SS19’s biggest swimwear trends
Discover the cuts, colors and emerging labels making the biggest splash this season
When longer days and warmer temperatures are on the horizon, it’s time to start planning your swimwear wardrobe. Shopping for chic beachwear should be approached with the same methodology as the rest of your wardrobe: stage one is to consult the season’s current trends and cherry-pick the ones that work for you. With that in mind, we’ve sifted through SS19’s strongest looks and whittled down some of our favorites, so read on to reach stage two, the fun part: shopping.
THE SHADE OF THE SEASON
Mellow yellow
Sunshine yellow is like a shot of sartorial serotonin, and this season, insider-favorite labels including Fella and Jade Swim have embraced this joyous hue. Jade Swim’s All Around set comes with a tan-line friendly bandeau top and coordinating low-rise briefs in a warm honey hue that perfectly complements sun-kissed skin. Meanwhile, Fella’s textured bikini comes in a mood-boosting sherbet-lemon shade that can be mixed and matched with tropical prints or, for a more pared-back look, teamed with bright whites. Metallic finishes are also an emerging trend this season, and Zimmermann’s shimmery yellow-gold ‘Allia’ swimsuit ticks off both of these trends. Pair it with tinted shades to tap into SS19’s ’70s mood.
THE SILHOUETTES
One-shouldered
This universally flattering shape adds an athletic air to your poolside look. Often complemented by ruffles and cut-outs, these are very Instagram-friendly wares. Emerging Spanish label AllSisters is fast becoming the one to watch this season: not only are its designs beautifully cut (minimalists will love the Cassiopea one-piece), but the brand is committed to using high-quality, recycled materials sourced from Italy. Other standout styles include Melissa Odabash’s cobalt-blue number with adjustable side ties; Lisa Marie Fernandez’s Eugenie swimsuit in an on-trend metallic finish; and Skin’s dusty pink The Phoebe suit, which can double up as an evening top when paired with a floaty midi skirt and strappy stilettos.
Surfer chic
Whether you’re going surfing or not, a rash vest will lend a sporty, Cali-cool edge to your beach look. Long-sleeved styles are also perfect for those who prefer more modest coverage while out in the sun. Matteau’s sophisticated long-sleeved black swimsuit is perfect for lounging by the pool in, then styling with denim cut-offs for a seafront lunch. For a splash of color, check out former ballerina and surfer-turned-swimwear designer Maria Dobrzanska Reeves’ patchworked gingham style from her label Marysia.
THE PRINTS
Animal
The one print you need in your swim collection this season is leopard. We love Haight’s high-waisted bikini for its super-flattering high-rise briefs and supportive bra top. For an abstract take on the trend, check out Nicholas’ black and brown style – the detachable belt can also be used to cinch floaty kaftans. If you’re headed to a pool party, Zimmermann’s Eyes on Summer bikini is guaranteed to turn heads with its chic tie-neck detail and one-shouldered silhouette. Like a souped-up neutral, leopard print perfectly offsets black, white and denim – try it under a diaphanous kaftan with stacks of gold bangles. Look out for zebra and snake prints from Leslie Amon and Faithfull The Brand, too.
Tropical
This one is a no-brainer if you’re jetting beachside – nothing injects instant joy into your vacay closet quite like hibiscus prints and palm-tree motifs. Designer Adriana Degreas clearly agrees and has teamed up with the LA-based label Cult Gaia on a swimwear capsule that’s inspired by her native Brazil’s tropical landscapes. We instantly fell in love with the ultra-flattering shape of the halterneck swimsuit: the gathered waistline creates an hourglass silhouette, while the pretty rainforest print makes it the type of piece that you can wear under white palazzo pants after the sun sets, too. Meanwhile, Three Graces London designer Catherine Johnson has collaborated with legendary British designer Zandra Rhodes on a vibrant collection that features a reimagining of one of Rhodes’ archival, hand-painted banana-leaf prints. Wear it with simple gold hoop earrings and barely-there sandals.
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