The Best of 2018 Swimwear Trends
Chicago Summers are the BEST Summers. Period.
Seriously, of all the major U.S. cities, none can rival Chicago for our Summers!
Take L.A. for example. They don't bat an eyelash when Summer rolls around because Summer is basically omnipresent in SoCal! Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they enjoy their Summers, but the delta in their level of excitement from Winter to Spring or from Spring to Summer is naturally going to be smaller since the delta in temperature and sunshine is also smaller (basically it's just science you guys... ;) )
Or take New York. Their delta in excitement level is probably just as great as ours but their Summertime opportunities are not as great as ours. For example, when was the last time you saw a sane person take a quick enjoyable dip in the Hudson River and then bask on a massive sandy beach against the backdrop of Manhattan? That's right... never! Whereas in Chicago, our lakeshore, beaches, and our extensive park system (all nestled throughout the downtown area and all of the city's coolest neighborhoods) without a doubt make Chicago an objectively better city in which to truly enjoy Summertime! (ok... I'll admit, it's subjective not objective...)
Or take Houston, Atlanta, or any other major city in the South... They actually don't like Summer because, let's face it... 110 degrees is not what most people call "enjoyable".
So there you have it - my airtight, completely objective, fully scientifically proven argument for why Chicago Summers are just the BEST!!
With that FACT fully established, you can understand why Daniel and I are AMPED for Summertime here! As Spring made its late (but lovely) debut just over a week ago, I felt life returning to my limp and rubbery limbs... hope once again soared in my heart! I walked down the street and completely forgot about all of the curses I had muttered under my breath walking down the same street just a few short weeks before. It was a magical moment! And it happens for me every year. In fact... Summertime in Chicago will probably keep me here perpetually because it's glories are new each year (I think that was a subliminal Biblical reference...).
Don't worry, we wouldn't tease you with all these allusions to the best aspects of Chicago Summers, and then not help you navigate how to make the most of them. Keep watching for our Chicago Summertime Guide coming soon! But this post is for everyone, everywhere. No matter where you enjoy your Summers, you should be empowered with the confidence to find just the right swimsuit so you can take to the beaches and maximize your relaxing in the sun to online swimsuit shopping ratio #MoreSunLessShopping!! To that end, I'm breaking down some of the major trends this season and then highlighting some of my favorite suits that showcase each trend. And don't miss Daniel's picks for the guys that be live later this week!
THE TREND: Neon Colors and Rainbow Stripes
Across the board you'll see a variety of trends from the 80s and 90s being reimagined, and nothing says 80s like Neon! I think this Asymetrical striped one-piece is such a gorgeous bold design, and am also loving these:
THE TREND: High Cut Legs
Great for making your legs look a mile long ..also great for evoking Jane Fonda Aerobics video vibes. This is one of the biggest trends this year!! I'm an especially huge fan of Candice Swanepoel's new swimwear line (could she be any more amazing?!) Tropic of C... and this Dune Clay One Piece is (in my opinion) the best piece from her collection. However, there are SO many other amazing suits that feature high cut legs:
THE TREND: The Front Tie
Such a fun trend to play with! This one reminds me of being a kid in the 90s and tying up my baggy t-shirts on the side! This tie front top from Albion Fit is cute and playful and great for women of all ages! You can go wrong with these front tie options:
THE TREND: Belted!
For those of you who are inclined to think belts belong on jeans only- think again! Belts are a friend to all womankind as they create the appearance of a smaller waist - who wouldn't want that!!?? As I mentioned earlier, I'm pretty impressed by Tropic of C, and this strapless, belted one-piece is a perfect example of why! I am in love with all of these belted numbers:
THE TREND: The Plunging Neckline
The plunging neckline is a great trend to try if you lean more towards modern styles than retro. I love the classic simplicity of this black one-piece from Lulus and also really love the zipper front on this moody floral suit which lets you adjust how you want to wear it. These pieces are some of my faves:
THE TREND: Cutouts!
Very chic. Very modern. Very playful. There are SO many suits with cutouts I could barely decide which would make the cut (pun intended)! But here they are:
THE TREND: Tropical Fruits and Plants
Looks like the pineapples and palm leaves of last year are sticking around! I have to admit that my favorites are those with green leaves, and you'll see that my top picks mostly have an abundance of green!
THE TREND: Polka Dots
If you love polka dots you're in luck because this year they're everywhere you turn!!
THE TREND: Ruffles and scallops
Another very feminine trend: edging with a flourish is ubiquitous this year.
With that, I hope you have an amazing Summer ahead, and make sure you get to the beach, the pool, or any other place where you can relax and unwind!
With love from Chicago,
Jennifer
