2012SWIMWEAR TRENDS

2012 Swimwear Trends - Bandeau Alternatives

The bandeau top is generally not the best look for tall women because the small piece of fabric around the chest doesn't provide shape or definition to a tall woman's long body. That being said, one of the best 2012 swimwear trends involved bandeau alternatives that expand on the basic bandeau. These alternative bandeau tops involve additional shapes and straps that reach up around the arm and neck, helping draw attention upward. If you like the comfort of a bandeau, but you want to flatter your figure, look for these bandeau alternatives.

2012 Swimwear Trends - 70's Style Swimwear

Seventies-style bell bottoms, woodblock platform heels and high-waisted jeans have all been popular in 2011, and it looks like 70's style designs and shapes will continue into 2012 swimwear trends. These types of designs are flattering on most figures, including the tall woman's frame. Consider picking up crocheted cover-ups with bell sleeves or paisley swimsuits with a semi-modest cut across the hips and bust.

2012 Swimwear Trends - 50's Style Swimsuits

2011's swimwear incorporated lots of 50's style swimsuits with high-waisted, modest bikini bottoms paired with bra-style, full-coverage tops. Clearly, the 50's style swimwear isn't going to go away, but you can look forward to more modern cuts for 2012's 50's style swimsuits. Norma Kamali's Swimwear is the perfect example of how staid, frumpy looking suits can be turned into something sexy. Unlike 2011's suits, 2012 features smaller bikini bottoms and lingerie-style tops with lots of girlie ruffles and lace. One-piece suits are similarly sexy and modest, pairing short skirts with deep v-neck halter tops.

2012 Swimwear Trends - Bold Colors and Designs

Many of the 2012 swimwear trends featured simple cuts and patterns with dark, bold colors and designs. When shopping for swimsuits, look for navy, plum, gold, maroon or hunter green fabrics cut in stark geometric shapes. You can keep it simple with a triangle shaped halter top or opt instead for a more daring one-shouldered one-piece or a square-shaped surf shirt like the Sonia Vera Swimwear top featured above.