REAL Exclusive Magazine Becca Smith - Perspectives - REAL Style

Sizziling Styles For Summer

By Becca Smith

With summer approaching for many a fashionista, we’re all eager to hit the beach in REAL style. But whether you’re soaking up the sun on Florida’s most beautiful beaches, the most important decision won’t be the SPF of your suntan lotion, but which swimwear pieces you’ll be wearing.

In this REAL Style issue I bring you swimwear styles that are trending this summer, and how to pick a style to flatter your figure. It’s always worth knowing what styles will fit you well with spring/summer 2014 fashion trends. To make a bold statement or simply take your style credentials to the waterside this summer, update your swimwear selection. It will make the hot sizzling summer all the more exciting and enjoyable.

What cuts and styles in swimwear are in fashion this summer?

Vintage style swimwear – It has a place amongst 2014 swimwear trends, as this season is all about high waisted bikini bottoms as a way to inject a slight vintage feel into otherwise modern swimwear. Of course Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield come to mind when we think of 1950’s swimwear. You too can be a bombshell like Marilyn or as sophisticated as Grace Kelly with the right vintage cuts and prints.

Mismatched bikinis – A clash of colour and/or print between your bikini top and bikini bottoms not only creates an interesting look, but inherently oozes a kind of eclectic, fun summer vibe.

Digital print swimwear – You will see digital prints everywhere this summer. Digital prints in swimwear take the form of anything and everything from soft florals to fierce animal prints to abstract patterns and cityscapes. There are no rules here: go for whatever print takes your fancy, and if you want to get extra mileage go for a one-piece that can double as a bodysuit.

Feminine frills swimwear – Gives a soft, dainty summer vibe. Delicate whites, soft pastels or colorful micro prints are popular choices when it comes to the ruffled busts and flouncy mesh frills. This style adds volume in places you need it helping to shape your figure in flattering ways. Make sure to choose the most unexpected interpretations to both flatter your figure, and set you apart from the crowd.

Cut-away swimwear – Cut-away swimwear is making a return amongst the swimwear trends for 2014. The sultry one piece silhouettes are all about fresh and unexpected shapes, with sexy cuts that will instantly flatter your body. Seek out in both vibrant prints and monochrome tones, but make sure you choose a modern and ultra-luxe look.

90’s – in-spired swimwear – It’s all things 90’s this season. Get ready to add raw sex-appeal to your swim summer repertoire. High cut briefs that sit all the way above the hip will make a return for summer 2014 courtesy of brands like Minimal Animale and Neon.

Sporty-chic swimwear – Swimwear styles with a sporty chic attitude are on trend summer. The overall feel of this swimwear should still be high on sexy, the novelty lying in the super-slick silhouettes with modern cutaways and bright scuba colours.

When it comes to swimwear, not every cut is going to flatter every figure. But with all the styles that are trending this summer there is certainly something for everyone. It most often comes down to what you’re most comfortable with, but if you’re after a starting point I would like to offer these shape-based suggestions:

• Pear shape/small bust – Use ruffles to your advantage by adding volume at the top half. Ruffles around the bust can make it seem visually larges. You can also use vintage cupped styles with padding to create curves.
• Top heavy – Use ruffles to your advantage by conversely adding to the bottom to balance your hips with bust. Avoid unstructured crochets or string bikinis if they don’t offer support; instead choose structured styles and halternecks.
• Short legs – To lengthen the body pair a printed bikini top with a block-coloured bottom, drawing the attention upwards. Avoid boy-legs and go for high cut thighs instead so as to not shorten the legs further.
• Athletic figures – If you’re not big on the curves make the most of styles like statement strapping, backless styles and crochet that instead show off a toned physique.

I will close with the REAL style tip for the month: Shop stylish swimwear on one of my favorite websites www.ModCloth.com ^[1]. ModCloth has fab retro swimsuits in a range of styles and sizes. I’ll see all you fashionista’s on the beach this summer soaking up the sun in REAL style!

^[2]Rebecca Z. Smith, a fashion stylist/image consultant, is founder of We’ve Got Style. She offers wardrobe planning, closet consultations and is available for styling/personal shopping services. Rebecca knows fashion: the looks, the trends, the runway buzz, and how to put an outfit as well as a sustainable wardrobe together. More importantly she takes pride in knowing each client personally. This combination of professional expertise and highly personalized service ensures every client has the wardrobe that expresses their best self. For your entire wardrobe needs contact Rebecca at (941) 223-6643, beccarealstyle@gmail.com ^[3] – www.wevegotstyle.biz ^[4].

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