Bust Out Those Bathers – it’s Summer!

By Krysten Beck

We can hem and haw all we want about “not being ready for swimsuit season,’ but let’s be honest – there’s no keeping us away from our beach this summer. We wouldn’t be true Beach Coasters without enjoying those lazy days of summer to the fullest, soaking up some hot rays and reading a good book on our sandy shores while looking darn good. Although we may be a bit hesitant slipping back into swimwear this year, we here at TheBeachCoast.com have scoured the fashion world to find the trendiest styles for swimwear in 2012. Sit back and relax – summer’s here!

Unexpected Surprises
When you’re shopping for suits, choose to be daring! Many swimwear designers dabbled in crazy cutouts and asymmetrical straps that turn the average beach bum into a walking piece of art. Speedo is a fine choice of sport swimwear, but the tired, over-done crisscross straps in the back and lower back cutout need a boost to keep up with your fashionista beach takeover. Try a side cutout near your ribs or, if you’re feeling adventurous, two side cutouts. Go crazy – the beach fashion world is your oyster!

Also, keep an eye out for one-shoulder straps as well as fun, slim straps that go every-which-way across the back of a suit. Sure, these may be a bit difficult to pull on before a day at the beach, but just think of the crazy and exciting tan lines you’ll get! The one-shoulder looks are sweeping the runways on gowns and tops, so jump on this fashion trend before the rest of the beach does and blaze the path while looking extra fierce!

Pin-up Dreams
Sure, there’s always that standby string bikini still donning its price tags, taunting us from our dressers (yeah right!), but this year we don’t have to fret – high-waisted bikini bottoms are sweeping our beaches. But don’t worry, this ain’t your grandmother’s bikini – it has been modernized and made super cute! A little extra support never hurt anyone, plus this cut conceals that ever-present “problem midsection” many of us fashionistas have to combat each year. High-cut bikini bottoms are showing up everywhere allowing the woman of today to embrace her inner pin-up. This year break out this trend with modern colors while also paying homage to the polka dots, ruffles and stripes that were popular way back “when.”

Leave Something to the Imagination!
Don’t forget to cover up this year! Some of the cutest fashions this summer are not meant to be worn in the water, but worn on your way down there! A girl’s got to look fashionable schlepping 3 coolers, 20 lbs. of beach toys and 9 inner tubes, right? Cover-ups this season are flowy tunics made of gauzy, almost see-through, fabrics of mixed floral and animal prints. They’ll be seen in the form of light, long and fluid items like sheer blouses, long kaftans and fluid pants with some styles even transitioning into evening wear. What a perfect summer wardrobe piece!

Sure, that first day at the beach may be a bit scary, but just remember, we at TheBeachCoast.com did all the hard work for you this year. Take our fashion advice and be the fashionista turning heads this year and making people whisper, “Where do you think she got that cute suit?”

Krysten Beck is Beach Coast born and raised and recently moved back to the area after graduating from Indiana University with a degree in Journalism. Krysten has written for the Indiana Daily Student and the Indiana University Arbutus Yearbook while also contributing to a handful of blogs.