For the past couple of years, swimwear has been all retro shapes and high waists and bralets. I love this because high waists and supportive tops are both good things, especially for we thirtysomethings who have procreated, but I’ve also kind of Taylor Swifted out of the look. It’s just so ubiquitous, and every time I see yet another girl in a black-and-white checkered bikini bottom cut up to their belly button “Shake It Off” starts playing in my head. I like that song, but I’m sort of over it.
Just like I’m over ’40s-style bathing suits.
And apparently swimwear designers agree with me, because everywhere I turn I see a completely new silhouette: long sleeves, cropped tops, and high necks. It’s inspired by surfer-wear, but while some of these suits are clearly intended to be worn while doing full-on water sports, others are more “here I am lounging on the beach in my fabulously chic suit.” I kind of love it: the silhouette is definitely sexy, but the element of modesty feels more refreshing than showing tons of skin. And I especially love that you could totally do stuff in these suits – frolic, et cetera – and not have something like this happen to you (oh god).
Above, some of my favorite versions of the look. (That first one is my absolute favorite, but I wouldn’t throw those Mara Hoffmans out of bed.) Thoughts? Love? Hate? Unwilling to give up the possibility of tanned arms?
And just for fun, let’s look at some more summer style inspiration. Oooo.
(Don’t forget to follow the Summer Dreaming and Styles boards on RG’s Pinterest for more of the above.)
