Yes, it’s still cold weather season – even in Southern California. However, just like Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and every other holiday in fall of 2008, every season is coming a little earlier for retailers desperate for consumers to spend money.
This is why you may have noticed that swimsuit season is now upon as – at least, that’s what the stores are telling us. And if you want to go for a classic look, retro one-piece swimsuits seem to be everywhere. So, if you look at the beach or pool sides as just another way for you to strut your fashion sense, you may want to try this more grown-up look.
Here’s a list of possible retailers to go to for updated versions of the style. No need to go thrift shopping – that is, unless you wanted to.
Retro One-Piece from Delias: Delias is selling a one-piece, strapless swimsuit with a boy-short style bottom cut. It comes in fun, solid colors like sky blue and hot pink. There’s also a floral hibiscus print that comes in blue/black or pink/black. Delias also sells what it calls a “Poppy Belt,” which can be paired with the suit for a cinched in waist look – not the most functional though if you are actually going to do some major swimming. Still, it’s a youthful look, and the bonus is that Delias sells matching cardigans in the same floral prints.
Price: $38.50
Sizes: XS-XL, plus long torso cut
From: www.delias.com
Retro Halter Swimsuit by Pinup Couture: If you want the authentic look, check out The Bettie One-Piece swimsuit by Pinup Couture. This is a classic halter style top with a skirted bottom in a red polka dot pattern. It’s really cute and covers up your lower half if that’s your problem area. The suit has a built-in shelf bra and adjustable tie halter straps. This may not offer the most support though for bustier girls. This also comes in a cherry print.
Price: $68
Size: Medium, Large
From: www.pinupgirlclothing.com
Retro Halter by Popina: I like the red and white polka dot pattern on the retro halter, but it also comes in black, heart detail, poppies print and blue polka dot prints as well. The top of this suit is a halter and the bottom has a boy short cut. This provides good versatility for someone who will actually be doing a lot of swimming since it isn’t skirted like a traditional 50s style swimsuit.
Price: $75
Size:XS-XL
From: www.popinaswimwear.com
Retro Bustier One-Piece from Victoria’s Secret: Strapless one-piece with demi-cup style top. This suit has underwire cups for support along with a removable halter strap. The suit comes with a buck belt in red or black. The design is simple, overall, and the color options are pretty basic. If you look at the lower half of the suit, it looks like a more modern cut one-piece, so not as “retro” as others out there. However, if you need support, this is a much more structured swimsuit than other swim suits.
Price: $88
Sizes: 6 (A-B), 8-10 (A-D), 12 (B-D)
From: www.victoriassecret.com
Kimchi Blue Skirted Retro One-Piece: Halter top style suit with skirted bottom. The suit has an interior shelf bra and simple front gathering at the bust area. I like this suit for its simplicity, but it still is able to capture the retro look. Plus, it comes in a really nice coral, lavender or black.
Price: $98
Size: Small, Medium, Large
From: www.urbanoutfitters.com
Shoshanna: This is a halter style with ruching detail on the body. The plus on this suit is its underwire cups for support. Plus, I like the thick fabric material. Again, this is another simple style. The only downside is that it’s only available in black.
Price: $165
Size: Small, Medium, Large
From: www.shopbop.com
