Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital. ~Aaron Levenstein

It’s just barely Spring but we’re having thoughts of Summer and Swimwear!

Whether you are preparing for Summer, getting ready for a trip to someplace warm, or live in a swimsuit year-round locale, shopping for a new swim suit is generally not on the top of our Fun Things To Do list. We can’t even count the number of times we’ve gone shopping for swimwear and purchased shoes instead!

But sooner or later we have to get over the dread of facing ourselves in the mirror and find a great suit. Or two. Or three. Guest blogger and swimwear expert SUSAN BODACK shares tips for mixing and matching swimwear so that we’re ready to look extra fabulous at the beach or pool. (And guess what? Swimwear shopping is even better with a girlfriend along to help you find a great looking suit.)

Right now, one of the biggest trends in designer swimwear is mixing and matching swimsuit separates. Without a doubt, the mix and match swimwear trend is definitely one of the more practical swim trends around and the designers are starting to take note. More and more designers are creating collections with styles that are designed to be mixed and matched. In this economy, a whole new swimsuit may not always be in your budget, so this trend is a great way to make use of swimwear separates that you already own. Everyone’s body types and fashion tastes are different and mixing and matching swimwear is a great way to create your own unique look. Furthermore, it’s a fun new way to test out your skills as a fashion stylist! There are different ways to mix and match swimwear and I’ll show you how.

Solids and Prints

Mixing solids with prints is one of the most popular and classic mix and match swimwear looks. By choosing a print that has a hint of the solid color in it, you’re sure to get one put-together mix and match look. If you pair a solid top with a printed bottom, it works particularly well for apple-shaped or inverted triangle-shaped body types, especially if you go dark up top. On the other hand, if you go for a printed top with a solid swimsuit bottom, it works really well for pear-shaped or triangle-shaped body types, especially if you go dark on the bottom.

Prints and Prints

Just like in the general fashion world, men and women everywhere are throwing out the rule books and mixing different prints together. By mixing and matching swimwear styles with different prints, you can create a trendy high-fashion look. Get creative with your swimwear style and pair florals with paisleys, geometric prints with chevron stripes, or come up with a combo all your own. However, this mix and match swimwear look is strictly for the bold fashionistas; since the look may appear to clash to most people, you must be prepared to make a fashion statement and rock it proudly!

Solids and Solids

Finally, the last way to do the mix and match swimwear trend is to pair solids with solids. Traditionally, we have seen this look with black and white separates, or with a black or white separate mixed with one other color. Another common way to mix solids with solids is to match up the same color from two different swimwear brands; my rule of thumb is if you try on the combo in a sunny room and it appears to be the same or very similar, then you’re good to go. Although many may argue that the top or bottom must have a detail or embellishment featuring the other solid color, mixing and matching two contrasting solids is becoming increasingly popular in the swimwear world. In fact, I’ve been seeing the look pop up on beaches and pool-sides everywhere. By mixing and matching two contrasting colors, it can create an interesting color block effect.

Whichever combo you choose, you’re sure to have the mix and match swimwear trend down pat!

SUSAN BODACK is an expert in swim fashion at InStyleSwimwear.com, a luxury online boutique of chic designer swimwear, beachwear, and accessories.

What are your rules for mixing and matching swimwear, girlfriend? Any advice for finding the perfect swimsuit?

For more swimwear girlfriend advice, check out this post from our Lingerie Girlfriend Guru – Miss Kitty Plum’s bathing suit advice.

p.s. Another great Bathing suit / Bikini quote:

“A girl in a bikini is like having a loaded pistol on your coffee table – There’s nothing wrong with them, but it’s hard to stop thinking about it.” Garrison Keillor

By the way, we LOVE guest blogs here at Girlfriendology. Have a great girlfriend story to tell? Want to celebrate your fabulous female friends? SHARE! (And, we also have Girlfriend Gurus – check that out to be featured on Girlfriendology!)

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