With beach weather quickly approaching, it’s time to pick out your bikini collection for the upcoming season. It might seem like a daunting task given the endless amounts of two-piece shapes, styles and colors out there, but as always, HC has you covered! We’ve scoped out the hottest and most fashionable bikinis for all collegiette budgets.
$50 and Under
Itsy Bitsy Teeny Weeny
This yellow polka-dot bikini just begs for us to sing that sweet summertime tune. The bright and cheery style also begs for some serious double-takes when you’re rocking this suit poolside.
The Liya Push-Up Halter Top & Matching Bottoms: Victoria’s Secret, Top $28, Bottom $20
Crazy for Colors
There’s no better way to make a hot first impression than by suiting up in a vibrant bikini. Dare to stand out in this unique zig-zag and stripe design in extra bold colors; you’ll instantly give off a fun and confident vibe.
Xhilaration Juniors 2-Piece Bikini Swimsuit – Multicolor Print: Target, $15 each
Falling For Fringe
Fringe is in, and when it comes in one of the season’s hottest colors, it’s simply irresistible. Scoop up this fringe-detailed bikini from Kohl’s in a vibrant, on-trend hue, and you’ll look like you stepped right off the runway onto the sand.
Candie’s Fringe Swim Separates: Kohl’s, $19
Gleamin’ Bohemian
Boho babe and summer go together like Brad and Angie (Sorry, Jen!). This option from Old Navy strikes the perfect balance between on-trend fashionista and relaxed free spirit with its crochet detailing, giving the suit a unique flair.
Multi-Print Crochet String Bikini Top: Old Navy, $19.94
Multi-Print Crochet String Bikini Bottom: Old Navy, $19.94
Flamingo Fashion
We never thought it was possible to incorporate flamingos into our wardrobe. That is, until we saw these charming pink birds on a fun and flirty bikini. Seriously, when will be the next time you can fashionably pull off a flamingo print?
Billabong Flamingo Triangle & Flamingo Bottom: Delia’s, $19.50 each
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$75 and Under
Viva la Vibrant
Stand out on the sand with this adorably bright bikini from Victoria’s Secret. Neon is one of the hottest trends for summer, so don’t be afraid to go bold! Plus, the hot colors will complement that bronzed glow; how could you say no?
The Maya Sparkle Twist Bandeau Top & Side Tie Bikini Bottom: Victoria’s Secret, Top $37, Bottom $22
Raving About Ruffles
This ruffled bikini top with a sweet floral pattern combo could not get any more feminine, and that’s exactly why we’re smitten with this style. When you’re feeling extra girly in a two-piece, you’ll automatically ooze confidence!
O’Neill Penny Ruffle Top: PacSun, $32.50
O’Neill Penny Tie Side Bottom: PacSun, $29.50
Neat & Sweet
Every collegiette should have a neutral and elegant suit in her closet. Whether you’re poolside with the girls or hitting the beach with your guy, donning a simple bikini will always let your natural beauty do the talking, and there’s nothing sexier than that.
Laguna Stripe Bandeau Bikini: Topshop, $55
Flirty Feathers
Having fun with your bikinis this summer is the number one rule for fashionable collegiettes, so don’t be afraid to spring for a unique choice! The painting-like feather design on this adorable suit by Pieces offers a cool twist to the classic white two-piece.
Pieces Feather Print Padded Triangle Bikini Top and String Bikini Brief: Asos, Top $27.83, Bottom $24.35
Beach Birds
We’ve seen them on must-have blouses and dresses this season, but birds on a bikini? Why not! This suit from O’Neill is the ideal way to bring a simply adorable trend into the summer months.
O’Neill Prairie Valley Halter Navy: Zappos, $27
O’Neill Prairie Valley Basic Navy: Zappos, $31
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$100 and Under
Thrilled With Frills
There are few things better than feeling extra girly while strutting your stuff on the sand, and that’s why we love this feminine and frilly option from Ralph Lauren. The vibrant blue hue flatters most skin tones while the ruffled halter top subtly (and perfectly) frames your bust.
Ralph Lauren Blue Halter Bikini Top: Nordstrom, $58
Ralph Lauren Blue Ruffled Bikini Bottom: Nordstrom, $40
Tribal Trend
Tribal patterns are our top pick for a casual and cool vibe this season. They add an extra oomph of style to a basic bikini shape while once again letting your inner bohemian child shine!
UO Geo-Triangle Bikini: Urban Outfitters, Top $42, Bottom $37
Lovin’ Leopard
Channel your inner wild child with this sassy leopard bikini from Gap. The subtle pattern is the perfect amount of bold to make you feel extra flirty.
Leopard Tie Halter Top: Gap, $38.95
Leopard Tie Bikini: Gap, $36.95
Striped-Out Suit
Aside from the fact that we are borderline obsessed with stripes, this bikini offers us a little more structure than others. The top’s underwire and thick-sided boyshort bottoms hold in, lift, and highlight all the right curves on that hot beach bod of yours.
GUESS? Swimsuit, Striped Convertible Bandeau Underwire Bikini Top & Striped Boyshort Brief Bottom: Macy’s, Top $51, Bottom $47
Always Right with White
A white bikini is easily the most elegant kind of suit you can rock this summer, and we particularly love this version from Roxy with its unique neckline. It’ll leave you feeling chic and vibrant while the clean hue emphasizes your sun-kissed skin.
Surf Essentials Angel Bandeau Bikini Top: Roxy, $42
Surf Essentials Cheeky Brief Bikini Bottoms: Roxy, $38
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$150 and Under
Smitten With Stripes
This striking bikini from Ella Moss takes classic stripes and transforms them into fresh-feeling fashion. The angled pattern is flattering to both your chest and bottom half, giving you that extra confidence boost to show off those sexy assets.
Ella Moss Bikini Top: Nordstrom, $63
Ella Moss Side Tie Bikini Bottoms: Nordstrom, $55
Back to Basics
Don’t be afraid to wear black when the weather gets hot; think of this triangle-top bikini as the LBD for the water. It’s a chic, sexy and playful staple for all beach-bound collegiettes!
City Basics String Bikini Top: DKNY, $68
City Basics String Bikini Bottom: DKNY, $64
Color-block Craze
There’s no hiding in this bold and brilliant two-piece from Becca. The bikini makes a vibrant statement with color-blocking, one of the summer’s hottest trends, guaranteeing second and third looks as you strut your stuff by the pool.
Becca Colorblocked Bikini Swim Top: Lord & Taylor, $64
Becca Colorblocked Hipster Swim Bottoms: Lord & Taylor, $58
Don’t Deny Tie-Dye
We can’t help but love this tie-dye two-piece that takes us back to our days in summer camp. Except this time, it’s in the guise of an irresistibly chic bikini, not a raggedy t-shirt. Talk about an upgrade!
Pocahontas Ripple Triangle Top: Piperlime, $53
Pocahontas Ripple Bottom: Piperlime, $53
Sexy & Sweet
A suit like this is the epitome of summertime sexy. The bandeau top with bow detailing coupled with the subtle pops of color throughout make this Anthropologie bikini stand out while emphasizing your ladylike style.
Knotted Hankie Bikini Top: Anthropologie, $108
What are your favorite bikini trends for this summer? Share with us below!