The Triangle Bikini

Out of all the bikini silhouettes we’ve seen, the triangle bikini reigns supreme this summer. It's friendly to both small and large-busted ladies, and the best part -– adjustable to give you more or less coverage. From solids and stripes to metallics, prints, and logos, as long as you’ve got on a triangle bikini, your on trend. We find that the triangle bikini top looks best with a traditional bikini bottom, opposed to a boyshort, hipster, or skirtini. We think it looks especially great when the bottoms have strings that tie on the sides to match those found in the triangle bikini top. Our favorite picks include the Xhilaration Zigzag Swimwear in Black ($14.99 each, Target), the Aqua Marine Bikini ($17.95 for the set, Heavenly Couture), Jets by Jessika Allen Blue Miss Hawaii Bikini Two Piece ($127 for the set, Exquisiteswimwear.com), and the String Bikini Top and matching bottom, ($9.99-$15 each, Old Navy).

The Monokini

The monokini has arrived! Also known as the “cut-out” or “cut away” suit, this style is essentially a hybrid of the bikini and one-piece, with not enough skin revealed to be the former, and too much of the suit “missing” to be considered the former. We must admit that we are drawn to these suits, already owning one. However we do have one warning: they are not for all bodytypes. They seem to work best on small and petite or tall and slender builds, and do a bad job of downplaying “work in progress” areas such as lovehandles. Nonetheless, we felt sexy and sophisticated in ours on the beach this summer, and saw many women sporting variations of this style. We recommend the Guess Collection High Roller Monokini ($110, Macy's, search "Guess Collection High Roller Monokini"), Jessica Simpson Retro Florals Side-Tie Monokini ($98, Macy's via Amazon.com), MICHAEL Michael Kors Cut-Away One-Piece Swimsuit ($95.99, also Macy's via Amazon.com), the Rogan for Target Leopard Print Monokini in True White/ Calistoga Blue ($29.99, Target), and the Lux Balneario One-Piece ($88, Urban Outfitters).

Gingham Prints

Florals have kicked into high gear this summer, and are indeed popular on swimear, however we feel that gingham prints feel even more fresh than a floral when you’re lying poolside or sprawled on a blanket in the sand. Traditionally the print was widely used in children’s swimwear, but we’ve been seeing it pop up more and more on sexy bikinis and sleek one-pieces. Plus, the print gives a throwback to fifties style, which we’ve been seeing a lot lately in retro large splashy floral prints, swing jackets, dark denim, and higher-waisted pants and shorts. We love the Check Knot Bandeau with the Check Ruffle Skirtini ($24.50 each, dELiA's ), the Juicy Couture Gingham Triangle Swimsuit Top and side tie bottoms ($76 each, Bloomingdales), and the Jessica Simpson Gingham Bikini Top ($34.50) with the matching bottoms ($27, Macy’s, search "Jessica Simpson Gingham Bikini"). Although not gingham, a close cousin of this fabric is the puckered material seersucker – get a similar look with this Pinstripe Seersucker Shirred Underwire Padded Top ($50) and Pinstripe Seersucker Lowrider Bikini Bottom ($42, both J.Crew).

Coverups

It’s time to ditch the old gym shorts and ragged t-shirt for a serious coverup upgrade this summer. By serious upgrade we still mean that you can remain casual, but perhaps find something a little more versatile that can also pass at dinner. We love tunics and dresses that can double as beachwear and are appropriate for going out afterwards, like this Solid Beach Tunic ($58, J.Crew), the Juicy Couture Strapless Terry Tulip Dress ($128, Shopbop.com), or this Merona Dolman-Sleeve Coverup Dress in Brown ($17.99, Target). For days when you’re not sure how breezy the beach may be, especially when it gets later in the day, this Pique Hoodie ($49.50, J.Crew), or the transforming Bop Basics Gauze Sarong/Scarf ($68, Shopbop.com) would be just perfect.

We hope that now you’ll feel fashion-forward, sexy and confident in your new swimwear and just remember -- don’t forget the sunscreen!

--Julia DiNardo