Swimsuit Fashion Trends for 2005

Get ready to hit the beach with the latest offerings from designers. Retro prints, polka dots and florals are in this season, be it bikinis, one-piece suits or tanks. Strings and bows are also the rage of the reason. And there is some good news for those who lack the 'perfect 10 figure'. The tiny, almost-invisible bikinis are no longer flooding the stores. More practical swimwear which provides better coverage for your bottom is here to stay this season and hopefully, for many more seasons to follow. Here are some picks from the best designs available for purchase online.

One Piece Suits

One-Piece Suits are still going hot this year. A smart, practical, chic and designer choice is this gorgeous pleated piece by famous designer Calvin Klein.

Available in a range of colors from pink to cool blues to black, this smart piece is priced at $94 and is available at a sale price of $70 at Victoria's Secret.

Victoria's Secret also emerges a winner with it's revolutionary 'Miracle Bra®' swimwear. Choose from bikinis, tankinis, halter tops and many more styles in floral, retro and other cool prints, all designed with the push-up 'Miracle Bra®.

Macy's collection has a fresh feel and look. From strapless to double straps and halter one-piece suits in solids as wells as fresh floral prints, they are the ultimate choice for hitting the beach this season.

Two-piece suits

Bikinis, Bikini tops, Tankini tops (the top is a tank top) and Halterkinis (a long halter top) are in vogue. Tankini and Halterkini tops are a smart alternative to skimpy bikini tops if you are less of the 'sexy' and more of the 'sporty' type.

Halter tops are here to stay. Neiman Marcus has a wide range of animal prints and solids to choose from starting from $100+. Another favorite this season is pairing a halter bikini with a skirts or skirted pants. JC Penny has a nice selection starting from an affordable $24.

Macy's pleases yet again with it's range of two-piece swimsuits. A pretty and definitely feminine pick is the TOMMY HILFIGER Floral-Print Skirted Two-Piece priced at $94.

SAKS Fifth Avenue also hosts a nice assortment of prints ranging from hearts, check, rose prints, leopard, florals etc. apart from some classic solids.

Wraps & Cover Ups

Miniskirt Wraps, Sarongs and Tie Skirts continue to act as the best cover ups for your bottom.

For top cover ups, hot favorites of the last winter season, Ponchos, continue their journey onto this season's trends as well. This pretty piece in turquoise in sheer silk chiffon from Elizabeth Hurley, available at SAKS Fifth Avenue is priced at $336 but stands out from the usual cover-ups. Other wraps and cover-ups from SAKS are also impressive. For more affordably priced alternatives, we suggest Figleaves. They have a lovely collection of mesh sarongs, separates, pareos and skirts to boast of.