The flocks of students in Schenley Plaza this week were a definite sign that we are all ready for the summer, but between coming out of hibernation and basking on the beach comes self-loathing and swimsuit shopping.
In the past, we strutted our stuff through those awkward years believing we truly were the hottest thing on God’s green earth in that bedazzled zebra one-piece from, the one and only, Limited Too. Until, sound the trumpets, our fairy godmother (in the form of that growth spurt we’d been counting on) took that baby fat off of our hands. Congrats! Ditch the swimsuit, we just graduated to a two piece! We went crazy buying bikinis at Target in an attempt to look good for those mediocre high school upperclassmen (ahh, retrospect). College was right around the corner, and the curves may have gotten a bit curvier, but we were still looking as good as ever. The one-piece shouldn’t come on our radar again until at least after the second kid, right?
Wrong!
The secret is, one pieces are hot! Ok, not the bedazzled zebra halter from Limited Too or the standard soccer mom ensemble, but I am here to introduce you the world of the one-piece. We always hear boys love a chase, and that nothing worth having comes easy. So how do you think they’d react to a spandex suit that accentuates your curves, or cutouts that reveal just enough skin to make you unforgettable? And what about turning heads on a beach without having to suck everything in? Sign me up please!
The first thing to think about when buying a one-piece is patterns and prints. This allows you to rock the look while telling people a little about yourself in the process. Whether you’re girly in florals or a bit more on the edgy side in camo, you can really be yourself and look phenomenal at the same time. Depending on the print, you can get tons of added bonuses. Some are slimming, and others bring out your tan. The advantages are endless.
1. Trina Turk – Malibu Gold One Piece
2. J.Crew – Liberty Katie Ann
3. ModCloth – Timeless as Tides
4. Zappos – Ella Moss Savannah
5. ASOS – Fringed Plunge Cut Out
6. H&M – Bandeau Swimsuit
7. 6pm – GUESS Corps Values
Another thing to consider: Mesh. Need I say more? Printed or solid, this is definitely one of my favorite trends as it takes flirtatious and fun to another level. Essentially, mesh allows designers to create floating pieces of fabric, with windows to some of your best features in between. Just as fishnets give bare legs a whole different look, mesh really elevates the game, showing your provocatively good taste.
1. Zappos – Prima Donna Ruffle Bandeau
2. ASOS – Cupped Mesh Insert Bandeau
3. ASOS – Prism Print Mesh Cut Out
4. ASOS – Mesh Insert V Plunge
5. 6pm – MINKPINK Tahiti
If prints and mesh aren’t your taste, go with black. It’s classic, slimming, and stunning. What more can you ask for in a bathing suit? A fresh take on a timeless fashion staple, these favorites of mine give an understated look, making a statement without trying too hard. Be prepared to be the center of attention as you become a classic beauty.
1. ASOS – Stripe Paneled Swimsuit
2. Alloy – Cutout Side One Piece
3. 6pm – Jessica Simpson Uno Dos
4. Bloomingdales – Sport Pro Solids Zip Front Maillot
5. Bloomingdales – ATHENA Heavenly Solid Bandeau
6. LOFT – Beach Marker