Have you gotten further than the title of this post? I know…swimwear, dread.  But, it is that time of year when spring breaks are upon us and summer is near.  Below you will find a few of my favorite swim finds and some tips for finding the suit you seek.

Retro: Aerie (the lingerie & swim of retailer American Eagle) is a great place to look for inexpensive and on-trend suits that are of good quality.  There is a greater selection online, such as this fabulously retro, cut-out one piece.  Add a red lip and channel your inner Taylor Swift (we’ve already discussed the belly button!).

Classic: Nautical stripes and chain detailing in a classic string bikini silhouette will always be in style.  I always ensure that sting tops have padding for shape (and security), such as this one from PilyQ.

One-Piece: I love the peek-a-boo lace and slimming cut-outs of this one piece made by Becca.  Always read the online reviews – this one boasts an ultra-flattering silhouette with a belt, which whittles the waistline.

Floral: Nothing says girlie like a pretty floral print in a bra-like underwire top like this Zinke suit.

Plus-Size: Stylish plus-size suits can be found on several sites.  In particular, I like the youthful cut of this suit from Asos.  Although this may seem counterintuitive, often times the less suit material, the more flattering the suit.  Avoid attempting to cover-up “problem areas” with more material (especially in a pattern).  Instead, find a cut that highlights your favorite features and makes you feel comfortable.

Black: The swimsuit tool at J.Crew truly makes shopping easy (if not entirely painless).  You can sort by style, size, and color with an amazing assortment to choose from; ranging from simple and classic, to patterned and stylized.  They even have a “mix & match” function which makes choosing the perfect top to go with just-the-right bottom easy!

Cover-Ups: I am obsessing over a kimono (with just about everything), but particularly as a swim cover-up.  Worn open and flowing like the beach goddess that you are, channel your inner boho spirit.  You can also wear a kimono as a robe when at home, or over a tank and shorts during the summer. Unfortunately, just the right kimono can be hard to find.  My current favorites are made by an Australian company, Arnhem.

What poolside look would be complete without the perfect hat?  This Panama hat from Madewell is traveling on spring break with me!

What’s your go-to poolside look or favorite beach-bum attire? Please leave a comment with suggestions or ideas.  As always, thanks for reading and happy Friday! ~Jenn