You Won't Believe Me, But I Only Own Two Bikinis—Here's What I'm Buying to Build Out My Swimwear Collection

As an East Coaster, I've taken my bikini minimalism to an extreme: I own exactly two. One black, one red. That's it.
Recently, I was talking to two people from Florida about what it was like growing up being able to go to the beach year-round. Naturally, I asked, "So, how many swimsuits do you own?" Both of them looked at me like I'd just asked the weirdest question imaginable. "Too many to count," one said. "Drawers and drawers full," the other added. I laughed and said (completely seriously), "I literally own two bikinis." They were floored.
The thing is, I can't really blame my swimsuit deficit on being from New England. People from there still spend their summers "down the Cape," or in Martha's Vineyard or Maine. And even now, living in New York, I start every summer with the same ambitious plan of going to the beach every weekend—and then quickly fall off after schlepping to Jacob Riis twice.
But this year, for the first (very belated) time in my life, I've decided to stop romanticizing the idea of a swimwear collection and actually start building one.
Here's everything that's in my cart so far, and what else I came across during my research.
In My Cart
I'm usually very much not a one-piece wearer, but this one from Baserange is so unique and caught my eye. I recently tried it on, and I'm obsessed.
This Paolina Russo swimsuit feels like a fun one to have in the mix.
I'm into finding pieces that, even though they may be more minimal, still have interesting details.
With this cover-up.
I saw someone wearing these on TikTok and immediately knew I wanted them.
Shop More Swimwear
If I could convince myself to spend $375 on a bikini, it'd be one from Pucci.
Fruity Booty makes such adorable swimwear.
I always love a contrasting trim.
The Swedish brand CDLP has perfected the art of luxury essentials.
As someone who lives in skirts and dresses, I was excited to come across a concept that's new to me: a swim dress.
An example of how a small design choice like this little buckle can make such a difference.
Monday Swimwear has so many colors and silhouettes.
H&M has the most affordable swimwear.
If you want colorful bikinis, you'll love the brand Kulani Kinis.
They're stocked at Free People.
If you didn't already know, Reformation has swimwear.
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