The 1991 hit song Summertime by DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince is an iconic tune that in 2021 can still set the tone for the hottest season of the year. Besides nostalgic music, Summer is also marked by relaxing days cooling off poolside or oceanside to beat the seasons heat. Swimsuits are a must to truly enjoy the hot weather, and here are the Do’s and Don’ts that will equip you for your best swimsuit season.
The Don’ts
Don’t Sweat the Scale: 61% of U.S adults report undesired weight gain since the pandemic began, according to Healthline.com. Considering we have spent over a year in our homes, in comfy clothes with 24 hour access to the kitchen, it’s no wonder how a few unwanted pounds were packed on. This is not the season to concentrate on what the scale says. If your current weight is uncomfortable, set new goals. In the meantime, give yourself grace and enjoy who you are in the present.
Don’t Skip the Sunscreen: Dermatologist recommend SPF 30 or higher for your face and body, no matter your ethnic background. When thinking of which sunscreen to choose, its important to know your skin type. If you have dry skin, you should choose a face sunscreen with hydrating ingredients. If you have oily skin, look for sunscreens that have a matte finish.
Tip: Consider using “tinted” sunscreen, to avoid the chalky residue commonly left behind when using a traditional sunscreen formula.
Don’t leave your confidence behind: Nothing is sexier than confidence. At the end of the day, feeling comfortable in your own skin, is the most attractive attribute you can have. As tough as it is to feel stunning in a bikini, it is possible. Start by being kind to yourself. When you look in the mirror, identify all of the beautiful things, not the stuff you dislike. Surround yourself with those who make you feel good about yourself. Keep in mind, a swimsuit is just an item of clothing. It is not the measure of who you are, or how fabulous you are. Don’t give a yard of spandex the power. You’re perfect as you are, right now.
The Do’s
Printed Please: Instead of a traditional solid swimsuit opt for a printed version. Printed suits are on trend this season. Look to add newness by selecting Tie Dye, Feminine Florals, or Geometric patterns to your bathing suit wardrobe.
Say YES to Keyhole Cutouts: Keyhole cut-outs is a subtle design detail that will instantly elevate your look through its strategic placement on the body proving to be extremely flattering. To create a multipurpose wardrobe piece, try pairing this with a denim short to complete your look.
Elevate Classic Animal: By now, it is apparent that animal print is going absolutely nowhere- I personally love it so I’m perfectly okay with that. To freshen your animal print swimwear collection opt for a more minimal iteration of your favorite prints.
Aim for Asymmetrical: If you claim to not be a one-piece kind of girl, this updated trend may challenge that. This season, bodyhugging asymmetrical silhouettes are taking the traditional one-piece to a whole new level. Not only do they accentuate the curves of the body but they also transform your “uninteresting” swimsuit into a fresh new style.
Tie It Up: The belted swim style update is the delicate tie detail. This trend offers the same waist-accentuating details like a belted number, however the tie wraps around the waist for a more subtle look. Tip: Make sure the belt is made with the same fabric as the suit.
Mindful Multipurpose: Perhaps a silver lining of the past year, is a shift to mindfully invest in pieces that are multi-use in our wardrobe. Tops are being bought and worn more for use as undergarments and layering pieces beyond just swimwear.
Finding swimwear designs with this in mind can extend your summer wardrobe with a minimalist flare.
Try the Trikini: Look stylish and chic on the beach in a 3-piece outfit complete with a waterproof mask. The Trikini is available for anyone looking to comply with mask requirements while maintaining a picture perfect, camera ready matching ensemble.
Angianein Wallace is the CEO of 8th Reign Group, an Image and Style Consulting Agency. She is an image consultant, professional wardrobe stylist, creative director, and thought leader. Her agency is designed around the belief that “Style speaks louder than words.” TM