SWIM SEASON

It may not be warm enough yet for weekends at Third Beach, but after such a long, legendary winter, we’ve cracked open the rosé a little earlier this year and are gearing up for some well-deserved warm-weather action. First up on the agenda? New swimwear. Like so much else in fashion right now, there’s a real hodgepodge of trends out there in the world of swimwear — which isn’t a bad thing when it comes to such a notoriously difficult, highly individual purchase decision. From preppy gingham prints to retro riffs and more, Rebecca Tay presents five styles that will turn heads whether you’re splashing in the pool or lounging at the beach.

OUT OF THE BLUE

Marysia continues to dominate the designer swimwear market with its chic suits, including this Gramercy maillot. The sexy, plunging front offsets the playful peplum, while the wishy-washy watercolour stripes offer a modern take on a classic seaside motif. J.Crew, jcrew.com | $468

HELLO, SUNSHINE

There’s nothing like some good ol’ vitamin D to make us feel a touch happier, and we swear that wearing something in the brightest shade of yellow you can find has the same effect. And while the colour of this bikini speaks volumes, its pared-down silhouette keeps things sophisticated.

Old Navy, oldnavy.ca | $24.94 each (top and bottom sold separately)

THE BLACK LIST

A black swimsuit is a no-brainer, but what style should you get this season? While last year was all about halterneck bikinis and paradoxically skimpy one-piece suits, let’s go ahead and call 2018 the summer of nostalgic references — think wide-set straps, ’70s textures, tortoiseshell details, and boy-cut bottoms.

H&M, hm.com | $24.99 (top), $17.99 ( bottoms)

RUFFLE FEATHERS

Designer Lisa Marie Fernandez, who put fancy neoprene swimwear on the map and is now doing the same with seersucker, is the ultimate poster child for the fabulous life (seriously, is she ever not on vacation?). We can’t get enough of this ruffled bikini, which has a slight retro flavour thanks to its button detailing and sugary sweet hue. NET-A-PORTER, net-a-porter.com | $195 each (sold as a set)

GINGHAM STYLE

Don’t be a square: gingham prints are always fresh for summer — not least because they remind us of barbecues and afternoons sitting on the grass in the park. Enter this sassy Lacey one-piece from Reformation, the L.A.-based eco-conscious cool-girl brand. Wear with cat-eye sunnies and high-waisted denim shorts and consider your perfect summer outfit sorted. Reformation, thereformation.com | US$148