The classic one-piece swimsuit is bringing sexy back this summer
As we move in to spring / summer, we’re no doubt going to be starting to think about what gorgeous bikinis we can buy to flaunt the best bits of our beautiful bodies…But all too often we forget about the humble one-piece, a swimwear item so classic it has the potential to look far more stunning on the beach than your average bikini.
Stay with us: this is not the dull swimsuit you were forced to wear in the late 90s during dreaded school swimming lessons. This is a much sleeker, more polished and, most importantly, strikingly sexy style for SS15! YCB favourite Lilylola curates luxury resort wear from a hand picked selection of exquisite designers, and have promised to convert us from bikini babes to swimsuit stunners this summer.
The team at Lilylola are no ordinary swimwear stockists; they search high and low for the best of the best in swimwear. ‘We don’t want to be a boutique stocking run of the mill swimwear, we want to be a boutique showcasing the finest and most beautiful swimwear out there!’ What it comes down to is creating these capsule collections for the Lilylola woman, described as a person with a sense of style that’s truly her own. Lilylola travel the world to find designers that offer something truly unique to their ideal woman. What’s more, most of the designers stocked at Lilylola are sold by them exclusively in the UK: ‘it’s what sets aside from other boutiques and keeps people coming back to us’.
What we’re really here to discuss though, is the one-piece and its epic comeback. There have of course been reappearances over the last few years, with super sleek minimal designs from brands like Eres, but it looks like designers are now really embracing the fun side of the iconic swimwear piece.
For us, the key thing about the swimsuit is it allows the wearer to feel confident by the pool or on the beach. While a two-piece does of course look oh-so-fabulous, both we and Lilylola really believe that women look their best when they feel their best, and so Lilylola stock a magical array of one-pieces that’ll cover up or flaunt exactly what you need covered or flaunted to feel super confident!
A swimsuit design can prove to be both racy and practical, we’ve learnt. ‘Moeva London is the perfect brand for ladies wanting a swimsuit with added sex appeal – these are swimsuits with added oomph, think plunge fronts, cut-outs and mesh paneling!’ The added bonus though, is that the super lycra material pulls you in in all the right places. Absolute statement pieces, these ones can be worn year after year!
Next up PilyQ, who (in our humble opinion) are nailing the bandeau swimsuit trend right now. ‘Bandeau swimsuits are a good option for ladies wanting to show a little more flesh and avoid those pesky shoulder strap tan lines’, Lilylola explain. They highlight the metallic multi-strap bandeau as one of their ultimate summer faves thanks to its flattering ruched bottom, padded top for that extra support, and its multi-strap back – because every girl needs some added wow factor in their wardrobe!
For those who love the idea of a bikini because, hey, you’ve worked hard for this body and want to show it off, don’t dismiss the allure of the swimsuit just yet… Lilylola tell us that there’s been a lot of plunge front swimsuits this year, so if you’re all about flaunting a little cleavage, the Nicole Olivier Plunge Front Swimsuit in Pink could be the way to go. Been doing your lunges and have legs to die for? Strut across the sand in Chio Di Stefania’s D Jewel Bandeau. Alternatively, the Papueen Floral Swimsuit shows off toned arms, and Moeva’s Bridget Plunge Front Swimsuit in White has such a low plunge it’ll flaunt a flat stomach!
Now, the one thing that does make us, and many women, a little wary of the innovative swimsuit is the thought of bizarre tan lines. The horror! But there’s nothing stopping you from transforming a one-piece into the perfect beach bar or day trip get up instead of your ultimate sunbathing companion. Just pair with an intricately detailed kaftan or some lightweight lace shorts and a luxe pair of gladiator sandals!
But if you’re still not convinced about the one-piece – what more do you want?! – Lilylola do also have a huge range of bikinis. One of our favourite trends for bikinis is old school fifties glamour, and Lilylola have a gorgeous pair of high waisted bikini bottoms by Italian designer Masquenada. Go crazy and mix and match with a gorgeous sequin bandeau bikini. Team with a lace tunic for easy day time glamour and you’ll be owning the beach!
So go on, ditch the boring old image of the dowdy one-piece, and embrace the seriously sexy future of the swimsuit!
