It's safe to say that last year we pretty much all took a hiatus from poolside parties and packed trips to the beach. As an optimist, I'm hoping things will be a little different in the months ahead, and yup, my mind has already drifted into the world of bikinis. I'm not a huge swimsuit person, so of course I took to the Internet's favorite mood board, Instagram, to glean which styles I should be betting my money on. It didn't take long for one trend in particular to emerge as the clear winner: French cut bikinis are back, and in a big way.
A dominant style of the 80s, this revealing bikini silhouette takes some sartorial courage to get used to. I've noticed different ways to pull off a French cut bikini: from barely-there string bottoms as seen on Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa, to more full coverage cuts. The defining factor is the ultra high-rise hip revealing silhouette. This placement above the hip bone helps to create the illusion of longer legs–and I could always use a little bit of that. In my eagerness to fast forward to warmer days, I've already scanned the web for the French cut bikinis that are next-level gorgeous. I have no doubt these are some of the prettiest out there, so guaranteed you'll be thinking about these too.
Shop the matching Padded Bikini Top ($18).
A solid affordable choice.
The texture on this is so unusual and fun.
Shop the matching Leia Fine Line Bralette Bikini Top ($68).
Treat yourself to a fresh green apple-colored bikini.
At this point, 2021 is the year of the cut-out.
Shop the matching Lacey Top ($60).
Skatie's selection of bikinis is top-notch.
Shop the matching Susan Top ($88).
All that's left is a pair of equally fancy sandals to match.
Shop the matching Sugar on Top Triangle Bikini Top ($64).
We're always here for stripes.
Shop the matching Foxy String Bikini Top ($90).
The bubblegum pink is so good.
Shop the matching Kelsey Bikini Top ($88).
If you prefer a fuller coverage bottom.
Shop the matching Ava Bikini Top ($90).
If you're looking for minimalist suits with flare, look no further than Jade Swim.
Shop the matching Gulf Bikini Top ($68).
Reformation always has some of the best vintage-inspired bikinis.
Shop the matching Baby Bikini Top ($78).
With Jean's ruched mini dress was a breakout piece last season, so expect their swimwear to also pop up all over your feed come summer.
Shop the matching Beach Wave Bikini Top ($99).
If you still can't get enough tie-dye.
Shop the matching Puff Sleeve Bikini Top ($90).
For the girl that loves something a little extra.
Shop the matching Oh Snap Top ($88).
The tie-dye pattern is glorious.
Shop the matching Blue Crush Bikini Top ($95).
A Mirror Palais suit is at the top of my summer shopping list.
Shop the matching Jeanette Strapless Bandeau Top ($90).
The brand just released their latest collab with Hailee Steinfeld and it's chockful of delicious 70s inspired prints.
The only words I have to describe this is wow!
Shop the matching Vintage Chic Bikini Top ($140).
The paisley print with the lace-up top is pure millennial glamour.
Classic black, with a shiny twist.
Shop the matching Bikini Top ($90).
Polka-dots and ruching lend a retro vibe.
Shop the matching Ambroise String Triangle Top ($90).
I can envision a fun poolside soiree with this on.
Shop the matching Alexa Bikini Top ($38).
This one of Revolve's more affordable bikinis.
Shop the matching Yash Bikini Top ($180).
For the sustainably minded, Araks is a brand you can feel good about.
Shop the matching Underwired Bikini Top ($149).
So wavy.
There's something so effortlessly sleek about this, I wouldn't mind wearing it all day.
And now, 15 White Platform Sneakers That'll Get You Embracing the "Ugly" Trend in No Time.
-
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's Burberry Bikini Is About to Go ViralKick-starting summer style.
-
The 21 Swimsuits That'll Be on Every Editor's, Stylist's, and Celebrity's Wish List This SummerThe first swimwear drop of 2025 is here.
-
It's True: This Is the Only Swimsuit Trend People With Expensive Taste Care AboutVery chic, very cool.
-
I'm a Self-Proclaimed Bikini Expert—Here Are My 28 Picks for Spring BreakWarm weather awaits.
-
WTF—Zara's 2025 Swim Collection Just Launched, and I Want It AllThe bikinis, though. They are so good!
-
If You Want to Look Chicer Than Everyone This Summer, Wear This Bikini Color Instead of BlackRich vibes.
-
I Hate Winter, so I'm Shopping for Summer—5 Swimsuit Trends I'm Buying Now to Get Ahead of the CurveSee which styles made the list.
-
I Own Over 100 Bikinis—These Are the 10 I Wear Over and Over Again (and Why)True life: I collect bikinis.
