Retro or Ruffled? Guide to Swimwear Trends Spring/Summer 2012
If you’ve been a reader of A Beautiful Life for a while, you’ll know that I am a.) a beach girl at heart and b.) can’t resist collecting piles and piles of bikinis. I know it’s still January and it may be snowing where you are, but those who are lucky will be getting away to a sunny destination over the next few months. So that calls for a swimwear 2012 review. And since I’ll be off to Hawaii again a surf trip in the latter part of Spring, so it’s never too early to start putting together my wish list.
I’ve selected some eye-catching pieces in each of the four trends I foresee for Swimwear Spring/Summer 2012: Retro, Ruffles, Hippie, and Minimalist With A Twist. Warning, this post is picture heavy and quite long.
RETRO
Lots of throwback prints and high-waisted, boy short bottoms that provide more coverage than the cheeky Reef-fit. Boys may not rejoice but for those who can pull it off, the more modest vintage look may be just as sexy.
Juicy Couture Miss Divine One Piece Maillot, comes with detachable straps. I’m not a one-piece girl but this could be a very sophisticated look perfect for poolside.
Roxy Moonbeach Knotted Bandeau Bikini. This is something I might wear. The bandeau top gets extra style points for the cut outs in the back, although tanner’s beware.
Billabong Alessa One-Piece. I love the retro hawaiian look in this maillot, but it’s a piece that’s tricky to wear given the large print.
RUFFLES
Ruffles don’t have to be over-the-top sweet. I would avoid having ruffles top to bottom for a less matchy matchy, girly look.
Mara Hoffman Ruffle Bustier Bikini. Tangerine is going to be a hot colour for spring 2012, and this ruffled, bustier number will sure turn heads at the beach.
Amore & Sorvete Bella Bikini. I see this as the cool girl’s twist on the ruffled trend. Carefree and not too fussy.
Billabong Tina. Just a tiny bit of ruffle peeking through on this pretty patterned bikini. Flirty but earthy.
HIPPIE
Call it boho, hippie, global, earthy – whatever. These pieces are for those with a wild spirit.
L.Space by Monica Wise Fringed Top. Monica has a whole line of fringed swimsuits. I think it’s Coachella worthy.
Tooshie x APC Bandeau Bikini. This APC x Tooshie collab is just one of several outstanding swimwear pieces from the collection. If you’re looking for an understated cool vibe, this line’s for you.
Billabong Erika. The colours, pattern, and the front cut-outs do it for me. Most definitely surf-able without the worry of the top flying off should I get a spin in the washer.
Mara Hoffman Beaded Bandeau Bikini. Totally impractical but who cares? It’s like wearing jewelry on your swimsuit.
MINIMALIST WITH A TWIST
Sleek designs in a neutral palette are anything but boring when they have cute little details. I’m a believer when it comes to having a classic swim piece in black or white in your collection.
L Space by Monica Wise Monokini. Refreshingly modern, sporty, and daring.
Volcom Bustier Bikini. There’s something a bit 90′s feeling about this, and the bustier top provides good coverage and support.
L Space by Monica Wise White Bikini. It takes guts to wear an all white bikini but if you’ve got it, flaunt it. This is one the boys would love.
Want more swim and beach wear? See which bikinis I picked in 2011, My 2 Favourite Reef bikinis, and Is It Summer Yet?
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I would like one of each.
That’s cool, right?
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I agree with you on the Roxy Moonbeach – looks cute, but not sure if the tan-lines in the back would be equally cute. I like the Amore and Sorvete bikini – the ruffles are nicely cut, but then again, would need to try it on to see if it’s a fit for my body type.
Great selection of pieces you have showcased here, Liv! Keep us posted if any of these bikinis find their way to your closet!!
I love that one piece suit by Juicy Couture. Red’s not really my colour though so I’d get a black one. I’m actually on a search for a one piece suit but haven’t found any that were pretty. I always seem to only find those speedo ones which aren’t really fashionable. So thanks for sharing these! Looking at these made me want to go to the gym & get ready for summer!
Great post!
Wow this looks fantastic, it’s really nice this swimwear it really fits well. It is tide where it needs to be.
Thanks Raul for your support! I really appreciated the feedback you gave me the other evening when I was starting to write this. Yes, let’s grab a lunch or a drink after work soon? I’ll email you.