ChickSpeak

Every year summer heat rolls in on a mix of thunderclouds and sunny days, and every year bathing suit season comes with just as stormy of an outlook. Suddenly that pale skin and soft shape seem garish and lumpy, where just a few months ago sweaters and boots cocooned you in confidence.

Enter this season’s latest rage: vintage inspired swimwear. Tuck away those skimpy triangle tops of yore, and look with satisfaction at the return of your slinky, womanly curves in the department store mirror.

Most stores and designers are now offering more flattering suit cuts, including high waisted bottoms, underwire tops, and maillots. Think Marilyn Monroe reclined luxuriously on a California pool chaise, Howard Hughes salivating at her beauty. Not only do these suits cover more, they highlight the waist and collarbone areas on a woman-areas men find most attractive.

If you feel these fresh styles are too glam or bold for you to try, consider a sporty boyshort look. Wearing boyshorts instead of a tiny bikini bottom with a regular top or even tankini will help you feel more comfortable, and look quite athletically cool at the same time.

Even as subtle a change as adding a printed paisley bikini top to your regular collection will refresh your old suits and switch up your look. If these still don’t work for you, try a Bond girl inspired white bikini to show off your newly bronzed body; trust me, you’ll get everyone’s guns blazing.

Victoria Meade is a senior English major at Appalachian State University. She loves Old Hollywood and spends too much money on clothes. She hopes to grow up to be Princess Jasmine from Aladdin.