As someone who doesn't buy new swimsuits all that often, I tend to avoid trendy ones for the most part. I only wear swimsuits a few times a year (which I should probably change because life is short), so I don't want to spend a ton of money on new ones every summer. The solution is to buy ones that don't go out of style, like ever.
With fashion's shift toward quiet luxury, I'm feeling an especially strong gravitational pull toward more classic items in general, and that applies to my swimwear. Accordingly, I've pinpointed four specific swim trends that will be chic forever and four I don't think will stand the test of time. Keep scrolling to shop the internet's best version of the four classics to prepare you for your most elevated summer poolside looks yet.
Ditching: Cut-Out One-Pieces
Keeping: Tank One-Pieces
Cut-outs seem to have peaked in fashion in general (for now, at least), but I don't think anyone can argue with the fact that a tank one-piece will never peak. Just take a look at Baywatch, which premiered in 1989.
Shop Tank One-Pieces
Ditching: Strappy swimsuits
Keeping: Triangle String Bikinis
Aside from the complicated tan lines that can result from overly strappy swimsuits and how hard they can be to get on and off, they're feeling a bit stale at this point. If you want to spend your money on something equally alluring, my advice is to put it toward a triangle-string bikini.
Shop Triangle String Bikinis
Shop the matching String Floral-Print Recycled Bikini Briefs ($145).
Shop the matching Shanna Bottoms ($75).
Shop the matching Beaded Brazilian Bikini Briefs ($30).
Shop the matching String Hipster Bikini Bottoms ($35).
Shop the matching Connor Plisse Bikini Bottoms ($85).
Ditching: Neons
Keeping: Animal Prints
Neon colors come in and out of fashion, but they're not the most flattering colors on the planet. Plus, they have a tendency to look dated very quickly if the trend drops off. I suggest going for an animal print swimsuit instead if you want something fun and statement-making.
Shop Animal Print Swimsuits
Shop the matching Snake-Print Bikini Briefs ($35).
Shop the matching The High-Rise Hipster Bottoms ($35).
Shop the matching Basic Ruched Full Bikini Bottoms ($50).
Ditching: Lingerie-Inspired Bikinis
Keeping: Simple Black Bikinis
Lingerie-inspired swimwear was huge last summer, but you run the risk of appearing like you're wearing lingerie to the beach (which is fine if that's the look you're going for). This summer, I'm seeing a shift to more neutral, timeless styles, and a simple black bikini exemplifies that shift.
Shop Simple Black Bikinis
Shop the matching Brigitte Bikini Bottoms ($62).
Shop the matching Dipped Tie Bottoms ($36).
Shop the matching Classic Ribbed Bikini Briefs ($39).
Next up, 29 cheap bikinis that look anything but.
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