By Janine Eduljee

 

As local temperatures rise, and rise some more, Carolina women head to Triangle Town Center in Raleigh, Northgate Mall in Durham and everywhere in between during their annual search for the perfect beachwear.

 

You want to look your best while you stretch out on the sand, swim in the cool water or play volleyball with the family. We have collected the Top Ten most popular styles to help you pick an attractive fit for you this summer.

 

 

 

High-waist bottom

Equally flattering to those with small waists and large hips alike, this throwback comes from the days of pinup girls. The high waist helps conceal any excess you might still be in the process of working off after the long winter.

 

Retro

Not just high waists but statement colors, halter tops and block stripes make these vintage styles seem like they've jumped from the pages of a '50s-era issue of Vogue.

 

Tribal print

Take a walk on the wild side. Bold prints, geometric patterns and neon hues will turn heads at your next pool party.

 

Fringe and ruffles

These girly extras can be quite appealing if you pick the right swimsuit, but our main advice here is that less is always more when it comes to frippery.

 

Crop top

This garment is great for all body types, but it's particularly appropriate for women with larger busts. Crops, especially those with high necklines, provide extra coverage and make sure you don't suffer any spillage while running in the surf.

 

 

 

Lace and macrame

Gone are the days of plain beachwear made of nothing more interesting than nylon and spandex. The latest adornments can turn an ordinary swimsuit into something extraordinary.

 

Sheer panels

The mesh framework – especially in black or white - is super cool, and it works especially well on the aforementioned crop top.

 

Underwire tops

The underwire gives just enough extra support to make sure your bust stays firmly in place. The bra-style top fits those with a flatter chest, too, because many of the suits come with push-up padding.

 

Cutouts

Geometric and quirky cutouts are equally modern on both cute bikinis and sleek one-pieces.

 

Bandeau

Our final pick is one that has carried over from last year. Bandeau tops come strapless for those with smaller chests and with halter style straps for those with bigger busts. Fresh this year are criss-cross strings that lace up the back or side of the top.

 

For those of you hoping to get more coverage with your swimsuit, putting on a bathing suit isn't so daunting anymore. There are even certain styles with long sleeves. Surprisingly fashionable, they can provide excellent protection against the sun's harmful rays.

 

 

We've Got You Covered

Sitting on the shores of Wrightsville Beach or Jordan Lake and decide to grab tacos in town? If you don't want to bother putting on real clothing before getting in the car, a cover-up can be just as integral to your summer look as the swimsuit itself.

 

There are a million different styles out there, but our favorite is the cotton tunic. Unlike wrap skirts or rompers, tunics enhance any body type, and they're very low maintenance. Just pull one over your bikini, monokini or one-piece, and you're ready to go anywhere!