Boston has a bit of a reputation for being a conservative
town when it comes to style, a hotbed for buttoned-up academics, latter-day
Brahmins in tailored dark suits, and polo-and-khaki-clad tech-industry types.
But once temperatures rise and the locals start shedding layers, look out:
every city beach and spare square of green space will be commandeered by eager
urban sunbathers who cast off their inhibitions in hopes of soaking up some
rays. And what better way to try out the rainbow-bright shades that are so hot
this season — and to let your wild alter ego come out to play before those gray
New England days return — than with some vibrantly colored bikinis or neon
trunks that’ll turn you from office drudge to beachy bombshell in no time?
Swimwear traditionally tends to be full of loud Hawaiian prints and
summer-themed kitsch, but this year, styles are looking bold and a bit
more sophisticated. Bright colors, retro styles, and throwback prints are ready
to be seen on a beach towel near you.
For Beach-Bound Boys
Swim trunks in solid colors can be a total snooze. But with
neon being reintroduced into the summer color palette, you can break out the
brights and remember how awesome your Body Glove shorts were back when you were
in grade school. Whether on land or at sea, you’ll definitely be spotted from
afar with a pair of electric-hued jams.
There’s no denying that plaid has had a popular year.
Whether you consider yourself a popped-collar preppie or highly ironic hipster,
you probably have something plaid in your wardrobe. Why not run with it and get
down with some plaid swim shorts? Trade in the lumberjack look for something a
bit more tropical in vibrant colors. Also take note that men’s bathing suits
are leaning toward the shorter side — a standard elsewhere in the world but
still a bit shocking for the “dudes” of America. These shorter trunks still
have more, um, coverage than the Euro-style mankini (better known as the swim
brief), so there really shouldn’t be any shame in your game when showing more
thigh.
Not sold on the idea of an above-the-knee bathing suit?
Board shorts continue to be a go-to for most guys and their surfer-wannabe
alter egos. Retire those hibiscus-print trunks you’ve been wearing for years
and opt for a more mature style with colorful stripes. As for thinking you
sound cool when using expressions like “hang ten” and “wicked rad,” we can’t really
help you with that one...
For Sun Goddesses
It seems like the options for prints in women’s swimwear are
endless — stripes, stars, animal prints, polka dots, and the list goes on.
Avoid looking like every other beach babe by choosing more unique styles that
recall fashions of past decades. Take a trip down memory lane with some intense
pixelated prints that are reminiscent of early video game graphics. Pops of
color add a dash of flash, and femme details like ruffles divert the eye and
add fullness to otherwise less-endowed areas.
Stripes can be tough. If they go in the wrong direction,
they’ll draw the wrong sort of attention. However, psychedelic stripes (as long
as they run vertical) can be a fun way to elongate a shorter torso.
They work best on one-piece suits, which have become quite popular in recent
years. While cut-outs and deep plunging fronts may be hot takes on the
one-piece trend, they’re not always the most practical or flattering cuts.
Stick with suits that offer full coverage — that way you can get the most bang
out of your killer print.
Madras has always been a hit with the preppy set during the
sunny seasons, but it’s time to fully reclaim plaid’s funky patchwork cousin.
This hipster-meets-prepster bikini is an updated take on an otherwise demure
pattern. Tap into your inner Mary Ann (from Gilligan’s Island) and
play up the farm-girl-chic look — peachy colors and girly details make for a
sweet and sexy suit that says you’d be happy to share your beach blanket.
CLICK HERE TO SEE HOT SUMMER SUITS!
