Swimsuit – CollegeFashionista

Bagging the Beach Essentials

Growing up on an island, I qualify as a certified beach bum—if that were a position. I have learned from my own firsthand experiences, and people watching at the beach, that there is certainly a right and a wrong way to do a beach day. With the last weeks of summer upon us, it’s not too late to re-evaluate what you wear and what you bring to the beach. Whenever I am at the beach, I see women lugging huge beach bags that makes me imagine they are prepared for the apocalypse, but I have realized there is a happy medium in packing a beach bag. You can ensure that you are not forgetting anything, but don’t need to pack everything.

To pack the perfect beach bag, one first needs a great beach bag. I prefer a beach tote in a neutral color so that it matches all my cover-ups and swimsuits. I have been using this straw bag for years and one of the bonuses is that if you just shake it a bit, it gets all the sand out. If you want to dress it up, you can add a pom-pom key chain or a tie a silk scarf around the handles.

What’s Inside?

I like to use a smaller subset bag to hold all of my sunscreen and beauty supplies. Transparent bags are ideal because you can see exactly what is in it.

When it comes to sunscreen, as I am fair, I have tried and tested almost every sunscreen under the sun. My go-to is Australian Gold because it has bronzer in it, so it gives my skin a nice shine while protecting it. When constantly hopping in and out of the water, it is easier to not wear makeup, but I like to have a little color on my lips and I swear by this lip balm. After I get out of the water, I like to brush out my hair with this comb to eliminate any knots and then put it up with this clip. I try not to tie my hair up with a hair tie when it’s wet because it always seems to pull out so much hair.

Some other things I make sure to have in my bag are whatever sunglasses are the current favorite in my rotation, my Kindle (loaded up with some new books), and a big fluffy towel. I also like to throw a hat in there whenever I have had too much sun.

What are your beach essentials? Let us know on social media and don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

How to Feel Confident With Your Bikini Body

Summer is officially in full swing and the thought of trying to fit into last summer’s bikini after a long, cold winter can be daunting. However, there is no reason that everyone shouldn’t be able to feel beautiful and confident in a swimsuit. Here are a few tips and tricks to embrace your bikini body this summer.

Finding Your Confidence

First of all, embrace those curves! Let’s admit it, it is not easy to keep weight off after hibernating basically all winter long. With that being said, let your curves shine. The key to embracing your curves is finding the right bathing suit that will highlight the parts of your body that you love or feel most confident with. One-piece swimsuits are making a serious comeback this summer. I especially love this simple black one-piece from Urban Outfitters.

Next, get a tan. Being tan is most often the thing that makes women feel most confident in the summer. A glowing skin complexion will always make you feel more confident.

Another thing that can help you to feel more confident in your bikini body is to exfoliate and moisturize. Being on the beach all day or swimming in chlorine can take a toll on your skin. With the right skincare routine of rinsing, exfoliating, and moisturizing, your skin will feel refreshed and healthier, making you feel ever more vibrant and confident.

Next, try accessorizing. Never, and I mean never, underestimate the power of a few accessories. Although some accessories may not be totally practical for beach days, there are ways to subtly accessorize your look. Even simple sunglasses, like the Playa Mirrored Aviators by Quay, can help to update your look.

Lastly, try hitting the gym before heading out to the beach. Whether it’s just 20 minutes walking uphill or sprinting on the treadmill, a light workout always makes me feel stronger and sexier in a bathing suit. You don’t have to go full on Khloe Kardashian workout to make you feel confident in a bikini. With the right workout gear, like these adorable leggings from Neiman Marcus, you’ll be feeling more than ready to step out in your bikini. Even just a little cardio could help you feel more confident in a bathing suit!

These are just a few simple ways for you to feel like you rule the world when stepping out in your new bathing suit and bikini body.

Let me know in the comments below if you have tried any of these tips and whether they have made you feel confident with your bikini body!

SaveSave

How to Find the Perfect Swimsuit for Your Body

Finding the ever-elusive, perfect bikini is one of the summer’s biggest struggles. Avoiding any and all bodies of water is not the answer to this annual problem. There’s more than a few solutions to this decades-old issue.

1—The stomach-conscious girl.This swimsuit season is perfect for you because both one-piece swimsuits and high-waist bikini bottoms are on trend and better than ever. While one-piece swimsuits are flattering on almost any shape, they’re perfect for those of you still working to build your body confidence. Both of these pieces can hide any imperfections and create a definitive waistline. One-piece swimsuits with side cutouts are very popular!

2—The hourglass girl. For those of you hourglass-figured Fashionistas, it’s all about enhancing your assets. Wear statement pieces and bold prints on areas you’d like to showcase and wear solid, less eye-catching pieces on areas you’d like to detract attention. Mixing and matching tops and bottoms is great for this body shape.

