Bikini Outfit of the Day: Little Black Bikini

It has been a well known secret of women that black makes us look thinner, and for all intents and purposes this is true. The concept that all black, or all dark colors, makes us appear thinner is for a multitude of reasons. It creates a monochromatic streamline for the eye which isn't broken up by other colors, making you appear longer and thinner. Dark colors also help to hide any bunching or curves in the fabric which would be more visible in lighter colors. When wearing black these imperfections are more difficult to see and therefore creates a more slimming look. The same is true when it comes to a Little Black Bikini (LBB). It helps to hide some of our flaws and always creates a sophisticated, put together look. Below we have selected our favorite LBB for each body shape. By selecting a style that flatters your body type and adds in the slimming effect of dark solid colors, these looks are sure to become your go to LBB.   

Hourglass

Apple

Pear

Rectangle

Find your perfect Little Black Bikini and more HERE

Straight From the Runway: Monokini Madness

Caitlin Kelly Swimwear, Aquarella Swimwear, Gottex, Aquaclara

One of our favorite runway trends at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim 2014 in Miami were monokinis. The monokini was originally designed as a topless one piece suit with a wide array of cutouts. Some styles have side or front cutouts or a combination of both. Others have sheer fabric connecting the top piece to the bottom, and some even wrap the fabric around in a unique design to create gaps and openings. Another great feature we loved seeing on the runway was all of the vivid colors, fresh prints, and amazing hardware.

There is a monokini for practically all body shapes. Most are best suited for hourglass figures as they provide additional support at the bust and show off a slim waist with cutouts along the side. Apples and fuller figured shapes may want to look for styles with more coverage around the waist and look more for plunging neckline cutouts. Pears want to look for suits with more detailing along the top half to draw the eye up and create a more proportionate appearance. Lastly, rectangles want to look for styles that create a well defined waist line. Look for suits with side cutouts or ones that have wrap around detailing around the waist. With so many options it's no surprise that the monokini has quickly become the perfect summer must have!

Shop the look and more HERE

Fanatical for Fringe!

Here at AWB we are absolutely crazy about all things fringe. From shoes to bags we can't get enough of it. So it is no surprise that when it comes to swimwear we are no different. Some of our favorite celebrities such as Rihanna, Ashley Tisdale and Hayden Panettiere have been seen sporting fringe bikinis.

Try mixing and matching with bright colored solids and fun and festive prints.

Fringe adds a fresh twist to a classic solid colored bikini.

Not ready for a fringe bikini? Try one of these amazing fringe skirts. This is a sexy way to implement this trend into your beach wardrobe!

Shop fringe and more trends HERE!

A Blast From the Past: Retro Style Swimwear

 Retro bathing suits are back in a big way. No matter if it's the 40's, 50's or 60's styles that appeal to you, AWB has all the vintage inspired suits you are looking for. What makes these modern suits so great is the way they have seamlessly merged the old in with the new.

 

One-piece suits once were the standard in fashionable swimwear. The addition of thin straps or a halter strap as seen above were popular of the times. These suits are given a modern twist with their high cuts and ruched detailing.

   

Looking for something a little more wild, look for one-pieces with great prints. It's all about the animal, floral and geometric patterns. Sweetheart, bandeau, and plunging necklines all add retro inspired touches.

Are bikinis more your thing? Well we have plenty of great options for you as well. From classic florals to funky prints these bikinis are anything but old. What gives these suits that old time feel is all in the details. Look for suits with ruffles, ties, and structure. Boning and support were all the rage back then so look to suits that can create that illusion. Try out this high waisted geometric print bandeau bikini above. This definitely isn't your grandmother's suit!

Check out all of these styles and more HERE

Bikini Outfit of The Day: White Hot!

With Summer finally here, what better way to show off your tan skin than in a white hot outfit. Everyone knows that wearing white makes your tan pop so we are showing you the best way to wear an all white outfit. This look is perfect for hanging out by the pool, shopping, or meeting up with friends for dinner by the beach.

When we say all white we mean just that, but don't get carried away with trying to match all of your whites. Look for varying shades to add dimension to the outfit. For this look we started with one of our favorite white bikinis, the PilyQ Barcelona Water Lily Bikini. This suit features tie side bottoms and laser cutout detailing. Next we selected a classic short that is casual enough to wear during the day but provides enough structure that they can easily be transitioned into night should the occasion allow. We paired this with a lace tank to add a little feminine touch and a white and gold statement necklace. Finishing off the look is a white and gold cross body bag, neutral colored sandals, sparkling white nail polish, and the perfect pair of sunglasses.

