It’s safe to say that last year we pretty much all took a hiatus from poolside parties and packed trips to the beach. As an optimist, I’m hoping things will be a little different in the months ahead, and yup, my mind has already drifted into the world of bikinis. I’m not a huge swimsuit person, so of course I took to the Internet’s favorite mood board, Instagram, to glean which styles I should be betting my money on. It didn’t take long for one trend in particular to emerge as the clear winner: French cut bikinis are back, and in a big way. A dominant style of the 80s, this revealing bikini silhouette takes some sartorial courage to get used to. I’ve noticed different ways to pull off a French cut bikini: from barely-there string bottoms as seen on Bella Hadid and Dua Lipa, to more full coverage cuts. The defining factor is the ultra high-rise hip revealing silhouette. This placement above the hip bone helps to create the illusion of longer legs–and I could always use a little bit of that. In my eagerness to fast forward to warmer days, I’ve already scanned the web for the French cut bikinis that are next-level gorgeous. I have no doubt these are some of the prettiest out there, so guaranteed you’ll be thinking about these too.
Shop the matching Padded Bikini Top ($18). A solid affordable choice.
The texture on this is so unusual and fun.
Shop the matching Leia Fine Line Bralette Bikini Top ($68). Treat yourself to a fresh green apple-colored bikini.
At this point, 2021 is the year of the cut-out.
Shop the matching Lacey Top ($60). Skatie’s selection of bikinis is top-notch.
Shop the matching Sugar on Top Triangle Bikini Top ($64). We’re always here for stripes.
Shop the matching Foxy String Bikini Top ($90). The bubblegum pink is so good.
Shop the matching Ava Bikini Top ($90). If you’re looking for minimalist suits with flare, look no further than Jade Swim.
Shop the matching Gulf Bikini Top ($68). Reformation always has some of the best vintage-inspired bikinis.
Shop the matching Baby Bikini Top ($78). With Jean’s ruched mini dress was a breakout piece last season, so expect their swimwear to also pop up all over your feed come summer.
Shop the matching Beach Wave Bikini Top ($99). If you still can’t get enough tie-dye.
Shop the matching Puff Sleeve Bikini Top ($90). For the girl that loves something a little extra.
Shop the matching Blue Crush Bikini Top ($95). A Mirror Palais suit is at the top of my summer shopping list.
Shop the matching Jeanette Strapless Bandeau Top ($90). The brand just released their latest collab with Hailee Steinfeld and it’s chockful of delicious 70s inspired prints.
The only words I have to describe this is wow!
Shop the matching Vintage Chic Bikini Top ($140). The paisley print with the lace-up top is pure millennial glamour.
Classic black, with a shiny twist.
Shop the matching Bikini Top ($90). Polka-dots and ruching lend a retro vibe.
Shop the matching Ambroise String Triangle Top ($90). I can envision a fun poolside soiree with this on.
Shop the matching Yash Bikini Top ($180). For the sustainably minded, Araks is a brand you can feel good about.
Shop the matching Underwired Bikini Top ($149). So wavy.
There’s something so effortlessly sleek about this, I wouldn’t mind wearing it all day.
