.jpg)
The runway is a consistent resource for clever styling tricks—cone bras! piled-on layers! see-through gowns!—but here’s the rub: Many of these ideas don’t work in real life. You might think the same rule applies to swimwear as ready-to-wear, the buzzy trend that calls for wearing a designer one-piece to the beach or as a “bodysuit” under your jeans. But it’s actually a pretty genius two-for-one deal—and there are several chic ways to do it.
At Gucci’s Resort ’18 show in Florence, you might have blinked and missed the lone swimsuit: a color-blocked red and periwinkle maillot under holographic silver pants. It was paired with gold pumps and green tube socks, instead of the requisite rubber flip-flops. In other words, the look didn’t say “beach” at all—and if Gucci thinks you should wear a swimsuit to your next party, you can bet the idea will catch on. Zimmermann’s Resort ’18 presentation in New York had a few party-ready looks, too, namely the ruffled bikinis that doubled as crop tops. One frilly, polka-dotted version was styled with a high-rise midi skirt that read more “St.-Tropez happy hour” than “bikini cover-up.” Above, see eight more ways designers suggest you roll swimwear into your everyday look.