DORÉ

The modern swimsuit. What does that even mean today?

Does it have to do with fabrications? Or fit? Or was it merely a solution to no longer swimming naked? Throughout history we’ve seen so many variations on the swimsuit, with both the bikini and the monokini making valid advances in swim preference, but it really seems like the one-piece – or the maillot – is having a moment. With everyone, actually.

It’s no longer looked upon as something worn after a “certain age” or after having children, or the day you decide to stop doing sit-ups. It feels like women of all ages are embracing the style because it, too, has many variations and can transcend trends!

And because just wearing a swimsuit never feels complete, I’d also like to take a quick moment to talk about the cardigan, which, much like the one-piece, is trending (yes, YES okay, at least in mine and Garance’s opinion!). There’s something so equally effortless about the cardigan, thrown over a swimsuit, worn as a top, the ability to acclimate into any decade has made it a born-again favorite for us right along with the one-piece.

The Essential: From none other than Eres, of course. But what makes this suit so essential is really the fit — wide straps to hold up, well, any cup size and a low, rounded-square plunge back to show some skin. Plus, it’s black….

The Bandeau: Cut high at the leg, this version of the bandeau style one-piece from Norma Kamali is perfect for those with a smaller chest (not flat hard to keep it up – le sigh, me – and not too big, they might pop out!) who wish to emphasize a long lean leg. The bright green color is also a great complement to a mojito…

The Monokini: Otherwise known as the swim version of Julia Roberts’ infamous dress in Pretty Woman. This royal blue number from Araks really works because of it draws the eye in a zig-zag from shoulder to hip…. pretty sexy.

The Gingham: The idea of a printed or patterned suit (or this gingham version from Karla Colletto) feels almost like a very femme camouflage. The one-shoulder and lace-up side keeps it not too precious… even if you happen to also love polka dots and picnics.

The Classic: Very smart, classically cool and ideal for any body type, Solid & Striped’s striped suit has a deep scooped back to show off all the laps you’ve been swimming. And the color-scheme is just in time for Independence Days all over the world!

The Sporty Scuba: Part rash-guard, J.Crew’s zip-neck green one-piece makes those surf lessons you’ve been meaning to sign up for more necessary. If only to wear when talking to the instructor…

With so many choices, is it impossible to settle on just-a-one-piece? Or can we make room in the hodgepodge bathing suit drawer for something that will surely last more seasons than Twin Peaks?

Look 1 / Black Swimsuit, Eres; Grey Cardigan, Vince; Bracelet, Saskia Diez. Look 2 / Green Bandeau Swimsuit, Norma Kamali; Mixed Green Cardigan, Trademark; Silver Bangles, Robert Lee Morris. Look 3 / Blue Swimsuit, Araks; Patterned Cardigan, Billy Reid; Bracelet, Robert Lee Morris Gold Cuff. Look 4 / Gingham Swimsuit, Karla Colletto; Polka Dot Cardigan, Comme des Garçons; Bracelets, Saskia Diez  & Tate simple gold ball chain.  Look 5 / Striped Swimsuit, Solid & Striped; Lace-Paneled Cardigan, Adam Lippes; Earrings, Tate. Look 6 / Zip-Neck Green Swimsuit, J.Crew; Cardigan, Chinti + Parker; Ring, Tate.