When it comes to swimsuits, too often “sensible” is synonymous with “dowdy.” Doesn’t have to be so. Modesty really is becoming in this Victoria’s Secret one piece from DKNY--and surprisingly sophisticated, too, say these superb offerings from the Australian company, Jets.
The tasteful ring on that Jets halter, from the line's White Label--not too ludicrously big and '70s--is echoed all over this year, as in Lisa Curran's Shimmer Gold Ring One Piece.
The ring's keyhole cousin is popping up in unusual contexts, too, like Brette Sandler's sleek string bikini. And in general, accents like tassels, beads, and other ornaments are making cameos on otherwise classical string designs, like this pink Mara Hoffman.
If you're looking for maternity swimwear, a great beginning might be this Great Beginnings, with built-in shelf bra.
WW's not a big fan of print jams but likes these bold Ralph Lauren board shorts.
The gent who's evolved from South Padre to Club Med, from styrofoam Bud-can insulator to gin fizz at sunset, might also consider swimming against the tide, as it were, taking body and look as seriously in paradise as he does at Equinox, and braving the brief. There's always the classic Speedo black racer. But the man with the right body, poise, and waxing appointment might venture further, to Undergear's Greek or even Italian cutaway.
Hmm. Looks like that might require foregoing that second slice and second pint for a few weeks, or months, or years. Hey, beauty requires sacrifice--just ask your s.o., who's been slaving away every spring on the elliptical while you yanked on those same quick-dry Nike shorts without a second thought figuring, jeez, that's what drawstrings are for.
Whatever you go with, remember, more exposure requires more sun protection. One vastly undervalued form is the indoor pool. Short of that, WW seeks shade umbrellas as large as--no, make that larger than--our erstwhile Upper West Side studio. But if you insist on worshipping the sun, at least do it with the appropriate pagan fear and awe. We've had success with Blue Lizard Sunscreen, carefully reapplied every hour to hour and a half. For more casual protection, Neutrogena's Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion SPF 30's done nicely, though despite its non-comedogenic boasts, it left us feeling a tad shellacked and had a slightly odd citrusy sent. Olay Complete SPF 15 or 30 absorbs better and smells just mildly floral.
-Sasha Triella
Fashion images are from the designers, shopbop.com, and amazon.com. Top image is by Hansjoerg Morandell via stock.xchng.
