SWIMWEAR, FREE-STYLE

WHETHER A CLASSIC ONE-PIECE OR A STYLISH BIKINI, SWIMSUITS ARE NOT JUST ABOUT SWIMMING ANYMORE. RANVIJAYSINH JHALA ROUNDS UP ALL THAT YOU CAN DO TO TRANSFORM YOUR SWIMSUIT INTO A FASHION STATEMENT

Whether you are taking off to some bold rocky beaches, the beautiful sandy beaches in Goa or some place more exotic, one always shops for a hot bikini or a trendy one-piece swimsuit. After all, it’s essential to include some fashionable beachwear in your kit, if you want to flaunt that well-toned body. And, you clearly haven’t made the mark, if you have indulged in a regular swimsuit. Times have changed and trends have become bolder, so keep a watch!

There is so much more to swimsuits than a weekly swim or the occasional beach vacation. “There has been a definite shift in lifestyle in the last few years. People have pool-parties, brunches by the pool, or prefer to hang out near the pool in their homes or in a club,” says designer Nachiket Barve. “And fashion is all about lifestyle. Now with so many occasions, people get the opportunity to wear swimsuits more often!”

Moreover, most people are becoming increasingly health conscious these days, with intense workouts and emphasis on toned bodies. “It has a lot to do with being bodyconscious. And then there’s water sports,” adds designer Anupama Dayal. “Resort collections from any label are incomplete without swim-wear. Swimsuits, these days, are all about resort and sport.” Of course, fashion is not about function, but a means of expressing oneself better. Seconding this notion, designer Narendra Kumar adds, “It’s not just about convenience. It’s also about making a style statement, even when you’re out for just a swim. And, at the several occasions where one can wear a swimsuit, it serves as an accessory to be mixed and matched with dresses, sarongs, shorts and even pants.”

So while you’re picking out a swimsuit this summer, also bear in mind all the other places you could wear it, and the accessories to complement it with.



TREND PICKS

Echo the trend of the season and ensure that your swimsuit has a lot of colour. “With an abundance of colour, you could try colour blocking, or go for a vibrant print. That always works well,” suggests Barve.

Adding to that, Kumar quickly points out, “Prints are big this season. You could try various options. Even ethnic prints would look good, with a contemporary twist on an obviously modern silhouette.” If you don’t like so many colours, opt for a nude shade, as Dayal recommends, “A corset-cut in a nude hue would look fabulous. Other solid colours that are very trendy right now are warm hues like a flaming orange or a coral pink.” As for the two-piece and one-piece debate, while Dayal predicts that the onepiece will be hotter than the bikini this season, Kumar suggests a mix of both—the one-piece for the pool, and the bikini for the beach.









BEST COMPLEMENTS

While the sarong is quite the obvious accessory with a swimsuit, try different cover-ups this season. “The kaftan is quite popular, and it’d be great over a bikini. You should also try jackets in translucent fabrics,” suggests Barve. Dayal recommends the sheer-shirt too. “Fabrics like chiffon and organza are great,” she says. Kumar, on the other hand, feels that you could try an embroidered kurta, with work concentrated on the neckline. “Even linen pants or shorts are a great choice,” he continues. When it comes to footwear, choose flat sandals in bright colours. Flip-flops can be a little too causal. “Try versions of the gladiator sandals,” Kumar advises. “Opt for beaded work on the sandals to match your beaded neckpiece.” Among other accessories, bangles work really well. “Pick up chunky bangles in different shapes and neon colours, and mix and match them,” Dayal urges. To top it off, “A wide-rimmed straw hat, in colours brighter than beige are very trendy.” And of course, don’t forget sunglasses!








WHAT SUITS YOU

“Whatever the trends of the season, you must know what complements your body type,” emphasises Kumar. Obviously, if you’re not very well toned, you need to stick to the one-piece. But, there are other guidelines you can follow to look hot, even without the perfect body. “Colour blocking works well. Avoid a deep-cut back. Opt for the classic swimsuit cut, with even cup or underwire support to add comfort,” advises Barve. “High-thighs would be a mistake. Instead, opt for a lower thigh-hem, with shorts, but not like knickers!” For further variety in your onepiece, select designs that include asymmetrical slashes and cuts around the midriff, recommends Dayal. “On the other hand, if you’re skinny to the point of feeling a little scrawny, don larger prints in brighter colours,” she adds.








AS FOR THE GENTLEMEN…

As in underpants, men’s swimsuits can be like briefs or boxers. For some serious swimming, opt for the former. While you might not understand how people can wear printed underwear, that shouldn’t be the case with swimming trunks. Prints should be welcome in men’s swim-wear, whether subtle or pronounced. Besides abstract graphics, you could also try something more defined, like a paisley or a floral print. Avoid checks, as they could make your trunks look very much like boxers. Swimming shorts are, of course, best accessorised with a loose bush-shirt in cotton or linen, printed or plain, or even a light jacket. Give those flip-flops a miss and get a pair of smart sandals in white, beige or brown. Additionally, you could try wrist bands or neck straps, and just like the ladies, remember to carry a good pair of sunglasses.

With all this talk about swimwear, a trip to the nearest beach, or pool-party sounds simply alluring! So the next time you’re out shopping for the ideal suit, get it right!