Hint: Accessories like Versace backpacks and designer scarves help
Ready or not, summer’s here, and with it the season for pool parties, beach days and boating. No matter what your social calendar has in store, you’ll want to make an entrance wearing a ‘gram-worthy look. Summer 2019’s key swimwear trends—punchy neons, animal prints, shimmery metallics, shoulder accents, and texture— offer options for every body type, and they can create the foundations for amazing outfits. Pro tip: Pick a swimsuit that works easily as a top with your non-swim attire, and remember that whatever you wear might get wet. Also, make sure your accessories are on trend—think fun flatforms, wide-brim hats, logo-emblazoned Versace backpacks, and oversized designer scarves worn as sarongs. Here are a few outfit ideas to get you started, whether you’re poolside in Palm Springs or vibing out in Vegas.
Do the Bright Thing: Neon Swimsuits and Logoed Versace Backpacks
2019 CFDA Style Icon Award winner, Jennifer Lopez, may have single-handedly made this the summer of the neon pink bikini with her March Instagram post. If you’re looking to ride that wave, but want something more street-friendly than a triangle top, consider options that look like cropped tank tops. Reina Olga’s scrunch bikinis check this box, while also tapping into the textured trend. For a bit more coverage that still stands out, wear a bright pink (or other neon colored) one-piece swimsuit emblazoned with your favorite designer’s logo. You can also take the logomania trend a step further with a Versace backpack or beach tote. Finish with colorful platform sandals and acid-washed denim cut-offs for a casual, festival-inspired beach look.
Flaunt your fierce: animal prints and feminine accents
Animal prints have stampeded to the forefront of ready-to-wear fashion, and they’re just as much part of the swimwear trend. Leopard spots, zebra stripes, and snake prints are especially alluring on bustier-inspired maillots with underwire cups a la Dolce & Gabbana, plus swimsuits with ruffles, like those from Love Stories. Sheer palazzo pants or flowing maxi skirts, unique bags like Cult Gaia’s bamboo ones, and wedge sandals make sophisticated day-to-night outfits for mansion-hopping in the Hamptons.
Give ‘em a summer glow: swimsuits that shimmer and shine
Now that metallics are more mainstream than ever, it only makes sense that swimwear gets an extra dose of shine. Mariah Carey’s Instagram post in a shimmering bikini gives the trend a boost, too. Oseree’s subtly sparkling bikinis feature trendy silhouettes in lurex and look great with large designer scarves worn as sarongs. However, the brand’s sequined one-piece swimsuit is the real showstopper, with its plunging neckline and low-cut halter back. Then there’s Missoni’s multicolored sequin swimsuit that could easily be mistaken for a night-out top when worn with a mini skirt. If you and your crew are hitting a glamorous gathering that calls for a bit of glitz, pair your metallic swimwear with a wrap skirt and block-heel mules or jeweled flat sandals.
Now that you have a few ideas to get you started, don’t forget to experiment. Mix prints and play with patterns and textures. Also try mixing and matching pieces from different bikinis. There’s a lot of freedom in this season’s swimwear options, so try a bit of everything.
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By: Nafeesa Saboor
Nafeesa is the founder and editor of Shoes N Booze, a blog that pairs shoes with cocktails and provides shoe and cocktail-related tips, trend information and reviews. Her writing has also been published in The Source Magazine, xoJane, Sisters from AARP and other publications.