Whilst a majority of us confidently glow at the idea of sun-kissed skin, salt in our hair and a revolving door of effortless resort wear, there’s one culprit that generally takes the sheen off the otherwise faultless season of summer: shopping for swimwear. More often than not serving as a hideous cocktail of fluorescent lighting and too-small lycra, it’s a pilgrimage often left until fifteen minutes prior to stepping on the sand for good reason – it’s been hard out there.
Much like searching for its equally difficult compadre denim, we’re changing our exasperated “for God’s sake, this will do” tune of season’s past this year and not settling for anything less than a Halle Berry in James Bond-style knockout. Which brings us to the below edit: RESCU’s fool proof guide to wading through all the latest trends in swim, no questions asked. You’re welcome.
Stripes
Whether your flavour is vertical or horizontal, multicolour or neutral stripes not only serve as a jaunty nod to nautical but a strategic body-reshape too. Need extra length in that torso, or a waist cinch if you’re narrow? Simple – try a widely striped one piece on for size (bonus points if it’s colour blocked with a darker shade to the left and right), combining both stretch and cinching capabilities in one sweep. Those of us looking for a little more curve will enjoy sitting in the horizontal end of the spectrum, as a two-piece adds a little extra curve where required.
Solid & Striped Morgan top, approx. $119.06, and Morgan bottom, approx. $119.06, solidandstriped.com.
Solid & Striped Diana one-piece, approx. $213.77, solidandstriped.com.
Stella McCartney Swim scoop triangle bikini top, $149.95, and stripe classic bikini pants, $99, theiconic.com.au.
Off-The-Shoulder
Not busty? No worries – as you may already be aware a flounce or a ruffle adds a little extra oomph in that department, so the off-the-shoulder styles coming through are the antidote here (and also lend themselves to a pear shape looking to balance out her top half). Stick to block colour or neutral styles over kitschy prints to ensure you’re not revisiting any childhood looks better left in the photo album.
Suboo off-the-shoulder ikat bikini, $179, suboo.com.au
Zimmermann Gossamer one-piece, $350, zimmermannwear.com
Seafolly Lola Rae off-the-shoulder bikini top, $129.95, and Brazilian bikini pants, $79.95, seafolly.com.au
Mesh Inserts + Cut Aways
If the idea of a bikini makes you squirm slightly, in this instance we’re total advocates of the cheat’s route: a strategic mesh insert or cutaway is both flattering and functional (a rarity in swimwear). Taking note from its heralding trend athleisure, flaunt sun-kissed shoulders in a carved-out neckline whilst supporting your bust at the same time (perfect for the more actively inclined). Translate it to a one-piece through a careful selection of what skin you’re flaunting versus what you’re keeping tucked in.
Roxy Mesh It Up halter top, $59.99, and bottoms, $32.99, roxyaustralia.com.au
Fella Swim Rudy top, $143, and Finn bottoms, $66, fellaswim.com
Seafolly Mesh About bikini top, $119.95, and Mesh About pants, $69.95, seafolly.com.au
90’s Minimalism
Whilst your mind may immediately spring to a Bridgette Bardot-esque two piece as the trophy option for curves, there’s plenty more out there to make the most of an hourglass figure. Try form-fitting, minimalist one-piece to smooth out your torso and push up the bust, or a clean-lined racer back bikini – win win all-rounders.
Bonds Hipster one-piece, $69.95, bonds.com.au
ASOS Contrast Deep Band Scuba Triangle Crop bikini top, $39, and bottoms, $27, asos.com/Australia
Matteau square maillot, $280, matteau-swim.com
The Deep V
Got a butt J-Lo would be envious of? Amazing – go forth and flaunt it in a deep-v one piece. The sweet v-spot to hit is your waistline for an instant hourglass silhouette (any lower and you’re delving into nip slip territory – don’t say we didn’t warn you).
Fella Swim Danny full piece, $195, fellaswim.com
Mikoh Africa low-cut swimsuit, $293.47, shopbop.com
Suboo ombre knit lace front one piece, $249, suboo.com.au
One Shoulder
Broad shoulders, take note. Rather than extending those statuesque shoulders of yours in a strapless or halter, gently soften your neckline in a one shouldered number (also ideal for the bustier ladies needing a little extra lift).
Stella McCartney neoprene and mesh one shoulder bikini top, $159, and bottoms, $109, theiconic.com.au.
Preen Atria one piece, $292, desodrestore.com
Jets Asymmetric one-piece, $169, jets.com.au
Mix & Match
For those of us looking to a) balance out proportions and b) deal with a multitude of sizing possibilities (which is most of us, realistically), a mix and match option takes any chance of tears well away from the change room. No more dealing with the perfectly-sized top and a gaping bottom, or vice versa – most brands offer separates to tailor pieces back with what you feel personally most comfortable in. Don’t feel stuck in neutral zone, either – take your styling trickery one step further by amplifying your assets in a print or a colour, back with black around any problem areas.
Zimmermann separates scoop cross back top, $140, and wide pant, $80, zimmermannwear.com
Jets bandeau bikini top, $119, and banded bikini pants, $89.95, jets.com.au
Tigerlily Mitla bra, $99.95, and Buenavista Tiger bottoms, $89.95, tigerlilyswimwear.com.au
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Feature image via pinterest