By Jae-Ha Kim
Chicago Sun-Times
May 12, 2005
Colorful hardware, sexy cutouts and flirty designs define what’s in for this year’s swimwear. Inspired by designer creations seen on the runways of Paris, New York and Milan, bathing suits have a more sophisticated — yet still fun — look this season. And, they’re available at prices for all types of budgets.
“You don’t have to spend a ton of money to look like a million bucks,” says Keisha Lee, a Honolulu-based swimwear stylist. “You can get a really nice suit for under $200 at a department store. And you can get something that’s really cute and perfectly fine for the season for under $30 at Target or Sears.”
Just remember, this season it’s more about the fit and the cut of the suit than whether a bikini is more in vogue than a one-piece. (And for the record, it’s not.)
Women hate to hear this, but we need to remember we tend to go up a size in bathing suits. So if you wear a size 8, try on a size 10 in swimwear. It may make you feel bad psychologically, but just bear in mind that swimwear is an equalizing factor in many ways. Even very thin women can have cellulite. Conversely, heavier women can rock the beach showing off their curves — in tasteful swimsuits, of course.
“This year there are more one-pieces than in the past,” says Regina Haymes, fashion market director for Marie Claire. “But they have revealing cutouts in the belly or on the sides. It may seem as if you’re covering up more than in a string bikini — and technically you are — but the illusion is you’re seeing something you’re not supposed to. It can have a very sexy effect.”
Even Speedo — best known for donning the athletic bods of Olympians such as Amanda Beard — has gone high fashion with its Platinum line. With its cutouts and chain embellishments, the suits are as suitable for Pamela Anderson as they are for swimming champions.
Classic black and navy are always in style, as are nautical stripes. But if you’ve been hankering to unleash your inner girlie-girl, the time is now. Floral prints, gingham, frills and kaleidoscope rings all are expected to be big sellers.
“Animal prints are huge, too,” says Karen Reinitz, fashion market editor at Elle. “Also, we saw from the runway shows that there’s a huge ethnic movement going on in fashion and that translates into swimwear. There are stones attached to sides of bathing suits, or maybe a little buckle or a piece of turquoise. Even the more old-fashioned elements — ruffles, little flora prints — don’t appear stodgy this season. The look is fresh and young.”
Finally, if you already have a suit with which you’re happy, don’t feel pressured to give it up.
“I’m a swimwear editor and I wear the same ones for years,” Reinitz says. “If someone is happy with what they’ve already got, consider updating it by getting a similar suit in a different color or a slightly different cut.
“Swimsuit shopping is intimidating. So go in and look at yourself honestly in the mirror and go with what works for you. If you feel confident and attractive, that’s half the battle to looking good in a suit right there.”
