Unleash your inner goddess in summer's sexiest swimwear
By Heather Warlick
| Published: May 17, 2012
Glamour is the name of the game for this season's hottest swimwear. From retro bombshell and Greek goddess-inspired bikinis to dangerous python prints, fringe and revealing monokinis, today's swimwear trends will have you turning heads wherever you step out.
Basking in the summer sun on the world's sexiest beaches, you'll see swimwear in succulent shades of neon citrus, sunset orange, cobalt and aqua and beautiful patterns inspired by nature.
Read on for Mood's top trends in swimwear that will make a salty statement in a sea of Lycra.
Trend 1: Fringe and ruffles
If it's good enough for Rihanna, it's good enough for us! The sexy singer rocked this fringed bandeau top and split hipster bottom (hers was black), complete with a Western hat during a recent vacation to Hawaii. Fringe is super hot in this season's swimwear.
Ruffles are the good-girl version of fringe, adorning sweet suits this season (see our butterfly monokini). Tip: if you're trying to streamline your silhouette, ruffles may not be your best friend. However, they're a great to add some body to your bust line, if that's your goal.
The fringe suit by L Space and the Western straw hat are sold at LA Sun & Sport. Kenneth Cole silver jewelry sold at Macys at Quail Springs Mall.
Trend 2: Sunset Orange
You'll feel like a sun goddess in this season's favorite color. Combine chic sunset orange with a gorgeous exotic neckline and you're unstoppable. This bandeau top and tie-side hipster bottom are by Sea Folly, sold at LA Sun & Sport.
Trend 3: Unleashed Animal Prints
Have you ever seen a neon python? Or a sea foam leopard? You will this summer at untamed beaches and resorts.
On the cover, model Claudia Williamson, Miss Black Oklahoma, kills it in a ViX sea foam green leopard print bikini with gold hardware from LA Sun & Sport. The hardware in high end swim lines is “triple-dipped” and won't get hot. This shade of bluish-green was the No. 1 color at fashion markets, said Valerie Noah, buyer at LA Sun & Sport.
Here, Claudia gets playful with a neon pink, purple and orange set by California Waves, from Macy's. Meow.
Trend 4: The Monokini
Monokinis and one-piece suits with cutouts are a super-sexy swimwear style but don't be fooled — this style requires a pretty rockin' body to pull it off. They are not as forgiving as they look. If you're looking to minimize your midsection, try one of today's belted suits. You can update a monotone one-piece with a jeweled chain wrapped around the middle a few times. Or cinch a wide stretchy belt tightly around your waist for the ultimate hourglass silhouette.
This flirtatious butterfly monokini is sold at LA Sun & Sport. Noah recommends you look for “long-lasting Lycra,” which is a new innovation in the classic swimwear fabric that will hold its shape longer.
Trend 4: Neon Citrus
Yellow, pink and orange neons are a fun throwback to the fluorescents of the '80s and they make any skin tone glow. And bandeau tops are a classic swimwear trend that will bolster a barely-there bust. But be warned: If you are ample in that area, either choose a high-end bandeau with solid construction, possibly with rubber backing inside the suit to keep it in place, or consider a different style top. Bandeaus that don't have under wires and quality construction aren't the most supportive of tops for large-busted women.
This two-piece is by California Waves and sold at Macy's. We added some funky and brightly colored jewelry by Betsey Johnson, also sold at Macy's, to add a pop of whimsy.
Trend 5: Retro
You'll see plenty of cutesy, vintage, high-waisted and full-coverage options reminiscent of Bettie Page on store shelves this season, but our favorite vintage is the 1970s. These styles are the ultimate in glam and quite wearable for many figure types.
This maillot by Brazilian swimwear designer Sauipe is ridiculously sexy, yet refined and not too revealing. The fabric is so luxurious, “it changes your whole attitude,” Noah said.
The deep plunging neckline flatters small and large busts. The halter accentuates the oft-ignored shoulders and looks beautiful worn with a flowing skirt for an après-swim cocktail party. This suit is sold at LA Sun & Sport. Add an additional touch of glamour with coordinated brushed gold accessories, here from Jones New York, sold at Macy's.
Trend 6: Monotone
It seems simple, but monotones are a big trend this season and jade is one of our most coveted shades — but it's not easy to find! At LA Sun & Sport, they can't keep greens in on the shelves, they're so popular. This beautiful maillot by Lenny is simple elegance at its finest. And don't be fooled by the leather accents — it's swimmable leather!
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