by Ryan Wallace
From playing in their mother’s heels to dabbing on playtime makeup, little girls always want to grow up far too fast. And part of the growing up is often dressing beyond their years. But summer is a time of flirtatious flits of passion and fun, so this season let your swimwear show your more colorful side.
Dominated often by overpowering prints and bright neons, the swimsuit is typically a difficult choice for most women. And prints aside, the fit is an even larger problem that few designers can remedy. But for the best swimwear looks this summer, there are a few key tips that will help you traverse the many obstacles that will stand between you and the perfect – kini:
1- Colors: The summer is bright, and so are the swimsuits. The colors that top the list are bright oranges, blues, teals, and reds. Interchangeable and mix & matchable, the best part about the suits are that they can form a variety of combinations. Pairing a royal blue top with bright orange cut-off shorts come together perfectly in an unlikely combination.
2- Prints: The prints should be bold and incorporate a variety of colors. This will allow for the best possibilities of mixing the pieces. A hippie inspired print can be paired with a warm chocolate brown to tone down the intensity of the print. And a bold cover-up like (see the hippie print from Toes on the Nose on the right) is perfect for sunsets at the beach and bonfires.
4- The Fits: There are a variety of fits for all shapes and sizes of women, and although you can play around with what fits you best, here are some of the standards.
a- The Bandeaux – Of French origin, this top is a tight-fitting band which strapless nature makes it a fan favorite. Although typically plain, some can make waves with inspired designs. In the picture on the left, the orange seashell bandeau from H&M when paired with teal bottoms from Toes on the Nose gives a Little Mermaid-esque look that is sure to catch people’s eyes. But remember that without straps there is a loss of support; so for bustier women there are alternatives that are just as chic.
b- Traditional Triangle Tops – A staple for swimwear, the triangle top was one of the earliest designs established for bikinis, and it stands true to the test of time. Bold printed triangle tops like this leopard print and the floral in the picture on the right allow for pops of color to go with virtually any bottom like these shorts. Also, certain companies have even begun to create crosses between triangle tops and others to give a flirtier look to a traditional swimwear staple.
c- The Tankini – Often thought of as youthful, this swimwear staple is perfect for both covering up and giving your swimsuit a little girly flair. Hiding the midriff, but in turn accentuating the 
most desirable curves to a woman’s body, the tankini allows for girls to show off their flirty side without having to show anymore skin than they feel comfortable with. Also, tankinis with design around active women like the one on the left from Toes on the Nose allow for full coverage with a full range of motion, paired with bright youthful prints.
So, find your inspiration, and with these tips put together a swimsuit to spend the summer in soaking up the rays. Remember to play with color profiles, bold prints, and of course the cuts that will flatter your body best.
Designers: Toes on the Nose and H&M, Photographer&Stylist: Ryan Wallace, Models: Victoria Dennis, Jordan Odriozola, Christian Robinson & Becky Stocking, Chelsea Nakano, Jessica Sanchez, and Diana Wallace.
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