Spring 2012 Swimwear Trends

Relaxing afternoons by the pool and bummy beach days are officially here, but it means nothing unless you have stylish attire to celebrate the sun in. Luckily, this season's swimwear incorporates trends from Miami Swim Week and mingles flirty with fun in spunky bikini separates and sultry one-pieces. Designers stimulated swimwear with exhilarating Spring shades or distinctive prints and patterns. Bikini silhouettes went retro, receiving a fresh update with high-waisted bottoms, halter-tops and bandeaus, while one-pieces lost their conservative image thanks to deep V necklines and strategically placed cutouts. Whether you go one-piece or two, don’t forget the sunblock and accessories!

Indah’s classic bikini goes sexy boho-chic with a dose of crochet. The triangle top and double string bikini bottom is the essence of Spring in an airy white. To go from laying out on the sand to grabbing a bite to eat, toss on an easy cream-colored long-sleeve tunic with black trim and wide-band flats.

With cutouts to accentuate the hips, Marc by Marc Jacobs Havana floral one-piece is the perfect summer uniform. The suit features knot details on the bottom and charms on the shoulder straps. Pair with denim cutoffs and hot pink macramé braided flats to bring out the colors of the floral print.

LadyLUX via Style.com

Marysia Swim embraces the ‘90s with high-waisted bottoms and an underwire top. The black set is embellished with a contrasting navy loop trim. Stay chic in the sun with a striped oversized hat and complete the ensemble with a modern resin and gold cuff.

Tie-dye is as playful as it is fashionable and is perfectly on-trend this season. Milly’s red, navy and turquoise version enlivens a bandeau halter-top for summer-worthy fun. Cover up with a shirttail dress in white or blue and finish the look with an ultra-yellow vinyl tote that is perfect for carrying beach essentials.

Giving the sun a run for its money, Norma Kamali’s acid color ruched bikini will get you noticed. The bandeau features a twist detail while the bikini bottom has a draped overlay. Neutralize the powerful color with earth tone sandals.

Tori Pravers’s hula bikini shows off its girly side with a ruffled two-tone bandeau. The top is complemented with a flattering bikini bottom in fanta orange. Go poolside effortlessly with a semi-sheer gauze backless tee and white denim shorts.

LadyLUX via Style.com

One-pieces have never been this sexy. Thayer’s halter design boasts a plunging V-neck, ruched straps and an open-back. The style will be the center of attention at glamorous pool parties. Dress up the navy shade with a gold gladiator cuff and prominent platform sandals.

Zimmermann’s one-piece is made for rockstars. The style is complete with tonal studs and sheer mesh insets. Wear it to the beach or, for a versatility option, pair with leather pants and utilize as a bodysuit. Keep the attitude going with sky-high platforms.

For a cool twist – literally – Tribune Standard’s bandeau is reversible. The bikini shines in a brush stroke print on one side and a solid navy on the other. Wear the suit as a print or solid or mix and match the two. Go full-on summery with espadrille wedges and knitted pullover.