We picked through the good, the bad and the just plain   ugly. The lowdown on what’s hot and shot for summer 2006 swimwear.

What’s Hot

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cutaways that look like a bikini from the back but     cover the front	Backless halter suit       $29.99 at Newport-News.com
Skirtinis and skorts	Splurge!     Halter Dress Slender Suit     $86.00 at LandsEnd.com
Tunics, kaftans, pareos and dresses as cover-ups	Cotton Beach Caftan,       $39.95 at Avenue.com
Ruffles	<     Tara Jarmon Ruffle Swimwear     $14.99 at Target.com
Batik and paisley (global-inspired)	Mossimo Batik-Print Swimwear       $17.99 at Target.com
50s pin-up girl looks (twisted bandeaus and one-pieces, ruching     on the bodice, polka dots)	Side-drawstring Mailllot     $19.00 at Newport-News.com
Gelato shades (from chocolate and pistachio to lemon and cherry)	Ruched Square-Neck Tank     $16.00 at Spiegel.com
Arts ‘n crafts: crochet, embroidery, appliqué, beading,     ribbons and eyelet	Crochet Tankini     $25.00 at Newport-News.com
Metallic fabrics	Isaac Mizrahi Metallic Swim     $11.99 at Target.com
Sailor stripes and nautical theme	Triangle and Tie Side Bikini Set       $100.00 at Figleaves.com

Target.com

What’s Shot

1. Animal print overkill. If you’ve got a zebra suit,   tone it down with a sheer black caftan; pair a leopard-print top with a chocolate   brown or black bottom. Never mix animal prints (e.g., combining cheetah, snake   and tiger).
 
  2. T-shirts as cover-ups. It tells everyone you’ve got something   to hide.

3. Flimsy, sheer suit fabrics. Great… for wet-T-shirt   contests.

4. Wearing your Burberry plaid from head to toe. Instead try   a signature piece (e.g., a designer logo tank with solid, unmarked bottoms).

5. Thongs and g-strings. Out of the question if you have any   cellulite -– as Star magazine has shown us, even skinny Paris Hilton’s   got no business flaunting her rear assets on the beach.

6. Tiny triangle bikini tops. Support that bust.

7. The skimpy stuff. This season’s look offers more   to the imagination.

8. Tube tops and bandeaus. If you’re well -endowed these tops   will make it look like you have a uni-boob.

9. Stuffing yourself into a black suit. Try color-blocking   and tricot (slenderizing) fabrics.
 
  10. Over bling. Choose shells, coral and wooden beads instead.

 

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The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear


The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 1: The Do’s and Don’t

The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot

The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 3: The Best Swimsuit for Your Skin Color

The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 4: What’s Hot and What’s Shot

The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 5: Answers to Common Swimwear Questions