Swimsuit styles are making a splash this season. Katie Jacob, owner of Stella Boutique, said reversible bottoms and tops are popular because girls can mix and match them. “Reversible swimsuits are big because you can get more for your money,” she said. In swimsuit colors, Jacob said basic colors are popular again this season, as well as new prints. “We are seeing a lot of animal prints this season, like zebra and leopard,” she said. “There is also a lot of plaid, eyelet, nautical-inspired suits and florals.” Jacob said the always-popular black and white bathing suits are still big this season. “Black is always in, and everyone loves white because it makes you look more tan,” she said. “The white bathing suits are lined, though, so they won’t be see-through when they get wet.” Nichole Malerough, a sophomore at Our Lady of the Lake who works at M.G. Denim, said every color is popular this season on swimsuits. “We have pretty much every color of the rainbow,” she said. “We do have prints, too. We have leopard; we have nautical; we have skull-printed ones.” For girls with curvier figures, Jacob recommends a more uplifting style. “Halters are good because they offer more support,” she said. “Suits that come up higher on the thigh also elongate the legs.” Jacob said girls who are taller and thinner could sport the string bikinis. “Not everybody can wear the tie-side bottoms,” she said. “But if you are taller and thinner they look good.” Both stores said bandeau tops are popular this season. “Girls like bandeau tops because they don’t give you tan lines,” Jacob said. Malerough also said bandeau-style tops are in this season, but not just the classic style. “In style-wise the twisted bandeau tops and the ones with the big rings on the tops are big right now,” she said. Malerough said the rings are also popular on the sides of swimsuit bottoms. Swimsuit fashions are not just for the water. Trends in cover-ups are also big this season. “Most of the swimsuits have a cover-up to go with them,” Jacob said. While sarongs are still popular options for swimsuit cover-ups, Jacob said many cover-ups could be worn as regular clothing pieces as well. “Tunic pullovers are popular because they can double as a top,” Jacob said. “Jersey-wrap dresses and tie-side skirts are also good over swimsuits.”
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