It is very difficult to reinvent the bikini, year in and year out, which is why designers rarely come up with anything original in their swimwear collections and most of the time your basic choices will always fall somewhere in the middle of a teeny tiny dental floss bikini and something Granny would wear on the beach. However, this year a new style of bikini is proving popular on the catwalks and in the stores: the high waisted bikini.
The High Waisted Bikini
High waisted bikinis are one of the hottest new trends for this season and although the term “high waisted” often conjures up a less than sexy image of something from the turn of the last century, in this instance, high waisted bikini bottoms can be surprisingly sexy in an understated way. A high waisted retro style is an arguably a more conservative style of bikini bottom, which might suit you if you believe in leaving something to the imagination, but if you prefer an all-over tan, a low rise bikini is probably a better choice.
The Low Rise Bikini
Low rise bikini bottoms operate on the less is more ethos and are ideal for super skinny model types who are happy to flash the flesh on the beach. However, if you are not quite as brazenly self confident about your figure, mix and matching low rise bikini bottoms with a gauzy coverup is one option—sheer shirts, skirts and dresses have also featured heavily on the swimwear catwalks this year.
Mix and Match Bikini Bottoms and Tops
The beauty of wearing a two piece bikini is that you can mix and match your top and bottom half to suit your body shape, mood, or any other reason you can think of. So if you are amply blessed in the chest department, but very slim elsewhere, you might choose a plain bikini top and contrasting patterned bikini bottoms. You can also opt for different colours on your top and bottom: dark colours minimise a larger bust or bottom whereas bright colours draw attention to the same areas. For a dash of feminine charm, try some pretty frilly styles, or even a crochet bikini if you are feeling daring.
Tropical prints, animal prints and metallic fabrics are also all the rage for 2012, although loud “look at me” prints are not for everyone. But if you prefer something a bit more understated, solid colours are also very much on trend, both in high waisted and traditional low rise bikini styles. Go for fiery reds and cool blues, or mix tangerine oranges and hot pinks—anything goes for 2012.
Check out the full range of designer bikinis that Fox & Rose have to offer including designers such as Mouille, La Perla and Zimmermann.