What’s one of the main advantages of this season’s high-waist short trend? We can feel more confident about exposing our midriffs when they’re a bit more… well, mid, that’s what. This Victoria Top, in a funky African cotton print, would look smashing with a pair of black belly-button-or-higher shorts or trousers. Available at heidimerrick.com for only $150
It may not be possible for us to love a good clambake more than we already do. Cheap beer, fresh seafood, fine company. But this Madewell Clambake Cover-Up is another great reason to build a fire pit and call up some friends. We’re ready to pull this on over a new bathing suit once the sun sets and nosh on ocean noms well into the night. Available at madewell.com for only $110
Although figuring out how to wear a rectangular sarong isn’t all that difficult, slipping on the Saress is still a lot easier, and it won’t leave you looking rectangular. Watch the video if you don’t believe us. Slip it on as you would a backpack, except backwards, for a quick costume change that’ll take you from the beach to the bar. (A much cuter alternative to the soaking wet towel.) It’s available in a multitude of prints and patterns, but black goes with everything. Available at saress.com for only $40
Every girl needs a showstopping bikini that practically pays for itself with free drinks. (Whether or not you choose to accept them is another matter.) The Deck-Stripe Loop-Front Bandeau Bikini Top ($56) and matching hipster bottoms ($48) are our go-to getup for making a statement at the beach club. The statement? Eligible bachelors may apply… Available at jcrew.com
Looking for something different for your summer swimwear collection? We think this Damsel Cleopatra Neon Fringe Bandeau Bikini Top looks like a piece you’d pay a couple hundred for, rather than a bargain-basement $25. The funky combination of neon with zigzag stripe fringe is cool and innovative, and will make you a standout on the beach. Amuse yourself by convincing everyone you got it at Nordstrom. Available at zumiez.com for only $25
Talk about a hot tomato! You’ll be sizzlin’ before you even set foot on the beach in the Juicy Couture Halter Swim Dress . The plunging neckline will surely turn all the boys’ heads and the fine details are sure to catch any fashionista’s eye – gold buttons with a nautical feel and ruching that flatters you everywhere. We also love the fact that we can adjust the length of this swimsuit – we’ll hike it up when we’re feeling fab and pull it down when we’re feeling not so. Available at bloomingdales.com for only $164
Holy smokin’! This Mara Hoffman Black Beaded Rays One Piece is hotter than a house on fire. We’ll be showing plenty of skin with the suit’s deeply dropped back, belly-button-high leg cut, and open detailing on the front, so we better make sure we get our sunblock in all the necessary places. Available at spanishmossshop.com for only $275
Summer is just around the corner, and we’re going for the perfect balance of enjoying the sunshine and protecting our skin. Thanks to this big and beautiful Ralph Lauren Sun Hat , we’ll have a special, stylish, shield from the sun. Since it’s available in several color combinations, we can keep a hat handy for every outfit. Available at nordstrom.com for only $45
This Nanette Lepore Coquette Bra Top & Nymph Button Bottom is one of those suits that makes us want to sit in the cabana drinking flavored rum drinks with big wedges of pineapple in them. It also makes us wish we had tanned, toned legs that went on for miles and perfectly sun-kissed highlights in our long flowing hair, but we’ll stick with daydreams that have some basis in reality. We can get a fruity pineapple drink after work. We’re stuck with our short legs forever! Available at bloomingdales.com for only $90 each
Who couldn’t use a little help in the tummy area, right? The Magicsuit Goddess One Piece is definitely on our must-have list because it camouflages a multitude of sins (thanks to their exclusive Magictex fabric) while making sure we look fabulous and on trend. Available at soma.com for only $162