3—The curvy beauties. Support can be a major issue when dealing with a bigger bust. Keep your eye out for retailers like ASOS that carry swimsuits in various cup sizes. Thicker straps and an adjustable band can go a long way in terms of support, which is why halter tops are a good option if you are bustier. If you’ve got it, flaunt it! There are plenty of bikinis out there for the curvy gals—it’s just about finding the right one for you.

4—The boyish and beautiful. For those of us Fashionistas who struggle with a lack of both bust and butt alike, tie-side bottoms and triangle tops are great for giving the appearance of a larger bust. Ruffles along swimsuit bottoms can allude to a curvier figure as well. Lucky enough for you, many swimsuits also come with push-up padding which can help give your figure a little more shape.

Bodies come in all shapes and sizes, and there are many ways to accommodate that while still flaunting your assets. Where have you found your favorite swimsuit? Share with us on social media, and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

One Piece of Advice for Back-to-School

Summer is slowly fading into back-to-school shopping days for supplies and best of all, clothes. Shopping for new school clothes is all fun and games until you see some of the company’s price tags. Especially as a broke college student, you want the best deal you can find. If you’re like me and always want a way to save money or reinvent your current wardrobe, stay tuned and read about how to transform current summer trends into a cute outfit for back-to-school!

What Is This Big Summer Trend?

A big trend for the past year has been the infamous bodysuit. Every girl and their mother have one. With that trend swarming the Internet and the streets, it was only a matter of time for people to break out the one-piece swimsuits. One-piece swimsuits haven’t seen the light of day since maybe elementary school. Now they’re all the rave with fun cut-outs, patterns, and the oh-so common high cut leg. No matter the suit you chose, any can be transformed into your next favorite school outfit.

Based on your selection of one-piece and your own personal style, choose a bottom that suits the look. Casual and comfortable looks call for a cute pair of denim shorts or boyfriend jeans. Denim screams casual, especially looser fitting (and also trendy) boyfriend jeans. More of a flirty, dressed-up look would go great with a cute mini or maxi skirt. My one-piece is a dusty mauve color with a low scoop back and a ruffle detailing. Ruffles really catch the eye and instantly give the look a flirty vibe. To keep the look flirty, I choose a lace-up corduroy mini skirt. Since I went for a dressier approach, sandal heels were my shoe of choice. For a more casual look, you might want a cute pair of flat sandals or even some comfy sneakers. Adding a simple pair won’t draw attention from the center of the look and it’s more practical for walking around campus.

Accessories should be chosen as you so please. I kept my accessories limited to my everyday stud earrings and two coin-like, simple necklaces. Ruffles were enough of their own accessory that I didn’t feel I needed much more. Adding more to your look is easy if you would like to. Layer more necklaces or choose your favorite go-to bracelets for more on the arms.

Make It Your Own Look

Although summer may be coming to an end, there will always be a bright side. The bright side here is that you can come up with so many new ways to style your current summer favorites for a fun and new school look! Don’t own any one-pieces or don’t want to limit your outfits? Use the same tips with your favorite bodysuits. Mix it up day to day based on your mood for a casual look to class or date nights!

How would you style your summer favorites for back-to-school? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!

4 Reasons Why One-Piece Swimsuits Are the Best

It seems like everywhere you look this summer, one-piece swimsuits are taking over. But, who can blame them? Cut-outs, loud patterns, and simple designs make these swimsuits flattering for every shape and size. There was a time where I refused to be caught dead in something other than a strappy, ill-fitting bikini. Now, this hot “old” trend has every college girl hurting their bank account just to have one or two. Plus, it is a nice break from having to be “bikini body ready” by the time summer rolls around. Here are four reasons why one-piece swimsuits are simply the best thing ever!

1—Simple yet stylish. This one-piece black swimsuit is so simple it almost does not even look something you could possibly swim in! It is simple in the mesh material design but the black top underneath it makes very fashion-forward. This mesh material look is also another trend that has been seen everywhere this year.

2—Body flattering. Rather you are size 10 or size 00, one-pieces are made to look flattering for every shape and size. They can accentuate the parts of your body that you love, (i.e cut-outs) or hide parts that you are not overly confident with, especially with a bold pattern to show off your personality!

3—Swimsuit or bodysuit? Going back to the first reason why these swimsuits are the best. Brands are very good at making these suits so nicely made and very on-trend that it looks like your average college girl bodysuit. These light wash jean shorts really bring this look from lakeside to dinner time in no time at all.

4—They actually never left. Yes, the one-piece suit is definitely high up on the list of latest trends this summer. However, they have been around longer than when we know. Of course, the different modifications from the 1800s until now are prominent, we can conclude that this trend is something that will never go out of fashion!

