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June 10, 2012

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Basking in the perfect beachwear

Pool parties and summer vacations will be soon here, and while we're all eager to hit the beach - or poolside - it helps no end to have the hottest attire while you soak up the summer sun.

Luckily, from the spring/summer 2012 catwalks we have seen an array of tasteful and unique styles and trends to look out for. Although swimwear styles don't shift in quite the same timeframes as ready-to-wear trends, designers get inspired by spring shades, prints, retro silhouettes ...

There's something for everyone. Here we pick the top trends from the runways and designer collections. Make your choice and get inspired.

White

White is the summer color. The Chanel spring/summer runway show proved that white swimsuits will be the hottest beach look of the year. No matter whether it is a bikini or one-piece, white swimwear frames a summer tan and is a great match for a beach wrap or any accessories. From Chanel, the flattering two-piece creates a long, lean look and the hot bandeau bikini offers maximum sun exposure with a seductive design. Hermès also offers an elegant one-piece white swimsuit.


Vintage-inspired one-piece suits

The one-piece retro look has never been so sexy. Miuccia Prada's vintage-inspired bathing suits from its spring/summer collection have graced the covers of Vogue Paris, Harper's Bazaar Espana, and Elle China and captured the hearts of stylists and celebrities around the world. These items - better suited to sunbathing than taking to the water - are cut with deep v-necks, embellished with colored crystals and made up of feminine colors ranging from pink, green to black. They accentuate the waist and emphasize the graciousness of feminine curves and are sure to be a highlight on beaches around the world this summer.


Prints

All kinds of prints look great on beachwear and some of the most attractive this season include floral, tribal and geometrical. Animal prints, whether zebra or leopard, are still among the hottest picks but if you don't want to go too bold, pick a bikini featuring tropical floral prints that reflect sweetness and freshness. Tory Burch loves to play with prints on her latest swimwear collection. And Australian brand Sunseeker has plenty of choices as well.


Cut-out

Cut-out bathing suits are extremely hot for those perfect curvy bodies to accentuate waists and hips. Gucci offers an elegant, sexy cut-out bathing suit look. Cover up with a transparent chiffon coat and stay chic with a pair of shades. Complete the ensemble with an extravagant gold cuff and prominent platform sandals. Wear it to the beach, or as a summer party look.


One-shoulder

One-shoulder dresses have become popular recently, and so has the one-shoulder swimsuit - one of the hottest trends in one-piece swimwear. It offers the comfort of the traditional one-piece, but with a touch of style. It has appeared on Chanel's spring/summer runway: subtly sexy and sophisticated.


Bondage

Jean Paul Gaultier has launched his first ever swimwear collection for La Perla, and some highlights take their inspiration from bondage-style clothing. Grosgrain elastics alternated with strips of nude color tulle on Lycra create a "trompe l'oeil" (eye-deceiving) effect. The sexy look outlines the body with strings, criss-crosses and studs. Colors include oranges, black and sunny blues. The style is dramatic and empowering.


Bandeau

Bandeau bikini tops are fashionable, trendy and are best suited to small-busted women. Many women love sexy bandeaus, because often they don't have halter straps, which create annoying tan lines. But an ultra-sexy and sleek addition to the bandeau range is a top with ties on the back and a center tie in the front that can be tied tightly to create a small ring or worn crossed beneath the neck to create a cut-out center.


Sequins

Sequin dress lovers may be drawn to sparkling swimwear - completed with beading, crystals and embroidery. We have seen sequin decorations on Bottega Veneta's new swimsuits and Dolce & Gabbana's ultra-sexy sequin bodysuits are an eye-catching option for posing on the beach. However, these are definitely not practical for swimming.

How to match
For looking stylish on the beach or by the pool, sexy heels or trendy sandals plus a glamorous kaftan are musts. Matching your bag to the swimsuit is also chic. Don't forget to accessorize with statement jewelry, like an oversized cuff or large drop earrings.
A classic beach hat is also essential.




 

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