It's time to pull out the sunscreen, sunglasses and pool towels.
Winter weather seemed to come and go in a matter of days, but with its exit came the spring heat - perfect for soaking up some rays. Want to be sure you make a splash at the pool this season? SPM suits you up with the newest swim styles and how to pick out the best bathing suits for your body type.
Feminine accents
Lace, crochet and mellow colors are in this season, says Melissa Parker, manager of the swimsuit store Everything but Water at Scottsdale Fashion Square Mall. Parker says earth tones are more popular than bright colors this year, and subtle metal accents are also in.
That doesn't mean bring out the Bedazzler and rhinestones. Less-flashy metal accents are hip, but "there's not as much bling [on the bathing suits], like we've seen before," Parker says.
Skirted bottoms
Skirted bottoms are in style this season, and they're more complimentary to a woman's figure than boyshorts. "Women tend to think that since boyshorts cover the upper leg, they are more flattering," says Katarina Djordjevic, an undeclared freshman and fit specialist at Everything but Water. "But a skirted bottom isn't as fitted, so it doesn't cling to everything you're trying to hide."
One-pieces
In contrast with the one-piece swimsuit your grandmother wore, this season's "monokinis" are much sexier, Parker says. A monokini is a one-piece swimsuit that has side and back cut-outs to make it look like a bikini. They work best on tall, slender girls, says Sara Gall, manager of Paradise Valley's Everything but Water location.
"Monokinis can be really fun, and there are more teens than usual trying them on now," Djordjevic says.
Petite
For petite girls, Djordjevic suggests a triangle bikini that ties, as opposed to a top with an elastic band that runs along the bottom. The band shortens the torso and makes petite girls appear shorter. Djordjevic also recommends a tankini, a longer-fitting top that generally ends at the top of the hips. Tankinis "give the illusion of a longer torso," Djordjevic says.
Pear-shaped
Girls who have bigger hips and butts should wear high-cut bottoms to lengthen the legs, Gall says. Bottoms with thin sides are most flattering, but almost any bikini bottom will work for them, she adds.
Big-busted
Halter tops, which tie around the neck, are good for providing lift for girls who are bigger on top, Parker says. Tops with an elastic band around the bottom are also helpful in providing support, Djordjevic adds.
With any body shape or swimsuit style, the emphasis should be on how you feel.
"It's about comfort level," Parker says. "Whatever you feel comfortable revealing is what's best for you."
Reach the reporter at: nicole.m.stewart@asu.edu.
