More choices than ever when choosing a swimsuit

More choices than ever when choosing a swimsuit When it comes to color, trendy females are frolicking in the sun sporting bright blue, lime green, turquoise and fuchsia. “Swimsuits are more fun this year than they have been in the past,” T.J. Maxx style expert Sonya Cosentini said. “They’re not the plain old one-pieces of the past.” What is the hottest style? “Bikinis have always been around, but they are bigger than ever this year,” Cosentini said. Beach-goers who prefer to show less skin have plenty of other options. “There are a wide variety of styles from halters to bandeaus to tankinis, which offer more coverage but are still stylish,” Cosentini said. “Choosing the best swimsuit is all about what you feel comfortable in. There are so many fun styles out there. You can pick and choose what you like best.” The popularity of tankinis remains strong, the “bandini” featuring a bandeau top is starting to edge into the mix. “Bandeaus are great if you have strapless dresses. Then you don’t have to worry about tan lines,” Cosentini said. Keep in mind that the strapless bandeau may not be the best choice for water activities. When it comes to bottoms, styles vary from low-rise to high-waist versions. “Skirted bottoms are popular for all ages,” Jean Sternman, apparel buyer for Carson Pirie Scott & Co., said. “They can be flirty and youthful, and hide flaws on the legs.” But a single suit may not be enough for an action-packed summer near the beach or pool. “You may want to buy a sporty and a glamorous suit,” Sternman said. “Then you can switch suits depending on what you’re doing.” Another alternative for fashion-conscious women is coordinated swimsuit separates. Shoppers can acquire versatility by purchasing two different tops and one bottom, or two styles of bottoms and one top. The added bonus? “Separate tops and bottoms are made to fit women to a T,” Sternman said. “We also have suits available in bra-sizing for bigger-busted women with C, D and DD cups.” For the true swimmer, Carsons carries competitive suits that hold up well in chlorine water. These styles tend to be sporty with clean, crisp lines and have board shorts for bottoms. Preference and level of activity are not the only things to consider when buying a bathing suit. “It’s best to try on a large assortment of different styles to see what works best for your figure,” Sternman said. “We carry suits for all ages, including plus sizes.” Shopping for swimwear does not always end with the right suit. “The beach and pool are like a runway now,” Cosentini said. So it is important to complete the look from head to toe. Trendy spring dresses in cotton and terry cloth are doubling as beach cover-ups, easily taking wearers from pool to play. “Dresses are very easy to put on for a trip to a restaurant or for a stroll on the beach,” Cosentini said. When it comes to shoes, wedges in stripes and polka dot patterns with cork or woven bottoms can spice up a solid-color bikini. Other popular options are ballerina flats, or the ever-popular flip-flops. For sun protection, some women are donning fedoras or floppy straw hats. Packable hats at Carsons can be crushed, folded in a beach bag and popped into shape again at the shore. Head scarves that tie beneath the hairline are growing in popularity. “The head scarf is big and will continue into the fall,” Cosentini said. “It’s great because it keeps hair back, stays on and is still stylish.” June 20, 2007 By Rena Fulka