Swim: Retro CHiC

{Dolce & Gabbana Striped Bandeau Bikini | net-a-porter.com}

It’s OFFICIAL… Summer has arrived!  In the shadow of Memorial Day, the search is on for a CHiC swimsuit to make me look extra cool poolside while I watch the thermostat rise, rise, rise!  Since you may be in the same boat, I thought I’d take you along as I navigate the waters {no pun intended} of swimsuit shopping.  I’ve planned a series of posts to hit some of the hot swimwear trends of 2013, but I had to start with my forever favorite ~ Retro CHiC!  After seeing Kate Upton on the June cover of Vogue, I did a mini-dance and celebrated this trend that has never really left, in my book.

The figure-flattering look harkens back to the bombshell beauties of bygones past and will give you an old-Hollywood-glam attitude.  While most of these suits are designer pieces {with the accompanying designer price tags!}, they’ll give you an idea to take with you as you seek out your own vintage beach look.  Here are a few classic retro-swim hallmarks to keep in mind as you search:

• High-waisted, belly-taming bottoms;
• Cinched-in waists;
• Sweetheart and halter necklines;
• Shirred sides that accentuate the waist and hips;
• Fuller-cupped tops; and
• Boy-legged bottoms

I had so much fun pulling this post together because I love just about every retro suit I came across.  Pair any one of them with some classic Ray-Ban Aviators and a fabulous hat {plus sunscreen, of course!} and you’ll take the pool by storm!

{Kate Upton, June Vogue | Photographed by Mario Testino}

{Kate Upton, June Vogue | Photographed by Mario Testino}

{Club Bossa Swim | clubebossa.com}

{Huit Swimwear 2013}

{Lisa Marie Fernandez Poppy High-Waisted Bikini | lisamariefernandez.com}

{Adriana Degreas Hot Pants Silk Bikini | shopstyle.com}

All the suits below I pulled from Vogue’s fabulous “Dive In: 45+ Suits for Summer” spread.  It’s a super run-down of this summer’s hottest swimsuit trends to help you out in your own swimsuit quest.  {Photographer Marko MacPherson | Stylist Bill Laughlin}…

{Prism St. Tropez Bikini Top and Hollywood Bikini Bottom | prismlondon.com}

{Eres Algebre Top and Alpax Bottoms | eresparis.com}

{Gossard Egoboost Plunge Bikini Top and Retro High-Waisted Shorts | asos.com}

{Thapelo Bibi Bandeau and Angie High-Waisted Briefs | nancymeyer.com}

{Clube Bossa Feline-Print Twist Bandeau and High-Waisted Bottoms | clubebossa.com}

{Baku Balconette Color-Blocked Bikini and High-Waisted Bottoms | asos.com}

Makes you want to grab your best friend and head to the beach in a retro two-piece {CHiC cover-up in tow, of course!}  Be a vintage vixen in a retro suit this summer and let me know if you opt for this trend!  Cheers to SUMMER!