How do you wear white?

Shop the look and more HERE

Behind the Scenes at ABEST-The Brazilian Association of Fashion Designers

Our Senior Buyer is live from ABEST, The Brazilian Association of Fashion Designers, this week checking out the hottest trends and best designers in São Paulo, Brazil. While we wait for her official reviews of who and what is in and out, we thought we would wet your appetite with a little glimpse of some of the amazing stuff she has seen so far!

Designer after designer, there is no shortage of beautiful swimwear, coverups and accessories. The colors are fresh, the prints exciting, and the suits... to die for!

A quick peak at some of our favorite prints and styles so far.  We are sure there will be many more to come before ABEST is over!

What trends are you loving and what are you hoping to see this year?

Shop the trends and more HERE!

The Best Suit For Your Shape: Rectangle

So you think you might be a rectangle? Fret not as you are in great company. Cameron Diaz, Gwyneth Paltrow, Natalie Portman and Nicole Kidman are just a few of the many celebrities who have traditional rectangle body shapes.

Rectangles generally are the same width on the top and bottom. The appearance of the rectangle comes into play as the waist is often not well defined. Defining one's waist is the best tip for all rectangles to keep in mind. By doing so it helps to create the illusion of an hourglass figure.

Look for one-piece suits that cinch or have vertical or diagonal stripes at the waist. When shopping for bikinis stick to tops that provide additional support. Unlike many other shapes rectangles can draw attention to their top section. Feel free to try florals, prints, ruffles and fringe. When it comes to the bottoms, side ties can be your best friend. They are the most flattering and their adjustability allows you to further cinch your waist as needed.

Check out THESE amazing styles and more that are perfect for rectangles!

Behind the Scenes: How to pack for Sao Paulo, Brazil

Fashion shows and market events are some of the most stressful and most exciting times for us here at All Wet Beachwear. It is where we get to see who and what is up and coming. This year has been no exception. Our very own Senior Buyer is currently preparing for her amazing trip to Sao Paulo, Brazil for the Brazil Association of Fashion Designers (ABEST). This year we thought it would be a great idea to give our readers a little behind the scenes action on all of the fun!

While the designers are definitely getting our full attention, a trip to Sao Paulo wouldn't be complete without a little site seeing. As bathing suit lovers and sun worshippers ourselves we will inevitably make time to stop by the beach. With so much to see and do we really need to start packing. Check out our Senior Buyer's picks for travel must haves.

Stay tuned until next week when we are able to reveal our favorite moments from the shows and share all of our must have pieces!

Shop great travel pieces HERE

The Best Suit for Your Shape: Pear

While a pear can be a tasty fruit it can also be a difficult to dress body shape. Not entirely sure if you're a pear? Pears are known for their larger waist, rear, and thighs. They tend to be smaller on top in the bust and shoulders and therefore give the appearance of a pear shape. The biggest challenge when dressing is trying to create balance. It is important when selecting a suit to look for pieces that draw the attention upward and enhance your chest. By doing this you can create the illusion of balance and give yourself a more hourglass figure. While being a pear can sometimes seem frustrating, knowing how to work with what you have really helps to show off the best you. Some of our favorite bikini loving celebrities are pear shaped. Keep an eye on Rihanna, Leighton Meester, Jennifer Lopez, and Rachel Bilson for inspiration, as these sexy ladies all know how to work what looks best on them.

When buying a suit it's all about the top. Look for bandeau tops as they will make you appear wider across the chest and help to create an even look. You can also try a triangle or halter top with good support. Detailing around the chest and neck also keeps the focus above the waist, so don't be afraid of ruffles, fringe, flowers, patterns etc. For the bottom you want to keep it simple. Look into solid colors and suits with adjustable fold over tops. This style allows for more or less coverage depending on your needs and helps to camouflage some of your extra junk in the trunk. Try to avoid boy short bottoms as they tend to cut into the thighs and create a wider affect.

With so many great suit options available, being a pear should never stop you from enjoying your fun in the sun!

What is your favorite way to dress your pear shape?

Shop the look and more HERE. Plus save 10% on your order by using the code: SUMMER10