NOT YOUR MOMMA'S SWIMSUIT SETS
See how I'm shopping and styling the most underrated pieces of the season.
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There’s something about 70-degree weather that brings out the best in me. I’m no longer cozying up to a book or Living Single reruns at 11 p.m.; I’m outside in a full beat sipping a margarita and eating sushi at a rooftop bar. If this sounds oddly specific, it’s because it happened this past weekend.
So imagine my pure joy as I confirmed my week-long stay at a hotel—with a pool—for my friends graduation and my birthday. Aside from daydreaming about potential outfits, I was thinking of ways to explore color, silhouette and texture in my swimwear. Though I’m not doing full laps around the pool, my outfit has to do full laps around everyone else.
Working in fashion journalism during the springtime means an inundation of swimsuit styling roundups. Bridal party looks. Under $50 options. The trendy summer edit. So, I suppose this is my attempt at curating a somewhat unique take on my favorite swimsuit styles this season.
I’m thinking odes to southern delicacies, classic color combinations and western-themed pairings. This ain’t your momma’s favorite swimsuits; it’s all about embracing flair.
If you’re into that as much as I am then shop of these swimsuit styles and accessories below.
Spring isn’t just for florals. It’s for coordinating colors. An underrated combination I’ve been obsessed with is purple and green. It’s one of those pairings that seems off-kilter but the right shades together are sweeeet harmony. Think your favorite glass of wine with a house salad. Decadent yet refreshing.
A BFyne swimsuit is high on my summer swimwear wishlist for many reasons, the main one being for its use of bold colors. The company’s, citing influences from nature and African culture, motif of rich tones paired with dynamic patterns makes this a top contender for me.
Pairing this two-piece with a matcha green bag from Akira gives me the contrast and color I’m looking for this season. Out with monotony, in with duality.
How I’m Wearing This Swimsuit
BFyne Annyta swimsuit — $269
Akira Summer Time Baby Bag — $56
Tracieshoes Mesh Mule Kitten Heels — $54
Aurameo Tatti Earrings — $98
Raffia is my favorite texture this season, though it might be due to overexposure.
I wasn’t a fan of the rustic, almost-unpolished look initially, but the right colors and patterns paired with it have changed my mind. When worn with a two-piece set from Bydee, it can look tastefully vintage and unabashedly western.
Bydee is a new swimwear brand on my radar—though founded in 2013—but it’s quickly swept me off my feet with its maximalist prints. The shop draws inspiration from international travel and the founder’s Mediterranean roots, but for this styling, I’m all about the homegrown aesthetics. Think cowboy hats, fringe and raffia to elevate this look even more.
How I’m Wearing This Swimsuit
Bydee Palermo Bikini Top — $89
Bydee Cyprus Bottoms — $89
San Diego Hat Crocheted Raffia Cowboy Hat — $80
Mango Pouch — $60
H&M Fringe-trimmed Sarong — $40
The butter yellow trend is getting a face lift, but not in the way you’d think.
Instead of pairing this popular pastel shade with other spring colors, I’m opting for an autumnal feel à la apple pie. Golden sunglasses from Lorvae and candy apple red shoes from ASOS pair exceptionally to create a look reminiscent of my favorite fall dessert. It’s warm. It’s vibrant. It’s rich.
F.Y.I. The Polo Ralph Lauren swimsuit is a basic piece, not a statement piece, so let the accessories do the talking.
How I’m Wearing This Swimsuit
Polo Ralph Lauren Martinique One-Piece Swimsuit — $120
Lorvae Spotlight sunglasses — $75
MISSGUIDED Bohemian Fishnet Cover Up Top — $10
ASOS Design Nila wedges — $70
A timeless aesthetic combined with modern touches means an artfully understated look.
For this classic nautical theme, I wanted to embrace stripes in all forms—both vertical and horizontal as complementary patterns to each other. The classic one piece from Lauren Ralph Lauren, a more budget-friendly option for Ralph Lauren fans, is another basic piece that can be enhanced by any accessory. Including a pair of novelty lobster earrings.
For an even chicer look, tie around a printed scarf around your neck or wrap it around your head for a vintage vibe.
How I’m Wearing This Swimsuit
Lauren Ralph Lauren Seaside Stripe One Piece Swimsuit — $155
Mango satin scarf — $23
Gap Logo Tote Bag — $60
Boden Novelty Beaded Earrings — $79
