2011 Spring and Summer Bathing Suit Trends

Check out what our fashion experts discovered for the 2011 spring and summer season:

Color

Summer is about color and this summer, we're bringing back the 70s! The swimwear runways were popping with shades of khaki and aqua from rich, subtle neutrals, tans and nudes to vibrant, exciting turquoises, teals and seafoams. Our three color picks for the season? Coral, khaki and lapis. Last year's neon 80's inspirations have been toned down, muted and revamped for a classier, more sophisticated palette. Always a classic? Black and white.

Our Pick: This Vitamin A bikini pairs two of the season's hottest trends; bright aqua hues and a bandeau top!

Bold Prints

In keeping with the retro aesthetic that will be popular for the upcoming spring/summer season many of the prints will reflect a 70s, boho vibe. From Native American inspired prints, to hippie imbued designs, swimsuits and bikinis this summer will be all about the 70s bohemian movement. Look for Navajo style patterns, fringe accessories, paisley prints, soft 60s florals and earth tones!

Our Pick: Channel your inner flower child in this Native American inspired bathing suit by L*Space complete with fringe!

Embellishments

From frills to fringe, this season it's all about the accents on your bathing suits. Look for fringe, wooden rings and accouterments, beaded accents on ties, ruffles and other embellishments! Metal and wood hardware that adds a geometric or architectural touch can transform a plain bikini into a fashion forward look.

Our Picks: This L*Space bikini features two of our favorite trends architectural accents and bandeau tops! If you prefer a more avant garde look, this Luli Fama two piece swimsuit also features a bandeau top with a unique starfish design in the center. Another popular Luli Fama bikini features a sweet heart decor in the center of the bandeau top, perfectly complimenting its wild zebra print!

Cutouts

Possibly the biggest trend for the season is the cutout one piece. Bringing back the glamourous 70s aesthetic, cutout pieces are a symbol of sleek, classic style. These maillots offer the thrill of a subtle skin flash while offering you the option to remain a little more covered up. Pair with a big, floppy straw hat, some cat eye sunglasses and bangles for the ultimate lounge look.

Our Picks: Combine two of this seasons trends fringe and cutout accents -- with this tan L*Space maillot. Sexy, subtle and chic! Those looking for something a little more daring will be sure to turn heads in this little black L*Space number. If your look is less vamp and more fun-in-the-sun, we recommend this creamy Vitamin A swimsuit, featuring a sexy décolletage and gold accents, or this L*Space sport swimsuit that combines classic American sportswear style with sexy summer trends!

Sheer

We know what you're thinking -- sheer? For a bathing suit? This year, it's all about the cover ups. A light dress can take you from the beach to the bar, while a blousy top can be the perfect casual piece for a stroll on the boardwalk. This season it's all about sheer -- whether you opt for mesh, lace, breezy cotton or crochet!

Our Picks: This gorgeous, crochet poncho from Vitamin A is the perfect beach cover up! Throw it on over a bikini, strap on some platform sandals and go grab an ice cream! For something a little lacier, we chose this L Space piece -- perfect with denim shorts and some huarache sandals!

Gayla owns Keys Swimwear, the online swimwear boutique specializing in trendy, exclusive designer swimwear from the hottest names in swimsuit design. Browse our selection now, featuring iconic designers like Betsey Johnson and Luli Fama.

Top Maternity Swimwear Picks For This Spring

With warm weather approaching and summer just around the corner, it is that time of year that many women dread: swimsuit season. When pregnant, you may believe this task to be a bit more daunting than usual. However, the selection of maternity swimwear available is so diverse and stylish that everyone will be asking you where you got your new swimsuit! Whether you prefer a tankini or a bikini, maternity swimwear is designed with your comfort in mind and tailored to fit your baby bump comfortably and fashionably. This season many new styles have emerged and combined with several classic favorites, there is a huge variety to choose from.

A great design is the halterkini, as it is flattering and practical. If you are not completely comfortable showing your entire baby bump, a halterkini provides extra coverage while still being sexy. The fabric flows gently over your body, allowing room for your belly to grow and ensuring that you will not feel constrained. An adjustable tie at the neck creates the perfect fit, and combines comfort and style in one.

This season, Maternal America has added some gorgeous and stylish designs to their maternity swimwear collection. One of their bestsellers is the Coco O-Ring Tankini. This gorgeous swimsuit has a beaded halter tie, adding originality and a hint of sexiness. The padded bra creates a nice shape, and the tankini flows gently over your belly. With adjustable tie bottoms, this swimsuit is comfortable yet sure to be a showstopper.

The Jenni Tribal Tankini is another new design which is stylish yet comfortable. With an adjustable halter tie and side-tie bottoms, comfort is ensured. The modern tribal pattern adds a great eye-catching element to this trendy design. Another favorite new Maternal America design is the Carrie Tankini Swimsuit. With a sweetheart design halter top and padded bra, a beautiful yet functional neckline is created. Adjustable tie bottoms which fit directly below the belly are perfect for all stages of your pregnancy. If you like a classic look, this is a great swimwear choice. For comfort and style combined, halterkinis do the trick!

Many women prefer a strapless design on their swimsuits, and Prego Maternity Swimwear has added two gorgeous new designs to their line this season. Known for great fit and style, Prego truly understands the expectant mother's body. Their South Seas Strapless Mini is no exception, as it provides full coverage while still being sexy and stylish. The beautiful floral pattern on the top paired with chocolate brown bottoms is fun and modern. From a Babymoon to a day at the pool, this swimsuit is perfect for a variety of locations!

Another great strapless swimsuit added to the line this season is the Brown Dot Strapless Mini. With the same functional and flattering designs as all of Prego's minis, the sweet dot design is subtle yet fun. If you do not want to show your belly yet still want movement and sexiness, these new minis from Prego Maternity are a great way to go.

If you want to show off your baby bump, there are a variety of cute yet functional maternity bikini options available to choose from. A bikini is great because it does not constrain your growing belly at all, yet provides the bust support needed during pregnancy. A fresh new design this season is Maternal America's Bandeau Bikini. In a vibrant orange, it is refreshing and modern. A convertible halter tie and padded bra support the bust, while adjustable tie bandeau bottoms which sit below the belly fit throughout all stages of your pregnancy. Sexy and stylish, you will look and feel great!

Another great bikini pick is the Aqua Ring Maternity Bikini from Belabumbum. A gorgeous floral pattern and silver ring on the top add style, while the stretch of the fabric and halter tie ensures comfort. Cute and modern, this is a great bikini option.

Overall, there are many stylish yet comfortable maternity swimsuit styles available this season. Whether you prefer full coverage or want to bare your belly, there is a style for you. As long as you feel comfortable and confident, you will look and feel great!

Kyra Demartini is a senior stylist for maternity clothes and nursing clothes store Tummystyle.com. TummyStyle has a wide selection of maternity swimwear and maternity swimsuits by designers such as Prego Maternity, Maternal America, and BelaBumBum.