Swimming in style

Maybe you’ve been working on getting in shape for it (like you said you would), or maybe you haven’t (like you knew you wouldn’t). Too late now: It’s time to hit the beach. But not in below-the-knee board shorts. And not in some big pair from the gift shop either, because no matter your shape, there’s a bright new look to pick up before you leave for the shore.

The Bold Print

Patterns on swimsuits are nothing new, but they’ve been too muted of late. Trust us: Wearing a navy-and-brown flower print isn’t going to do you any favors. Good thing some of the designers on the resortwear scene have a new beat; color, pattern, and even a little humor are in, reclaiming some ’70s heritage along the way.

The Snap Front

But say you want something a little more versatile; maybe you live in a city by the shore and want to wear your trunks on the train. This is a legitimate desire, and you can legitimately get a pair that looks like shorts, with snap closure at the waist, a fly—the whole nine. With a pattern or without, the snap-front suit looks a bit like tennis shorts, so you get a bit of a preppy vibe that works on the beach or in the beach club.

The Pull-On Shorts

Board shorts have dominated swimwear for so long that the pendulum eventually had to swing in the other direction. To wit, some of the most fashionable swimsuit producers are making a bunch of pull-on (or volley shorts if you’re feeling fancy) this season. The truth of the matter is that these shorts look good on everyone: They are shorter, looser and more forgiving. And now that they’re back in style, so much the better.

The Color Block

So maybe you don’t want a bold pattern, but a solid color isn’t doing it for you either. No problem—plain can be … plain—because this season you’ll have no problem finding great-fitting shorts in complementary color-block patterns. Unlike prints, the pattern on these shorts comes from a patchwork of materials, giving them a sporty look that will leave you feeling 20 years younger without coming off like you’re faking that you’re 20 years younger.