Ten Classic Swimwear Trends Under $50

It’s swimsuit season, fashionistas, which means you get to flaunt your figure (and your fashion) in your teeniest, tiniest ensembles. But who wants to spend a $100 or more for a little strip of fabric you’ll only wear for a few months?

We don’t either, so we’ve found ten classic swimwear styles that will still be around next year for under $50. You’ll feel way more confident about your beach body if you love what you’re wearing, so don’t be afraid to fall in love with these super cute, classic styles. You’ll look great in them this year and next, and you’ll barely notice the effect on your bank account.

1. Polka Dots
The yellow polka-dot bikini has been an icon for decades, and it never goes out of style. Polka dots are especially huge in 2011, so it’s easy to find a spotted suit this year. If yellow’s not your thing, try classic black or even red.

Underwire Balconet Top & Ruched Hipster, $29.50, Delia’s

2. Strings
When it comes to sexy suits, there’s nothing hotter than a string bikini. Simple yet stylish, this versatile suit will be your go-to swimwear for years.

Smotherman String Bikini, $25, Aldo

3. One-Shoulder
The single-shouldered swimsuit is chic and exotic, giving you that “wow” factor without loading you down with beads, sequins and other details that are totally going to fall off. Give yourself that extra edge by showing off a little shoulder.

Merona One Shoulder Shirred One Piece, $35, Target

4. Stripes
Nothing screams “nautical” like stripes, so when you’re hitting the water, dress the part in a striped bikini. It’s cute, but not too girlish, and blue and white stripes will never go out of style.

Sequined Triangle Top and Bottom, $25 and $24, Victoria’s Secret

5. Blue
Turquoise, teal, navy, sky– whatever the shade, blue is the color of the beach. Rock your favorite shade of this hue in your swimsuit without worrying about the color going out of style. The “it” hues change all the time, but at the beach, blue is always in.

Apt 9 Ruffle Swim Separates, $23 each, Kohl’s

6. Retro
Take the classic suit to the extreme with a truly timeless ensemble. Retro is fun and sexy, plus, it gives you an excuse to cover up a little when hitting the sand.

Stripe Balconet Bikini, $49, Topshop

7. Mix & Match
If you’re going to buy more than one suit, it’s a fantastic idea to choose pieces that mix and match. Select simple, classic cuts and colors with little to no embellishment, and you can pretty much mix and match any bottom and top in your drawer, saving you the hassle of hunting for mysteriously lost separates. Stores like Old Navy, Victoria’s Secret and Express sell lots of separates that pair perfectly with dozens of options.
Knotted Halter & Boyshort Bottoms, $19.50 each, Old Navy

8. Skirts
A skirted swimsuit isn’t just cute, it also serves a fabulous purpose of covering up a little of that booty, just in case you weren’t quite ready for swimsuit season. Whatever your size or shape, a skirt leaves a little to the imagination while letting you show off your girly side.

Floral Print Top & Skirted Bikini Briefs, $17 and $11, Asos

9. Tropical
Swimsuits in deep floral or bright patterned prints help you look less like a stressed-out professional in need of some R&R and more like a Brazilian supermodel who lives at the beach. When you hit the water, you’ll look and feel like you belong there in a gorgeous tropical swimsuit.

Mark Brazilian Beach Bikini Top & Bottom, $13 each, Avon

10. Black
Ah, the LBD of swimsuits. You absolutely cannot go wrong with a black halter swimsuit. They’ve been making women look amazing for years and can help you look your sexiest for summers to come.

O’Beach Ring Triangle Swimsuit, $46.62, Asos

11. Ruffle
Whatever your age or size, ruffles are always a fun way to stand out at the beach. For petite ladies, they add fullness in the areas you need it most and on curvy women, they give you a little coverage without looking frumpy. Want to stand out this summer? We suggest ruffles.

Ruffled Halter Bikini, $36 for set, Express