This week, we turn our fashion focus to the unofficial Cape May County summer uniform – beach swimwear. Bathing suits are without a doubt a staple in the Jersey Shore wardrobe. Every one has his or her absolute favorite, ever-comfortable suit. But this week, we encourage you to update your swimwear wardrobe and invite a new trendy piece into the mix. Here we have it – summer 2012’s top swimwear trends.
1. Crochet & Knit
The crochet bikini that defined summer in the 70s has made quite the comeback. A favorite of today’s surfer girls, solid color crochet subtly adds the perfect feminine, delicate touch to the everyday beach look.
2. Print Mania
Prints on prints on prints hit the swimwear runway this season. Fashion risk-takers are dared to throw the rules of matching aside and mix different vibrant prints for a varied bikini look. Grab your favorite striped halter top and cheetah print bottoms and create a new on-trend beach look. We personally love the vibrant zig-zag striped O’Neill Painted Bandeau, new this season and available at Kona Sports of Wildwood.
3. High Seas
Maritime-inspired swimwear pieces have once again made a strong showing this summer season. Navy colored suits flatter bodies of all shapes and sizes while Breton stripes are instantly slimming. Set sail in an anchor printed or embroidered bikini or one-piece.
4. One-shoulder
As one-shoulder sundresses continue to make a fashion splash, their swimwear counterparts have become increasingly more popular. A more modest take on the typical triangle string bikini, the one-shoulder two-piece covers just enough décolletage to remain flirty but leave a bit more to the imagination…Plus, the one-shoulder swimsuit is much more reliable in the Cape May County ocean waves than its flimsier competitors.
5. Monotone
While print mania sweeps beach nation, the monotone swimsuit will never go out of fashion. When in doubt, stick to your favorite one-color staple bikini. The 2012 Spring/Summer season has favored pastel tones and orange and white monotone hues. To stand out in the beach crowd, look for a monotone piece with an interesting detail or accent. Available at Kona Sports, the Roxy Surf Essentials Drawcord Band Women’s Bikini is a solid brilliant turquoise tone but features a side bow on its flattering bottoms. The drawstring detail running through the middle of the bandeau top offers a fun and different accent to this monotone look.
6. Retro
Retro is once again is swimwear fashion. And there is great reason to celebrate. The high-waisted cut of the retro bikini bottom covers problem areas and flatters a wide spectrum of beach going ladies. Retro full-coverage tops are a much-needed break from the increasingly revealing strapless and triangle tops and boost beach activity confidence…Run, jump, swim, and throw without the worry of coming undone. Ease into this trend by matching a new pair of high-waisted bottoms with your favorite modern top.
Guys, you have not been forgotten. But as it turns out, your swimwear choices have not varied much this season. Board shorts remain the favorite choice of active beach guys everywhere. Quick-drying and durable yet comfortable and light-weight, the board short is offered by nearly every major surf brand in nearly every print and color imaginable. Kona Sports of Wildwood offers a huge selection of Hurley, Billabong, Volcom, Patagonia, Element, O’Neill, and Quiksilver options.
By Megan Kummer