Never feel like you have to show some skin to look and feel your best, that is why the one-piece swimsuit is here for you!

Are you team one piece or team bikini? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t forget to tag us living it up in your swimsuits this summer @Cfashionista.

The One-Piece Still Rules

When I think of the one-piece swimsuit, it really throws me back to those awkward middle school years when my mom thought I was too young to be prancing around in a bikini. Well—thanks to the makers of fashion—those once coveted one-pieces we all used to wear as little girls are back in full force. Personally I found it hard to hop onto this trend; I mean, who wants to be reminded of their “brace face” days and get those awful tan-lines. But soon enough, like every other trendy Instagrammer, I got on board.

Recently while shopping around and doing much stalking of all my favorite bloggers, I finally decided to hop on the wagon and buy my first one-piece suit (well…since the 4th grade…)! The one I chose is from J. Crew—with such a bold summer print I instantly knew I had to have it. The low black and spaghetti straps also give it a bit of edginess since the print is young and fun.

I paired the suit with my absolute favorite Panama Hat from J. Crew. This hat is a necessity for every fashion-lover, considering it looks good on everyone. If you are wanting to be a little less bold with your one-piece a classic stripe or fun solid color can help tone things down a bit.

Summer is coming to a close, but the warm weather will be around for a little while longer! So hurry up and go get that swimsuit that you’ve been dying to wear all summer! I can’t wait to see everyone’s favorites so make sure to tag me and @CFashionista on Instagram!

What are some of your favorite swimsuit brands this season? Let us know in the comments below!

How to Make the Most Out of Your Beach Day

As soon as August 1 greets us, we are hit with the stunning realization that summer is approaching its end. With just a matter of weeks left until we return to the daily grind of classes and responsibility, we find ourselves desperately reaching out to grab onto any last bit of summer we can.

My personal way of dealing with this is by spending countless hours at the beach. There is no better way to soak up the last days of summer than with the sound of the ocean and the feeling of warm sand on your feet. There are a few simple ways to get the most out of your beach day, and the most out of what’s left of your summer.

1—Create the perfect playlist. Indie, EDM, country—it doesn’t matter what your taste is. Music can completely change the vibe of your beach day. I know that when I have a good playlist on the beach, I could sit there forever and ever just listening. Make sure you have plenty of songs and a great speaker!

2—Find a great bathing suit. Bathing suit shopping can be one of the most fun parts about summer; there are so many different styles for different people! It’s a great way to express your personality, whether you are retro, boho, or minimalistic. For the beach, I like to find simple one-pieces that will withstand the force of the waves and keep me comfortable.

3—Bring a book. Since the school year is such a busy time, it’s extremely difficult to find time to read for pleasure. The beach is the perfect place to do that. You can re-read an old favorite like Harry Potter, or take the time to read a career advice book; the possibilities are endless. Grab the perfect book (or multiple books, if you’re like me and fly through them), stick it in your beach bag, and go!

4—Wear a breezy cover-up. For a beach day, a flowy dress or coverup is very important. It’s best to have something easy to pull on and off throughout the day and something that is light and airy in the heat. A simple spaghetti strap dress will work perfectly all day long, from the time you first arrive in the morning to the evening sunset.

There are still so many things that can be done at the beach, which is why it is one of the best ways to spend your August days. If you can make the most of your beach days, maybe you can make the end of summer worthwhile before the days start getting cooler and shorter.

What are your beach day essentials? Share a picture on Instagram and don’t forget to tag @CFashionista!

One-Piece Revival

One of the coolest, and arguably the hardest, parts of living at the beach is getting swimsuits. I have a hard time finding swimsuits that I like, that are modest, and that fit me well. One-piece swimsuits are so easy to wear and insanely comfortable, which makes them more enjoyable to wear to the beach. This summer I found a couple of different brands that I love and I have even found a whole new love for one-pieces!

A swimsuit brand that I have become obsessed with is Kortni Jeane. With Kortni Jeane, you mix and match tops and bottoms to create your own one piece. They have all sorts of different patterns, prints, and styles to choose from. Every eight weeks or so she comes out with different lines and discontinues the old line, which makes it fun seeing all the different styles. Chances are, you probably won’t ever accidentally match anyone at the pool! You can shop pieces like this through her Instagram @kortnijeane.

It’s becoming easier to find swim suits like these at retailers and not just online. Forever 21, PacSun, Dillard’s, and local boutiques are starting to carry this trend. Another awesome place to find good one pieces is Target. Target has a variety of different kinds, colors, fits, and prints. You can never go wrong with shopping there, and especially in their swimwear line. Amazon and even Walmart are good places to shop for cute and trendy one pieces as well. You can’t beat the prices at these three retailers either!

