This season's swimwear has more options than just the bikini
[2008-5-16]
Tag: Beach Sandals
In a recent Lands' End survey, nine out of 10 women said they would rather hang out with family or girlfriends at the community pool than lounge in a cabana with George Clooney.
Perhaps they're simply being realistic. But whether she's poolside with the kids or on a secluded stretch of beach with a dreamboat, every woman wants a swimsuit that accentuates her best assets and camouflages her flaws.
That's why every summer, nearly every swimsuit shopper faces a nerve-wracking dilemma: How do you choose a suit that's sexy and flattering but not too revealing?
This season offers many choices inspired by runway trends at the ready-to-wear shows. Another welcome addition: versatile, fashion-forward cover-ups that look as good for running errands or nights out as they do by the pool or beach.
• One piece or two?
The itsy bitsy, teeny weeny bikini is still popular because Houston women who exercise a lot want to show off their taut bodies. But one-piece styles are making a comeback.
"Customers who normally bought bikinis are now adding a one-piece swimsuit to their purchase," said Rachel Clements, owner of La Mode Lingerie, an upscale boutique in River Oaks Shopping Center. "But they're not your grandma's swimsuits. They're sexier, very contemporary and modern one-pieces from Eres and other designer brands. They're really beautiful." (And pricey, it must be noted; some Eres suits cost more than $400.)
More than half of shoppers in the Lands' End survey said they plan to purchase a one-piece this year.
"Many one-piece suits can provide extra support and tummy control without compromising style and comfort," said Tara Ellef, Lands' End senior vice president of merchandising.
For women with a fuller midsection who don't feel as comfortable with a form-fitting one-piece, veteran swimwear designer Lisa Curran suggests a tankini. The two-piece suit has a top that drapes around the middle to camouflage the problem area.
• What's with cover-ups?
Wraps, pareos and tunics — often in fabric that matches the swimsuit — are flying out of stores.
"It's a great way to go from poolside over to the cabana for lunch and still be presentable," said Macy's spokesman Kamal Bosamia.
He notes that swim cover-ups are taking their cue from the runway, where tunics, caftans and button-front shirtdresses are popular ready-to-wear items. Many of the swim cover-ups are so striking they can easily transition to other parts of the day.
"The customer who buys a cover-up by Moschino or Jean Paul Gaultier will wear it over her suit, but she'll also wear it with jeans," Clements said.
• Color or basic black?
Neon pink, orange, yellow, green and other strong shades that have made the spring ready-to-wear collections the most colorful in years are also showing up in swimwear.
"It makes sense," said Clements, "so it's not so strange to go from the ready-to-wear department buying jeans and tops and dresses and to the swimwear department and see similar colors and styles."
But black is also popular this season.
"Basic black never goes out of style," Clements said. "It's forgiving and it's sexy, whether it's a one-piece or a two-piece. It's one of those staples."
You can dress up a dark swimsuit by mixing patterns — say, a black-and white dotted top and contrasting paisley print bottom — or accessorizing a black suit with colorful bangle bracelets.
"Having a pop of color is very important," Bosamia said.
• Simple or embellished?
Simpler suits are in, but there's always room for an eye-catching number sprinkled with sequins, fringe or wood beads. After all, this is Texas.
"I always have that customer who wants her bling," Clements says. "I always get that from La Perla's amazing suits, with beading and woodwork and embellishment. I also have some from Christian Lacroix. It's not over-the-top ridiculous, but it's so unique. It's like a work of art."
If embellishment is a little too much, go for some shimmer with a metallic gold suit that catches the sun's rays. Or dress up any suit with gold sandals or a metallic embellished tote bag.
"Accessories with a little shine can go a long way this season," Lands' End's Ellef said.
In a recent Lands' End survey, nine out of 10 women said they would rather hang out with family or girlfriends at the community pool than lounge in a cabana with George Clooney.
Perhaps they're simply being realistic. But whether she's poolside with the kids or on a secluded stretch of beach with a dreamboat, every woman wants a swimsuit that accentuates her best assets and camouflages her flaws.
That's why every summer, nearly every swimsuit shopper faces a nerve-wracking dilemma: How do you choose a suit that's sexy and flattering but not too revealing?
This season offers many choices inspired by runway trends at the ready-to-wear shows. Another welcome addition: versatile, fashion-forward cover-ups that look as good for running errands or nights out as they do by the pool or beach.
• One piece or two?
The itsy bitsy, teeny weeny bikini is still popular because Houston women who exercise a lot want to show off their taut bodies. But one-piece styles are making a comeback.
"Customers who normally bought bikinis are now adding a one-piece swimsuit to their purchase," said Rachel Clements, owner of La Mode Lingerie, an upscale boutique in River Oaks Shopping Center. "But they're not your grandma's swimsuits. They're sexier, very contemporary and modern one-pieces from Eres and other designer brands. They're really beautiful." (And pricey, it must be noted; some Eres suits cost more than $400.)
More than half of shoppers in the Lands' End survey said they plan to purchase a one-piece this year.
"Many one-piece suits can provide extra support and tummy control without compromising style and comfort," said Tara Ellef, Lands' End senior vice president of merchandising.
For women with a fuller midsection who don't feel as comfortable with a form-fitting one-piece, veteran swimwear designer Lisa Curran suggests a tankini. The two-piece suit has a top that drapes around the middle to camouflage the problem area.
• What's with cover-ups?
Wraps, pareos and tunics — often in fabric that matches the swimsuit — are flying out of stores.
"It's a great way to go from poolside over to the cabana for lunch and still be presentable," said Macy's spokesman Kamal Bosamia.
He notes that swim cover-ups are taking their cue from the runway, where tunics, caftans and button-front shirtdresses are popular ready-to-wear items. Many of the swim cover-ups are so striking they can easily transition to other parts of the day.
"The customer who buys a cover-up by Moschino or Jean Paul Gaultier will wear it over her suit, but she'll also wear it with jeans," Clements said.
• Color or basic black?
Neon pink, orange, yellow, green and other strong shades that have made the spring ready-to-wear collections the most colorful in years are also showing up in swimwear.
"It makes sense," said Clements, "so it's not so strange to go from the ready-to-wear department buying jeans and tops and dresses and to the swimwear department and see similar colors and styles."
But black is also popular this season.
"Basic black never goes out of style," Clements said. "It's forgiving and it's sexy, whether it's a one-piece or a two-piece. It's one of those staples."
You can dress up a dark swimsuit by mixing patterns — say, a black-and white dotted top and contrasting paisley print bottom — or accessorizing a black suit with colorful bangle bracelets.
"Having a pop of color is very important," Bosamia said.
• Simple or embellished?
Simpler suits are in, but there's always room for an eye-catching number sprinkled with sequins, fringe or wood beads. After all, this is Texas.
"I always have that customer who wants her bling," Clements says. "I always get that from La Perla's amazing suits, with beading and woodwork and embellishment. I also have some from Christian Lacroix. It's not over-the-top ridiculous, but it's so unique. It's like a work of art."
If embellishment is a little too much, go for some shimmer with a metallic gold suit that catches the sun's rays. Or dress up any suit with gold sandals or a metallic embellished tote bag.
"Accessories with a little shine can go a long way this season," Lands' End's Ellef said.
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