Must-Have Bikinis

Nothing says “beach getaway” like slipping on a bikini–the unofficial uniform for all things sun, surf and sand. While many people are concerned with summer suit picks, we know the best time to go suit shopping is in the winter, when tropical travel is at its prime. We talked to Harper’s BAZAAR senior digital editor Chrissy Rutherford, who’s based in New York but comes from Jamaican stock, to find out what suits we need to be seen in during 2017.

Chrissy Rutherford, Senior Fashion Editor
HarpersBAZAAR.com

I like collecting swimsuits for different locations—when you’re at a northeast beach you want to be more preppy, but when you’re heading to an island getaway you want something that feels more natural, like a crochet bikini.

No one makes a more fashion-forward suit than Lisa Marie Fernandez.

Every swim season is marked by different trends. For 2017, that includes geometric shapes, including cut-outs; fashion-forward touches, like one-shoulder, open-back and multiple straps; well-made materials–none of that see-through, wear-thin fabric will do anymore; and locale-appropriate prints and styles.

Bikini by Solid and Striped

Eres is a classic. Their suits last a lifetime and never go out of style.

Eres Swimwear

Other trends, which were seen at Miami Swim Week in November 2016, were bridal swimwear, tasseled swimsuits, crop tops, sheer paneling, halters, lace-up siding, and low-cut.

The Bikini A Day girls spend a lot of time in swimsuits, so they know a thing or two about how they should fit. They make the softest, most comfortable and most flattering bikinis around.

MondaySwimwear.com

Mikoh swimwear has been an obsession of Chrissy’s since they launched a few years ago. She calls their their seamless swim “as sleek as can be”.

MIKOH 2017 COLLECTION | POLYNESIA from MIKOH.

Overall, we’re seeing people live in their bathing suits a little bit more than they did before, which means they’ve become statement pieces in their own right. If you’re going to be wearing a suit from sunrise to sunset, it had better include the same fashion-forward design elements that clothes do, as functionality has given way to look, tan-lines be damned.

No matter which suit you choose, what’s certain is that Chrissy’s picks will ensure you’re the chicest person on the sand in 2017.

Written By: Jackie Bryant