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Suiting up

Stay on the first wave of pool-party style

Sam Glaser

Wed, Apr 28, 2010 (6:05 p.m.)

Modern

Trends: Ruffles, bandeaus, intricate detailing and bold prints. Watch for watercolors, Jackson Pollock-like paint splatters and cute-as-can-be polka dots. Native to: LA, New York, Brazil, Las Vegas Spot it: XS, Liquid, Palms Place Pool Shop it: Cosabella ($$$), Ella Moss ($$), Victoria’s Secret ($) Tips: Cover-up options add fun, sophistication. Browse cheaper brands to avoid suits everyone will wear. Pictured: Beach Sexy, Ruffle-Trim Bandeau top and bikini (victoriassecret.com)

Daylife

Trends: Metal, chains, rhinestones, tattoo art and acid-wash details Native to: South Beach, Las Vegas Spot it: Rehab, Palms Pool & Bungalows, Tao Beach Shop it: Beach Bunny ($$$), Syrup ($$), Guess ($) Tips: The Vegas tourist can border on Miami Beach style in a way that borders on Jersey Shore. Opt for rhinestone details, not rhinestones everywhere, to avoid the Snooki-look. Pictured: Beach Bunny Chain of Fools (beachbunnyswimwear.com)

Designer

Trends: Tribal prints, exotic animal patterns and new twists on classic branding Native to: France, Italy, Brazil, LA, New York Spot it: Azure, Liquid, XS Shop it: Diane Von Furstenberg ($$$), Badgley Mischka ($$), Betsey Johnson ($) Tips: High-end designer clothing should have premium fabric. Loud logos are not your friend. Find unique designs with understated branding. Pictured: Vix Bia Snake Bikini (shopbop.com)

Beach babe

Trends: Eye-popping colors and bright prints like jigsaw, mosaic, tropical, animal and floral. Native to: Orange County, San Diego, Australia. Spot it: Rehab, Palms Pool & Bungalows, Wet Republic. Shop it: Roxy ($$$), Insight ($$), Volcom ($). Tips: Surf brands set their own trends and offer fresh swimwear at modest prices. Many styles are made with performance in mind—made for beach sports, great for water fights. Pictured: Insight Leaps and Bounds Bikini (swell.com)

Daylife

Trends: Detailed artwork featuring women, angels, skulls, crosses and metallic foil Native to: LA, Miami, Las Vegas Spot it: Rehab, Wet Republic, Palms Pool & Bungalows, Tao Beach Shop it: John Varvatos ($$$), True Love False Idols ($$), Affliction ($) Tips: Don’t go overboard. Balance out bright, detailed board shorts with a plain white V-neck. Leave the Ed Hardy in 2009. Pictured: Remetee Ironfist Board Shorts (soliscompany.com)

European/modern

Trends: Bold lines and texture, shorter cuts and modest branding. These men aren’t afraid to show a little leg. Native to: Italy, French Riviera, Monaco Spot it: Bare, Liquid, Azure Shop it: D&G ($$$), Diesel ($$), Hugo Boss, Zegna Sport ($) Tips: If you’re into Speedos, consider European-style shorts instead. They’re more appropriate for Las Vegas and offer an instant boost of approachability without showing off the goods. Pictured: D&G Stripe-Swim Trunks (neimanmarcus.com)

So-Cal

Trends: Stripes and plaids, geometric shapes, photos, collages Native to: Orange County, San Diego Spot it: Most pools Shop it: Insight ($$$), Matix ($$), Quiksilver ($) Tips: Mix tank tops, graphic tees or basic V-necks with patterned board shorts, Chucks, Vans or flip-flops for a casual and comfortable look. Pictured: Matix Ninja Whackjob Trunks (swell.com)

’80s and ’90s retro

Trends: Bright colors with ’80s- and ’90s-inspired prints and pops of fluorescents with black Native to: LA, NY, Maui, Australia Spot it: Tao Beach, Wet Republic, Palms Pool & Bungalows Shop it: Warriors of Radness ($$$), Sundek ($$), Maui & Sons ($) Tips: If you’re trying the retro look, own it. Don’t stop with board shorts—consider neon Wayfarers, tanks, five- panel hats and fanny packs (if you dare). Pictured: Maui & Sons Boardshorts (lifeanddeathclothing.com)

See something you like? Tell us which of these styles you think will rule the pool this summer in the comments section below.

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I'm hoping modern and beach styles will be more prevalent at the pools this summer. While the daylife looks are hot, Sam is right, it's too easy to cross the border into Jersey Shore land! Also loving the retro looks for men. Great article!

Posted by: elind on 5/3/10 at 12:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

what a great read! I found this informative, witty, and amusing. I would love to see more style tips from the weekly!

Posted by: gaucho on 5/3/10 at 3:16 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Solid article. Glad to see the weekly finally getting some fashion sense.
Can we please lose the "daylife look" aka, the affliction/ed hardy/ tatoos etc. fad that is plaguing vegas? it is so played out!!!
let's get a bit more unique.
my dude sam has hit the nail on the head.
Count on me rockin Jackson Pollock-like paint splatters all summer!

Posted by: sirjordan on 5/3/10 at 5:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Love the article. Glad I held out before buying some new trunks.

Also, I hope to see more ladies sportin' your recommendations. Can we get rid of Ed Hardy before we become stigmatized as white trash central?

Posted by: j-money on 5/4/10 at 9:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Totally been rockin the fanny packs, and definitely see the 80's, 90's retro going strong. In fact we just placed an order of custom fanny's for our company. You hit it on the head...

Posted by: jrpease on 5/4/10 at 8:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

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