One-piece swimwear is coming back in style and I love the vintage style that they are bringing. There are so many different types of swimsuits: the off-the-shoulder, high rise, the cut outs, and mesh. I love all the different styles and things you can do with a one-piece!

One-piece swimsuits are coming back in style, and I could not be more excited! Show us how you style your one piece on Instagram and tag us @cfashionista!

Take the Plunge—Styling a Swimsuit as Regular Clothes

Every spring I hear people say, “I can’t wait to just live in a bikini this summer!” But who can really live in a bikini when we have errands to run and groceries to shop for and coffee dates to attend? This summer season, take a plunge and try incorporating a swimsuit into your regular wardrobe. The oh-so-hot one-piece’s that work swimmingly on the beach work just as nicely as bodysuits and bikini tops double as unique bralettes. Dive into something new, (have I made enough puns yet?) and gather inspiration from the outfits I put together.

Look 1

This look features my favorite swimsuit at the moment; a low back scoop-neck white number that I often throw shorts over and try to pass off as a bodysuit.

A solid-colored one-piece is the easiest thing to transition into regular clothing. Fabric floral shorts and messy hair complete the look giving it an effortless feel. With a piece as simple as this one, try even a skirt and heels to dress it up for a night out. The possibilities are endless with a white one-piece.

Look 2

Wearing a bikini top underneath a tank is probably something we have all done a million times. Whether we were going to the beach or a pool party, it is no secret that bikini tops have acted as bras before when we were too lazy to change into our suit later. This time around, I challenge you to wear the top as a bralette.

This outfit features a criss-cross forest green bikini top layered underneath a knotted white tank. Paired with ’90s vintage denim shorts and classic beach sandals, you can be ready for lunch or ready for the beach at the same time.

Look 3

This swimsuit is a statement piece for sure. The bold watercolor pattern and the intricate straps at the lower back make wearing it as regular clothes a tougher sell than the others. But denim shorts fix every problem, (or at least I think so), so throwing on a dark-wash pair and some matching Converse bring it out of beachwear and into daywear.

While this idea may seem a little out there, the bottom line is that clothes are clothes! No need to hide away your favorite suit when you can throw on a pair of shorts and rock it to brunch.

Show us how you style your swimsuits into everyday outfits by tagging us @CFashionista on Instagram and Twitter!

6 One-Piece Trends That Are to “Dive” For

It’s that time of year again! The sun is out, the beach is calling, and those long summer days are upon us. And yes, this also means swimsuit season. A time to rock that suit and get your tan on, but for most of us, body blues can cloud our sunshine. We feel this pressure to have that perfect “beach bod”, but let’s be real, the ideal summer body does not exist. Because each and every one of us possesses a beautiful body that is ready for summer whenever it calls! And the best compliment to your confidence is the swimsuit. But not just any swimsuit, we’re talking one-pieces. Oh yes, for too long they have held a bad rep for being frumpy and outdated. But alas, the fashion heavens have answered our prayers. This swim season, one-pieces have been making a serious (and much needed) comeback. When shopping for your next suit, keep an eye out for these hot summer swim trends.

1—Tropical prints. Channel the tropics with wild prints adorned in palm leaves and exotic flowers. This bright and fun trend adds a fun new pattern to any classic suit. Bring on the coconut drinks!

2—Color blocking. This trend is huge in one-pieces this summer. Bright colors in smartly executed lines make a bold beach statement. This futuristic trend can brighten even the gloomiest of beach days!

3—All too relatable sayings. Nothing makes a swimsuit more enjoyable than a pun, joke or saying, people can relate to. Find one that makes you smile, then go forth and share it with the world!

4—Surfer chic. Surf’s up, baby! Swimwear this season takes surfer gear to a new level. It combines the classic fit and colors of the surfer bodysuit with the modern one-piece. There is no doubt that you’ll be one bodacious surfer babe this summer.

5—Details, details, details. The saying is true, it’s all in the details, at least for swimsuits anyways. Detailing in swimsuits is wildly popular. Whether it’s mesh cutouts, intricate embroidery, tassels, or buckles, these details will be sure to turn every burnt face on the beach.

6—Good old classic. Calling all Baywatch babes! The classic one-piece has made its triumphant return. The timeless ruby look of Farrah Fawcett has got to be the most sought-after look this summer. Like they say, don’t mess with a classic.

See? One-pieces really don’t have to induce yawning and disdain. With these fun summer trends, you’re bound to be the belle of the beach. You just wear something that makes you feel confident and beautiful this swim season! Now, time for beach emojis and cheesy summer captions.

How do you rock these one-piece trends? Show us on social media! Don’t forget to tag @Cfashionista!