Knitch Magazine

Well, summer has definitely arrived in North America and some of the hottest, most humid weather in years is hitting the entire area. So where are the best places to seek relief from the weather no matter where you live? Everyone seems to be heading to the beach or the pool, but of course, looking great in not-so-great conditions is the key to the summer. We know that the beachwear-inspired and nautical looks were major trends this spring, but what swimwear should we be wearing for Summer 2010 to stay on the cutting edge of fashion?

Photo credits for above photos: Photo 1: Nordstrom, Photo 2: Dillard's, Photo 3: Nordstrom.

The One-Piece Swimsuit Has Been Reborn. Based on the bathing suits featured on the haute-couture runways for Summer 2010, bikinis are so outré and relegated to last year’s favorite adornment. Often featuring the popular one-shoulder shaping as seen in the fashion shows of Max Azria, Gottex and Gucci, these suits are destined for greatness because they look so good on so many different figure types and sizes.

As part of the movement to return to vintage fashions, some of these swimsuit options would appeal to the pin-up beauties of yesteryear such as Betty Grable, Rosalind Russell & Farah Fawcett. What is most appealing is how many choices abound in one-piece options this year so that we’re sure to find a gorgeous choice for most of us!

Go for Cut-Outs Not Cutdown Styles for the Trendiest Outfits. Building on last spring’s cutaway/peekaboo fashion trend made into a must-have by Chloe, Herve Leger and Jean Paul Gaultier, the one-piece styles have taken “cut out” to a whole new level. Some designers are even calling this approach “the monokin” since in terms of coverage it is just about as brief as its cousin the bikini.

But just how and where the “fabric reduction” occurs depends on the tastes & preferences of the designer. For example, Amanda Wakeley goes for plunging necklines and cutaway sides, while Carmen Marc goes for more subtle touches with discreet cutouts at the tummy and above the waist. Then Luiza Bonadiman takes an entirely different direction with elbow-length sleeves and slits throughout all sections of the suit (definitely not for the modest swimmer by any means).

Get Your Back in Shape for a New Emphasis on Back Detailing in Swimsuits. As a totally new trend not seen in many years, the back of the suit this year is getting almost as much attention as the front. Especially feminine touches are hot, hot, hot so look for fringe, ruffles and ruching for added shaping and sophistication. Also both gold and silver hardware are showing up as back accents whether at the shoulder or gathering the suit in the small of the back or even accenting both sides of the waist.

Black Is Ever in Vogue But Rioting Colors Are All the Rage. From brilliant tangerine to iridescent blues to burning magenta, all styles of swimwear have bursts of color this year. Sizzling jewel tones and bright neons are just as common as pretty florals, so break away from the temptation to go for neutrals and experiment with striking color combinations and fun, funky textures.

Or Go Economical and Update Your Beachwear from 2009 with a Stylish Cover-Up. The widest range of choices is with your accessories for the beach especially when it comes to cover-ups. From the floral, flowing, bohemian styling of Milly by Michelle Smith to the sheer & sexy accents of the see-thru caftan (forget about getting wet – it’s all about being seen by the right people, right?).

So as you can see, no matter what your own personal style and preferences, you have plenty of options this summer on the beach and at the pool. And remember that looking great all season also means paying attention to the little details everywhere you go -- whether you’re wet or dry!