Anyone else guilty of wearing the same swimwear for the past several years? (Guilty as charged.) Even as someone who works in fashion, I often find it hard to justify splurging on a swimsuit, especially since I don’t wear them often. Plus, I tend to stick to simple, neutral pieces. But attending Paraiso Miami Swim Week 2024, the ultimate showcase for swimwear designers, was a game-changer for me.
This year’s swim trends completely opened my eyes to how creative and versatile swim fashion can be. Designers went all out with bold silhouettes, futuristic styles, boho vibes, and minimalist designs. From eye-catching colors and unique graphics to edgy details and boho-chic elements, the runway was packed with inspiration. You’ll definitely see these trends all over the beach and poolside this summer, so consider this your guide to updating your swim collection.
If you’re like me and usually stick to basics (looking at you, trusty ribbed bikini from 2014) or you love to take style risks, these hot-off-the-runway trends from designers like Sinesia Karol, Leslie Amon, Chloe Rose, and more are here to inspire your next swimwear purchase. No matter your aesthetic—be it coquette, Y2K, grunge, cottagecore, or anything in between—these styles will have you ready for any upcoming vacation. Pro tip: Pair these swim looks with the latest summer shoes, bags, and jewelry to make your outfit shine!
Butter Yellow: The New Summer Must-Have
Move over, bright yellow bikini! This summer is all about the soft, happy vibes of butter yellow. This light, dreamy shade feels uplifting and perfect for any sunny occasion, whether you’re lounging by the pool or hitting the beach. It’s a great option for those who love wearing white but want to switch things up with a bit more color. Plus, it pairs beautifully with lively shades like green, blue, and pink—ideal for mixing and matching cover-ups.
Metallics: High-Shine Swimwear with a Futuristic Edge
Metallic swimwear stole the spotlight on the runways this year, bringing a fresh, futuristic twist to classic styles. Think shimmering hues like bubblegum pink, ice blue, silver, and gold. Some pieces even featured reflective accents that added a galactic vibe to the look. If you want to add a little sparkle to your vacation wardrobe, this trend is a must-try. Style it with oversized wrap sunglasses for an out-of-this-world beach ensemble.
Black and White: The Classic Combo Gets a Chic Update
Miami Swim Week declared that the sophisticated black-and-white combo is officially back. This timeless pairing, inspired by iconic figures like The Parent Trap’s Meredith Blake, was seen in countless styles on the runway. It’s sleek, versatile, and endlessly chic. Designers showed that there are so many ways to play with this color palette, making it bold, modern, and anything but basic.
Silk Scarves: Versatile Accessory for Elevated Beach Looks
Silk scarves are a summer essential if you’re looking to add an elegant touch to your swim outfits. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, these scarves can be styled in multiple ways. Wear one over your head to protect your hair and scalp from the sun, or tie it around your waist or shoulders for a makeshift skirt, top, or cover-up. You can even wrap it around your beach bag for an added whimsical flair.
Ombré: Soft Gradients for a Summer Glow
Summer is the perfect time to embrace ombré styles, and this season’s version is all about soft, watercolor-like gradients. Unlike the sharp contrasts of ombré trends from years past, 2024’s take is more seamless, resembling a sunset palette. Picture yourself in a gorgeous gradient bikini or breezy dress, accessorized with a mini straw bag, lounging on the coast of Italy or Greece. Manifesting this look yet?
Gleaming Hardware: The Edgy or Elegant Touch
Details matter, and swimwear with built-in hardware delivers just that! From edgy chains to sleek, sophisticated accents, this trend lets your swimsuit double as jewelry. The best part? You can leave your accessories at home and let your bikini’s hardware do all the talking. Choose between subtle metallic rings or go all out with heavy-duty accents for a show-stopping look.
Floral Appliqués: Romantic 3D Embellishments
Floral appliqués are making a romantic comeback in 2024, adding a touch of elegance to swimwear. This 3D flower detail can either be bold and front-and-center or delicately sprinkled for a more subtle effect. For a dreamy summer aesthetic, this trend is perfect. These floral accents work beautifully not just on swimwear, but as part of everyday outfits. Try wearing a rosette-adorned one-piece as a bodysuit with jeans or style a 3D floral bikini top with a flowy skirt for a chic beach-to-brunch look.
Netting: The Ultimate Beachy Cover-Up
Be the catch of the day with netted cover-ups! This breathable, airy style screams tropical, beachy vibes while providing just the right amount of coverage. Whether you opt for a loose sweater, pants, dress, or a chic cover-up, netting is the go-to trend for those who want to effortlessly transition from poolside lounging to dinner plans.
Animal Print: A Neutral with a Wild Side
In my book, animal print is the ultimate neutral. It’s subtle enough for a muted look while still packing a punch. Miami Swim Week was full of animal-print swim styles, from classic silhouettes to intricate strappy one-pieces. It’s the go-to choice if you want something versatile that still makes a statement. Simply throw on your favorite cover-up and you’re ready for the beach!
Belly Chains: Y2K Nostalgia That’s Here to Stay
Channel Y2K vibes with belly chains this summer! Adding a bit of sparkle around your waist or hips can elevate your swim look instantly. Opt for a simple gold chain for a minimalist vibe, or go bold with charms and intricate designs. For water-friendly wear, look for materials like stainless steel, solid gold, platinum, titanium, or ion-plated jewelry to avoid tarnishing.
FAQs
Q: Are metallic swimsuits comfortable to wear?
A: Yes, many metallic swimsuits are designed with soft, stretchy materials that are comfortable for all-day wear. Just make sure to check the fabric blend to ensure a comfy fit.
Q: How do I style belly chains with my swimwear?
A: Belly chains can be worn around your waist or hips. Pair them with high-waisted bikinis for a retro vibe, or layer them over a one-piece for an edgy, modern look.
Q: Can silk scarves get wet?
A: While silk scarves are versatile, they are not water-friendly. Avoid getting them wet to prevent damage. Use them as a stylish cover-up or tie them around your beach bag for a chic accessory.
