offers ample coverage and support. Warning: these lingerie-inspired bikinis are not for the timid, so if you do wear one make sure you wear it with complete and utter confidence to pull it off (so to speak!). And by the way, we ladies really like this look. After all, lingerie is so darn pretty ~ why keep it just in the bedroom (and are we going out on a limb here to say that guys will probably agree?)!

TREND #3 – POWERFUL PATTERNS

Patterns gone wild! Lucky you, there is no one single “in” print this season; they’re pretty much all over the map. What they have in common is they come on strong with their graphic and bold motifs; they’re not the basic Stripes 101 we’re used to seeing (although there’s nothing wrong with them either!) So ~ Shake up the beach scene with daring geometric patterns like the bright yellow and black zigzags in Loeffler Randall’s Swim String Bikini in Acid Maze Print, $190 (whowhatwear.com), animal prints mixed with an unexpected pattern such as (gasp!) feathers, or designs that combine at least three super-bright colors. Intense! Prefer a more classic pattern that still pops? Pucci prints always rock hard. Wear a wide fabric headband in your hair and you are officially Bohemian Bikini Babe.

TREND #4 – RETRO SEXY

Please, you know us better by now than to think we’re talking about your grandma’s one-piece and swimming cap. Then again, we’re not saying you have to look like a pin-up girl either. Get cool inspiration from decades past ~ specifically, the clean-cut elegance of the 1950s and the Mad Men mod-ness of the 1960s. What’s on point are modern suits infused with retro-inspired details like cinched-in waists, sweetheart necklines, and high-waisted bottoms. Likewise, patterns like classic gingham checks, polka dots and Hawaiian prints give off a playful vintage vibe. The Victoria’s Secret pin dot bikini with its fuller-coverage balconet top and shirring accents, $28.50 (victoriassecret.com), makes us think of a modern-day beach blanket bingo ~ that is, until we get the “cheeky” rear view of its minimal back coverage and think of a Brazilian beach. See what we mean? It’s about mixing in some retro glam with the new and the now, creating a cutting-edge look that’s 100% sexy.

TREND #5 – RAD RUFFLES

What comes to mind when you think of a ruffled bikini? Cute ‘n flirty, perhaps? True dat. But let it also be known that this season’s ruffles are stepping out and showing off their many sides, including the little-seen preppy one. The Shoshanna Ruffle Bandeau Top and Bikini Bottom, $210 (Bloomingdales.com), boasts a cute black and white gingham print and looks tailored with just a touch of frill (not to mention small-busted ladies benefit from its cleverly done, small-patterned top with enhancing ruffle). Much like this season’s patterns trend, there are no distinct rules when it comes to the ruffles of the moment. You can really play up the trend with full-on lavish ‘n layered ruffles used creatively on a one-piece or two-piece. And finally, who doesn’t love the feminine appeal of a small ruffle accent edging a bikini’s bodice? It all depends how you like to get your ruffle on.

GUYS’ SWIMWEAR GETS SLIMMER AND SLEEKER

Gentlemen ~ You know those dude-bro-man baggy, saggy Hawaiian print board shorts that have become a permanent fixture on you at the beach? They called and asked for the summer off. Say hello to the updated swim trunk with a sleeker silhouette and higher hemline. We’re not saying you have to show your entire thigh, just a few inches above the knee will do. As far as solids and prints, look for Americana plaid, color-blocking, solid neon hues and glossy fabrics to complete your new higher-end look (tropical fruits and flowers get a much-needed break). There! That looks so much more stylish, and you can still hang ten (now stop it!) with the brahs.

ONCE CUTTING-EDGE SWIMWEAR TRENDS TURNED STYLE STAPLES

These five styles may not be the newest kids on the scene, but they’re just as cool as ever and we’re happy to say they’re sticking around for seasons to come!

ANIMAL PRINTS ~ If you think this fiery head-turning look is played out thanks to the popular Jersey TV shows, think again! We should be thanking those nice orange ladies for bringing some jungle flair to the mainstream. Now we can all show the world our wild side without feeling like, well, a freak! Animal prints are beautiful and they create an exciting look on a swimsuit, whether it’s leopard, tiger, zebra, snakeskin, or even peacock. And it goes without saying that your animal print suit should be the center focus of your beach look, no need to pile on the accessories (unless, of course, you actually are a Jersey Girl).

CUT-OUTS ~ One-piece swimsuits have become almost unrecognizable thanks to creative cut-outs revealing select areas of bare skin. The monokini ~ the most popular cut-out style ~ features strategic cutouts along the side and back, creating a sexy, attention-demanding look. But there are also countless other creative cut-out designs that slash and slit their way to bathing suit bliss. However you choose to cut it out, you’re sure to turn heads when you play a game of skin peek-a-boo in one of these smoldering suits.

HARDWARE ~ Ladies, you can’t go wrong here: swimsuits with hardware accents give a lux, embellished-like look, kind of like built-in jewelry! Details like oversized buckles, hooks, rings, chains and metallic buttons take a suit from casual to smoking-hot chic. Even the basic feature of a shiny metal ring attaching the sides of a bikini bottom subtly draws the eye to that area.

ONE-SHOULDER ~ A little bit Grecian and a little bit modern, the elegant one-shoulder swimsuit looks so hot on so many. It’s flattering for different figures and gives you a look similar to a strapless suit (hello sexy bare shoulder!) but with a cool asymmetrical twist and more support up top. This season we’re seeing the one strap come in quite the range of styles and sizes, from wide to Band-Aid thin to even – gulp – string.

SPARKLE ~ You no longer have to be a Vegas showgirl to razzle-dazzle ‘em with a healthy dose of shining, glorious SPARKLES! Sparkly suits automatically put you and those around you in a celebratory mood, and it’s hard to overdose on them these days. Embellishments like rhinestones, sequins, and studs bring the sparkle on strong, just the way we like it!

All cover story photography by Flash House Studios. Special thanks to Regatta Point for hosting our photoshoot, all the models, and our hair and make-up crew.

Photographers: Justin Mayotte & Justin Hammond ~ www.flashhousestudios.com

Hair: Nicoleta Cimisliu of Ubi Hair (Studio- UbiHairStudio.com), and Lillian Clemmy

Makeup: Kristie McCaffrey of Nkd Waxing, Lashes, Makeup ~ NkdWorcester.com (both located at 12 Portland St., Worcester)

Assistant: Eleine Fang