Fashion Kingdom Extravaganza

The itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini has semi-retired, and women everywhere can finally exhale.

In its place, figure-flattering suits that will make you love the swim you’re in.

So get ready to slip on a skirt, skort or short, tunic and tankini — even a one-piece that discreetly nips and tucks.

“Swimsuits have definitely taken on a wardrobe-like persona,” said Erin McCormick, swimwear merchandise manager at Lands’ End.

“You can go from beach to store without feeling exposed, or worry about a bikini malfunction.”

This is not to discount the bikini, but the summer staple of song will take a back seat to the one-piece this year, at least according to a survey by Lands’ End.

“The silhouette of the year is the swim dress,” said McCormick.

This is evidenced in the Slender Grecian Dress ($109), a combination suit and cover up, and Slender Suits ($89.50), one-pieces shirred at the bust and waist for shaping, plus tummy-controlling Shapewear Suits, which come in V-neck and bandeau necklines ($89.50).

The ubiquitous bandeau and tankini tops make their marks as separate but equal elements, and are easily paired with bottom-friendly pieces.

A swimsuit staple for more than a decade, the tankini and its spinoffs are nothing new, said McCormick.

“What’s changed in the last five years is the swim minis and skirts that can make a flattering outfit,” she said.

As for color, popular shades like turquoise and bright pink are given a boost by lime green, melon and orange hues, not to mention blueberry and chocolate browns. And prints are available in florals, paisleys, stripes and retro polka dots.

The racks at Kohl’s, Target and Macy’s show similar trends. Kohl’s boasted scoop bottoms from Daisy Fuentes and Elle ($38) paired with a ruffled Halterkini from Elle ($38) and ruffled bandeau bikini top from Daisy Fuentes ($38). One-piece options included a bandeau swimsuit from Croft and Barrow ($78) and a V-neck halter onepiece from Dana Buchman ($80) with ruche overlay.

Meanwhile Target’s Merona brand offered a multicolored tankini ($19.99), a polka dot print bandeau shirred one-piece ($34.99) and swim shorts of varying lengths (from $19.99).

The print and polka dot renaissance carried on at Macy’s with a one-piece by Coco Reef ($118) and a Hobie multicolored striped tankini ($34.99) completed by turquoise bottoms ($34.99).

Different styles

Here’s the 2011 breakdown from the Lands’ End Shorecast.

Ruching, shirring

Best for: Multiple figures. Ruching across the waist is good for women who want to conceal the tummy, or under the bust to create the illusion of narrowing the torso for an hourglass shape.

Swim minis

Best for: Bottom half coverage.

Ruffles

Best for: Balance, especially for women who are larger on top and smaller on bottom. Adds a feminine flair on swim skirts and swim tunics.

Swim tunics and dresses

Best for: Coverage. Swim dresses provide feminine coverage on hips and thighs while tunic swimsuit tops are ideal for women with longer torsos who want extra tummy coverage.

Bandeau tops

Best for: Enhancing the bust area.

Patterns

Best for: Concealing and balance; pair a patterned top with a solid bottom. This season’s patterns include retro polka dots, nautical stripes, graphic florals and paisley prints.

Bright hues

Best for: Volume enhancement. Suggested are lime green, melon orange to bright turquoise.

One-piece

Best for: Multiple figures.

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Tags: Suits, Suits Turn

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