THE DO'S AND DONT'S OF SWIMSUITS THIS SEASON
Colour-blocked clothes have been runway features the past few seasons, so it’s no wonder the trend would work its way into swimwear. DO embrace structure. Colour blocked suits tend to be a little sportier and offer more support compared to your usual triangle bikini so don’t hold back. There’s now a more stylish way to be chic on the beach and be supported at the same time! DON’T be afraid to mix prints. Colour blocking doesn’t refer to just bold solid blocks of colour, instead mix a print with a top or bottom for a swimsuit that's just as on-trend.
Lara Bingle for cotton on body
Crochet accents add a relaxed boho vibe to your beach look. Whether you wear crochet from head to toe or match with cute boardies or sweat-shorts, this cute on-trend look is something different to add to your beach wardrobe this summer. DO water-test your swimwear before jumping in the ocean or neighbours pool, sometimes bikinis can be sold for purely festival purposes and crochet styles are not always water friendly; don’t risk revealing a bit more than you'd like when wet. DON’T forget less is more- it’s 2013 so keep modern twist to your look with minimal accessories and sporty feel-good additions to your outfit.
above: Zimmerman swim campaign / 2014
Cut-outs are another huge trend we have seen on and off the runways, now they are poolside for 2013. A cut-out one-piece is a great mix of edgy, chic and sexy especially if you’re not wanting all on show in a bikini. DON’T restrict to black, try something new and different in prints and patterns. DO wear sunscreen, you don't burnt cut outs and create some weird wacky tan lines.
above: jets swimwear 2013/14
Fringe isn’t just for western boots or suede jackets, it can give a bright-colour swimsuit a flirty feel or an additional layer to hide if your feeling uncomfortable in your cozi at the beginning of summer. DO use to create illusion of curves, if you're a straighter boyish shape then fringe is great to accentuate curves around the bust or hips. DON’T wear around your problem areas, as said before it will accentuate so avoid if you are self conscious about your hips or thighs. Find the right fringe bikini for you, check out TV personality Padma Lakshmi below sporting the trend.
above: seafolly Australia
High-waisted bikinis are now having a major come back this season! The 60’s cut is both flattering and feminine, and is a refreshing alternative to the side-tie bikini bottoms. DO look for boy-cut as you want to avoid a high waist and high leg-cut outs (can look very 80s). DONT try if your stomach conscious as the high waist is slimming and hides those tummies.
above: Tigerlily leopard swimsuit
Head-to-toe white isn’t just for that night out on the town with the girls; it looks great on the beach too. Channel Miranda Kerr from her latest photo shoot or Princess Kate on a Europe escape. DO look for solid white or white with gold accents as white and gold is a one-way ticket to feeling like a goddess! No need for accessories with that slight hint of gold trim. DON’T forget to water-test, like the crochet trend, you want to make sure your swimsuit doesn't become too see-through when you jump in.
What ever trend you aim for this season, remember to keep it simple and chic. Less is always more on the beach. For that elegant style to and from the water, check out Esther’s latest kaftans and tunic dresses perfect to throw on over those stylish ‘kinis.