Are you a fashionista, style maven, or trendsetter? Do you friends routinely call in your help when they’re deciding what to wear for a date or a night of clubbing? Is your finger on the pulse of the fashion world?
Maybe you just like to look your best, no matter where you are and what you’re doing. If you’re going to be hitting the beach or hanging out poolside this summer, check out the top 10 swimsuit trends of 2018!
1. Smocked Tops
You’re going to be seeing a lot of smocking this summer. Once reserved for boho dresses or shirts, this sweet-but-not-too-sweet look is cropping up on swimwear everywhere.
Smocking (and its cousin, ruching) tend to be flattering for all body types. A smocked bandeau top, either strapless or with skinny, spaghetti-strap ties, is a sure bet for this summer’s fashion-forward woman.
2. High Waisted Bottoms
With the recent resurgence of so-called “mom jeans,” it should come as no surprise that swimsuit bottoms with a high waist profile are now in vogue once more. But these pieces are less Cindy Walsh and more Sandra Dee.
Go full retro with a picnic-check pattern, or choose a more modern print to keep this look solidly in the 21st century.
3. Polka Dot Prints
Speaking of retro, another mid-century mod swimsuit style is having a second-star turn. It’s the polka dot print. If you’re really looking to embrace your inner pin-up girl, choose a suit with a high waisted bottom, halter top, and whimsical polka dots.
Or give everyone an earworm by choosing an itsy bitsy, teeny weeny, yellow polka dot bikini.
4. Mix and Match Separates
If you rejoiced when chipped nail polish had its brief moment in the sun (and are wondering when smeared lipstick is finally going to get chic), you’ll love this next item on our list of the top 10 swimsuit trends of 2018. Mix and match separates are all the rage in 2018.
Chances are you can pull this one off without even splurging on a new suit — just take a look at the separates you already have and see which pieces might work well together.
One super-fun version? Wear your tiniest, ruffliest, girliest bikini top with a pair of men’s board shorts. Besides being a cute and unique look, this pairing offers a huge bonus: no more wedgies!
5. Leotards, Leotards
In recent years, we’ve seen 80s workout wear giving the athleisure industry a run for its money in terms of trends. And we may have hit peak flashback fashion with the leotard style swimsuit.
Belts are one of the telltale signs that your swimsuit may have been inspired by Jane Fonda, Jazzercise, or Olivia Newton-John getting “physical.” Another is bold geometric patterns or primary color stripes.
Just make sure that you steer clear of the matching legwarmers, headband, or wristband.
6. Exposed Shoulders
We’re not sure if it’s a nod to women who lift, but women’s shoulders have been getting some serious time on the runway and in the department stores. The recent popularity of “cold shoulder” blouses and tops has morphed into the top 10 swimsuit trends of 2018 that also accentuate this area of anatomy.
Some suits have the same type of cut-out shoulder as the longer-sleeved garments. Others forego the shoulder strap altogether and rely on stretchy materials to keep an off-the-shoulder look from falling too far down. Still, other hot swimsuit trends of 2018 are the one-shoulder, asymmetrical style.
No matter which of these trends you go for, don’t forget plenty of sunscreen!
7. Ruffles
Ruffles are one of the most well-loved of 2018’s swimsuit trends because of what a wide range of suits they can work with. We’re seeing plenty of ruffles forming the shoulder strap or one-shouldered suits, waves of ruffles cascading down a bandeau top, ruffles to accentuate the booty.
Ruffles can be tiny and delicate, or big and bold. They can be made in the same material of the swimsuit, or provide contrast by using lace or a different print or fabric. In short, this is a trend that pretty much everyone can get behind, no matter what her taste.
Check out some of the unique ways these sexy suits, from Orchid boutique, incorporate ruffles.
8. Solid Red Suits
So far, we’ve seen suits hearkening back to the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Here’s another throwback trend: a solid red one piece or bikini bathing suits.
If your mind automatically conjured up an image of Pamela Anderson and David Hasselhoff running in slow-motion on the sand, you’re likely not alone. The proliferation of bright, fire-truck red suits on this year’s catwalks and beaches pays homage to the delightfully guilty pleasure that was Baywatch.
Since real lifeguards also wear red suits, make sure you’re not mistaken for an on-duty hero by adding one of this summer’s other swimwear trends: a contrasting belt, a plunging, ruffly neckline. Or try a solid red tank top or sports bra style top with a polka dotted or floral bottom (with a high waist, natch).
9. Rainbow Stripes
Rainbows just aren’t for Pride Month anymore! In fact, rainbow-striped swimwear will be showing up on the beach and the pool deck all summer long. Like ruffles, stripes are an easy trend to adopt because they’re so adaptable.
Think bright, primary colors — not necessarily in the Roy G. Biv order — or even neon hues.
Pastel stripes work too, but they’re best when incorporated as a contrast with darker, bolder shades.
10. Boho Crochet
Crochet swimsuits? Well, to be accurate, we should say “crochet-look.” And emphasize the fact that these suits are made of more than just yarn. They’re fully lined, too, so there’s no chance of your bikini top coming unraveled!
And, hey, if it’s good enough for the Kardashians, it’s good enough for us.
That’s a Wrap on Swimsuit Trends for 2018
The best thing about 2018’s swimwear fashions is that everyone can find a look they love. And if you can’t decide? Tons of suits incorporate several of these must-have top 10 swimsuit trends of 2018.
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