Archive 
Photos By: Edward Biamonte
One-Shoulder swimwear
A hot trend this summer is one-shoulder swimwear. This is being seen in both bikinis and one-pieces. It’s sexy yet conservative, and it gives you more security than a strapless top. Some designers that have been showing this style include Gucci, Marios Schwab and Jean Paul Gaultier. Warning: this style is sure to give you an awkward tan line, so be generous with the sunscreen!
Monokinis/Cut-away bikinis
Monokinis have a similar look to the traditional bikinis but are still one complete piece rather than two pieces; often times the top and bottom are held together by only one strip of fabric. A close relative of the monokini is the cut-away bikini, where fabric is literally “cut away” to reveal some skin. Many high-end designers such as Christian Dior and the Hervé Léger line by Max Azria can be seen showing this style, although it can also be found at department stores and specialty stores such as Victoria’s Secret. This style can be either conservative or risqué depending on the design of the suit, but this can be a good way for what is technically a one-piece to offer more detail and show more skin.
Bandeau tops
If you like the look of a two piece, good news! The bandeau top is being shown in a lot of department stores this summer. The bandeau top is more casual and good for everyday beach wear than the over-the-top cut away bikinis or monokinis, but it only works for certain body types. Since this is essentially a glorified tube top, bandeau swimsuits aren’t always practical for intense swimming or actual athletic activity – unless you enjoy a little risk. To play it safe, find a bandeau top with optional straps.
Sheer cover-ups
When going to the beach or a public pool, it’s always good to have a cover-up that’s as stylish as your swimsuit. But if you don’t want to completely hide your swimwear on your walk to the water, try a sheer robe or dress. These are light and sexy, but still give you the coverage you need to walk around in public. We’re big fans of Victoria’s Secret’s silk caftan or Laguna Fitness’s earth-tone paisley sheer robe. If you’re looking for designer styles, Max Azria shows several full-length sheer cover-ups in his summer collection.
Bejeweled Sandals
The spring trend of decorated sandals is continuing into the summer, so hold on to last season's purchases a little while longer. Jewels, fringe, buckles and studs are just some of the adornments you'll find on sandals this season. I like this trend because extra adornments make flats look dressy without having to add a heel. Besides, summer is the best time to show off your stylish shoes since you don't have to worry about snow and ice. Stand out shoe collections include Anna Sui, Steve Madden, Gucci, Prada and Louis Vuitton.
Strappy wedge sandals
All winter long, your feet have been stuffed into socks, nylons and boots. Let your feet breathe this summer with a pair of flirty, strappy sandals. Wedges are still a huge trend right now, so if you combine them with lots of straps, you have a fashionable summer sandal that you can wear to the pool or on a hot date. Whether you’re looking for flats or heels, you can find all kinds of strappy sandals this season at most major department stores.
Long summer dresses
The Angelina Jolie-style dresses are a huge trend this summer, especially ones with bold prints and bright colors. The best part? Long summer dresses are forgiving of many body types and can double as a cover-up. Depending on the accessories, floor-length dresses can be casual for a day at the beach or more formal for a romantic summer dinner. These dresses are being shown at mall stores such as Express, Forever 21, Victoria’s Secret, Charolette Russe, Nordstrom’s and Dillard’s.
The versatile handbag
I love the continuous trend that says “the bigger, the better” for handbags. There’s no need to scrounge around in your closet trying to find a tote to put your beach stuff in anymore. Now days, purses are so big they have room for our wallet, makeup, sunscreen, water bottles and anything else we need to go straight from work to the beach. The key to a perfect summer handbag is versatility – not too formal that it can’t store your tanning lotion, but not so casual that you look like you brought your overnight bag to work. The Jessica Simpson line has ideal summer bags such as the “Mint” or “Boulevard” styles.
There’s no need to suffer through another summer with plastic flip-flops and ratty cotton cover-ups. Embrace the next few months and enjoy your time in the sun while feeling put together, stylish and trendy this season.
