Retro Swimsuits: What kind looks best on you?

Another new, amazingly cute trend is the "retro bikini" or "retro swimsuit". It looks almost straight of the 50's, but has a few modernized twists that make it a must-have for the beach. There are a few different kinds, and some look better on others depening on your body type.

Body Type #1: Thin, but you have a small protruding tummy
For this type of woman, I'm sure you're not too excited to run out and buy a bikini. Try a bikini with high-waisted bottoms. Thankfully, one of the pro's of high waisted bikini bottoms are that they cover a small tummy. You may have to buy a size bigger because of the waist portion though. You can also try a one piece that's open in the back, but not on the tummy.

Urban Outfitters floral bikini, $42;
Rodarte for Opening Ceremony;
Urban Outfitters High Waisted Bikini Bottoms; $60

Body Type #2: Pear or apple-shaped body (who doesn't like bikinis)
If this describes your body, you're probably not feeling the whole bikini thing. Even if you are, you may or may not be second guessing yourself. Well, second-guess yourself no longer, because retro bikinis also come flirty one pieces (and I'm not talking about those ugly kind). They have frills, cute patterns, etc. Remember, there's nothing wrong with wearring a one-piece! :P


Torrid Retro One-piece, (size 12+) $39;
Esther Willaims Red One-piece, (size 16-26);
Swimsuits for All Tankini Swimwear Skirtini (size 8+)

Body Type #3: Pear or apple-shaped body (who does like bikinis)
For the woman who likes and embraces her curves, covering them up is out of the question. If you don't like one-pieces and prefer a bikini or two-piece, try a halter bikini top with high waisted bikini shorts. The only warning is you may want to buy a bigger size because of the waist portion. (Trust me, you don't want to be trying to enjoy yourself while your tummy is being squished!)

Fruity Suity Two Piece, (size 16-26) $89.99;
Saulo Paulo High-Waisted Bikini, (size 14-24) $148;
Lane Bryant Colorblock Plunge Bra
Bikini Top, (40C, 42DDD, 44D-DDD) $29.97;
Lane Bryant Swim Hipster, (size 14-28) $26.97

Body Type #4: Busty chest
If you're a C-cup or bigger, you're most likely falling into this category. I myself am also big chested, and looking at the bandeu tops, I know my breasts will never fit in there. Luckily, you can try a halter top with thick straps to keep the girls in line, or a cute one piece if you're really paranoid about them falling out.

Esther Williams Classic Fifties Polka Dot Swimsuit, €89.95;
Suddenly Slim Retro Swimsuit, $33;
www.Nelly.com Retro Swimsuit, £105.95
 

Give Marilyn Monroe a run for her money in some of these sensual femme fatale swimsuits.

High waisted shorts

So lately I've been noticing a trend in super funky high waisted shorts, and I love love love them. There's a definite alternative feel to them, and I've been seeing them everywhere.

They look best for:

• the beach
• a pool party
• a casual kickback

They're great paired with:

• a bustier
• a loose tucked in shirt
• a bandeu under a open blouse

They look best on:

• girls with small waists (I've seen many curvy girls attempt to pull these off, but to no avail, and they just end up flashing half the public. So if you're curvy, I suggest opting for longer high-waisted shorts. I myself am curvy, so I find it hard to pull these shorts off also)

Where you can buy them:

• Forever 21
• Urban Outfitters
• www.karmaloop.com