Heat up the beach with mix-and-match swimwear, floral and tribal prints

Who says you can't be fashionable wherever you are and whatever the weather?

With the heat set to intensify in the coming months, beach weather will soon be at hand. Fashion-forward beach-lovers would do well to stock up on cotton fabrics, flowy sheers, and cover-ups easily matched with shorts and sandals.

And while the two-piece bikini is still the number one choice of swimwear among the ladies, it also pays to keep in mind which cuts, patterns, and fabrics suit your body type.

In and out

But let's begin with what's out this season, first: catsuits, bright neon colors, polka dots, and plain stripes. These were nudged out of fashion by colorful floral prints, tribal prints, and deconstructed stripes.

Print and tribal designs in subdued pastel colors are hot for menswear this season; specifically, the print on print look. One can slap either of those on tank tops and call themselves beach ready.

“Uso rin ang mix and match ngayon,” said Minna Co, senior marketing manager of Forever 21 Philippines in a 24 Oras video Tuesday. “It doesn't matter anymore dahil people experiment more.”



Dress to match your body type

Without further ado, the right swimwear for female body types:

• Petite types should wear triangle design bikinis and cheeky bikini bottoms.
• The bottom-heavy may fare better with high-waisted and dark-colored bikini bottoms.
• Fringe bandeau tops will serve the flat-chested well.
• Those on the chubby side may want to consider one-piece suits with cutouts and designs to one side.

“This is very good [for giving] emphasis on the upper body, making it fuller,” said Co. — Vida Cruz/BM, GMA News