My last article talked about warming up for spring, however, the day that was published, IT SNOWED HERE IN WASHINGTON. I took it as a cruel April Fools joke, and I was not laughing. But to cheer myself up and look on the brighter side of things, I’ve decided to think warm and sunny and do a swimsuit trend article.

First, let’s take a look at the evolution of bathing suits. Before we were scaring the hell out of our dads by wearing skimpy bikinis and the phrase “suns out, guns out” became a thing, we were wearing these:

And well, I think I’ve seen toddlers in much better jumpers than whatever this was. Then the first bikini came out and rocked the conservative culture of the late 1940’s world. The first bikini was invented by French engineer Louis Réard in 1946 which you can see below modeled by Micheline Bernadini.

In 1951, contestants of the Miss World Beauty Pageant wore the garments, but they were soon after banned from the competition for being too scandalous. Then in the 1960s, they were beginning to be pictured in magazines like Playboy and Sports Illustrated. Soon after multiple debuts in such magazines as well as in movies by actresses, it became more westernized and accepted.

To see 100+ years of swim trends and taking a look back at the weird swim trends of the past, check out this article on Harper’s Bazaar.

So flashback to the present where it’s almost weird to not wear a bikini, and let’s look at this decade’s trendy suits.

1. Fruity tutti

This trend is fun, colorful, and kind of makes me hungry. I’ve seen these suits in one piece (like Demi Lovato’s sexy snap on Instagram) and two-pieces. From tropical feels to pin-up style cherry prints, each fruity fit is sure to complete your beachy swim vibe.

2. High hopes aka high cut

They have a saying that history repeats itself, and it’s definitely true, even with fashion. Lately, all clothing has been reverting back to past trends, and swimwear is sure to be included. This swimwear season, I’m getting heavy Kelly Kapowski from Saved By The Bell and 1980s vibes. Why? Because of the high-brief/high-leg swimwear that’s hitting the markets. With all sorts of cuts (cheeky, thong, full coverage) high-brief bottoms make your legs look long and slender. I suggest this kind of cut if you’re short (like I am) just because it adds an extra 'oomph' to your swim attire.

3. Stripes/color blocking

90’s babies let me see your hands. Color blocking was huge in the 90’s, and once again we are reverting back to the past with fashion trends. Color blocking was big with Triangle Bikini 1-2 years ago, and now we’re slightly moving away from it. Even though we’re still doing bold, contrasting colors, now it’s just in stripe-from.

4. Coming out of my cage

Caging swimsuits have been on the rise. The meticulously placed cut-outs make for horrendous tan lines, but all in the name of fashion, right? These suits range from strappy sides too thick, bold, geometric cuts, but anyway you cut it, it looks great! I’ve mainly seen these on one-pieces, since with two-pieces there is not much left to cut out, so if you’re looking for a bodysuit for swimming, this is the first look to start with.

5. High waisted/pinup

I think we’re all a little self-conscious of our post-winter bodies, and thank god I’ve found the answer. Again, the 90s blessed us with high-waisted jeans/bottoms, and now, they’re once again blessing us with another high-waisted item of clothing. From strappy sides, full-coverage, and even high-leg cuts, they all look sleek and give you that classic high-waisted look everyone loves.

These bottoms are also great for plus-sizes, being as they give you a great bikini look, without all the exposure if that's not something you're looking for!

6. Sheer cover-ups

So, not quite a swimsuit, but still great for beachy vibes. I’m usually not a fan of swim cover-ups, but when signs say, “no shirt, no service” you kind of have to wear something. So this is my compromise: sheer covers. There’s the classic dress cover-up that’s always great. I’m a big fan and have been seeing a lot of the ones that have slits up the side to give you a peek-a-boo look, and that also make your legs look long and slender.

A new trend I’ve started to spot is the two-piece swim cover. Once again, sheer and getting around the rules, these make for great casual coverups, and you can always wear the top out-and-about with a cute bralette underneath – a two-in-one deal!

So with high hopes of higher-degree days, I’m putting these summer vibes out into the world and hopefully, I’ll be blessed with Vitamin D and an end to this Washington seasonal depression.