Dive into summer with color | Beach Pool Fashion Summer 2009

Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Don’t think of heading to the beach or pool without the works.

That means a swimwear wardrobe, including swimsuits, cover-ups, flip-flops, sunglasses and other necessities for enjoying the sun.

The days of searching for that one perfect swimsuit are so over.

Today, the most stylish beach bunnies make a fashion statement whether they’re sipping margaritas poolside, playing beach volleyball or skimming the water with the kids.

“It’s less about swimming and more about what you wear to the beach,” says Nicole Fisehelis, vice president and fashion director for Macy’s. “It’s now a lifestyle that encompasses the whole mood of summer.”

Swimwear has been expanding over the last few years to include cover-ups, totes, sandals and other accessories. And more designers from Michael Kors to Tibi are incorporating swimwear into their spring and summer collections.

“Women are taking better care of themselves and want to show off their figures,” Fisehelis said. “But they also want function.”

At Macy’s, swimwear collections span from Marc by Marc Jacobs (new this season) and Kenneth Cole to traditional swimwear brands Jantzen and Gotex, and Macy’s own brand, I.N.C.

Fisehelis says glamour is one of the season’s biggest trends. Swimsuits are embellished with luxurious draping, folding and ruffles that are sophisticated and ultra-feminine. While two-pieces and bikinis never go out style, the one-piece or tankini in a bright, citrus color is a season must-have. Also, the sexy one-shoulder swimsuit is a show-stopper.

At Lands’ End, swim expert Michele Casper says swimwear has gone “global,” taking inspiration from California and Capri in sunny bright colors, bold florals and graphics.

She says the embellishment comes in attention-getting necklines accented with coconut shells and Mother of Pearl beading.

“Women want comfort, coverage and fashion in their swimwear,” Casper said. “You want swimsuits you can actually swim in and then look good in as well.”

The retailer, which offers an array of slenderizing suits, has introduced a “spot-lift” technology that provides a smooth-slimming look on the sides, stomach and bottom area of the suit. (All Lands’ End swimsuits are made with UPF 50 sun protection.)

More than ever, cover-ups are as essential to swimwear as the swimsuit.

Lands’ End has a variety from a cozy, hooded style in a popping orange to a chic tunic. And there are other stylish varieties from Juicy Couture to JCPenney.

“You can have a great swimsuit, but you need the complete look,” Casper said.

As women continue to struggle with finding the right swimsuit, Lands’ End also offers an online tool (at www.landsend.com) that allows customers to input their measurements to see how a particular swimsuit would look on a virtual model.

Lindsay Huggins, senior fashion market editor with Self magazine, advises women to play up their assets.

“Women tend to do the opposite with swimsuits,” she said. “They’ll put a crazy, bold print on the bottom when they want to minimize their butt.”

She suggests finding a style that’s comfortable and avoiding trendy styles like the ’80s-inspired revealing cut-out swimsuits if you’re shy.

“You can go hippie-chic in a bohemian print, like something Kate Hudson would wear, or do bold, graphic like Beyoncé,” Huggins said. “It’s also about confidence at the end of the day.”