Beach to the Street: Swimwear Trends

Summertime in my small town. That means pool parties, walking on the beach and wearing less as the days heat up! But you don’t have to sweat what to wear. Dressing for summer in a small town is much different than heading to the beach in Miami or LA, but luckily you’ve got me to help you navigate through the swimwear trends for summer and how to take the look from beach to the street, without looking like a crazy fashion victim! Sistina Giordano and I broke it down for you on Tuesday’s Bridge Street.

One thing that I think too many women don't realize is that the more fabric the bigger you will look. Too often we want to cover up what we feel are our “problem areas” but really that can just bring attention to what you want to minimize. Suits with too big skirts, lots of ruching at the waist, large dated prints, and high cut necklines can look frumpy and granny-ish- probably not the look you are going for. Less is more, and that can be the case for swimsuits too. Even that 20-something over there in the teeny bikini has body issues, so don’t worry too much about what you think your “flaws” are. Confidence is the best look anyway, so choose something fun and appropriate for the activity you are doing, and don’t worry so much. I’ve got a lot of ideas for you right here.

Often swimwear trends are the same as what you see for your everyday wardrobe. Here are some of the hot ones this year:

One piece- Not just for moms! The good news is that one piece suits are very hot right now for all body types and ages. Try to find one that has something interesting or sexy, like zip up front or cutouts. The one featured in my segment has color blocking that gives you an hourglass shape, plus a zipper and boning in the bodice to offer support. It's by DKNY and you can find it at Lord & Taylor.

Boho- Think 70’s style, fringe, tribal or ethnic prints, all of which have been really hot on the runways!

Flounces- On a one piece, or on the top of bottom of a bikini, you can hide or accentuate assets with a strategically placed flounce!

Crop tops and rash guards- Now that we are more aware then ever about the damaging effect of the sun, it’s cool that rash guards and crop tops are on trend. Get that extra cover up and add sun protection, which still being stylish at the pool.

High waist bikini- Think 1940’s pin up girls. Think Taylor Swift. This is a good one for many different body types- modest but still sexy.

90s style- Never thought you’d see these again? High cut thighs. Picture Cyndi Crawford in all her supermodel style!

Mix and Match prints- Want to give off an effortlessly chic vibe, then go with this look! Top and bottoms are different but still go together.

Now that you know what’s hot, take these styles from the beach or pool to the street by keeping within the trend but adding or switching out a few elements:

Switch flip flops for cute sandals or sneakers, like the ones I showed on Bridge Street.  With a boho style swimsuit, add gladiator sandals, like the Steve Madden’s from Lord and Taylor. Wearing a 90s style suit, then add fun sneakers like Converse or Vans.

Find a cute sun dress, like the one from Free People I shared on the show from Lord and Taylor. Worn over the swimsuit with sandals you’ve got a complete look.

Layer a sheer lightweight sweater over your bikini top with cutoff denim shorts for an easy look that keeps your bum covered.

Borrow from the boys! Grab a button down shirt from your husband or boyfriend, cinch the waist with a belt, and you've got a cute shirt dress!

Take advantage of the crop top or rash guard and work it into your outfit- maybe add cutoff denim shorts and a baseball hat and sneakers. In fact, the cutoff denim is a good one for summertime at the pool and beach because it gives you cover, is right on trend, but can be too casual for going out at night or to something more formal.

Add a hat- So many cute ones to choose from now like large and floppy, fedora or baseball style.

For your hair, keep hair wavy for that beachy-style. You can even get products that help create that look when you aren’t actually at the beach, like L'Oreal TXT It Tousle Waves Spray ($4).

For makeup, keep it light and waterproof- add some lipgloss for color and shine.

Don’t forget the sunscreen! My favorites are CeraVe.

If you missed my segment on Bridge Street, click here to see it. Then comment below or on Facebook to tell me what your favorite summer swimwear trend is for this year and what are your tricks to take it from beach to the street. Can't wait to hear from you!