Top Women's Swimsuit Trends for Spring and Summer 2008

If you're ready to jump into swimsuit season with a new bikini, one-piece, or even a tankini this year, you can look forward to a number of fresh new designs and styles from the fashion runway. The Miami Swim event during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in 2007 put the spotlight on key designers including Jessica Simpson, Ashley Paige, Red Carter, and Badgley Mischka. Leading looks include bright white bikini halters, cutaway swimsuits in retro prints, and sheer coveralls for the beach and social hour. Ready to dive into the latest swimsuit collections? Here are the top women's swimsuit trends for Spring and Summer 2008:

Triangle Bikinis
Skip the classic rounded bikini top styles and choose triangle coverings instead. The runways at the Miami Swim event were filled with models clad in only string bikinis and triangle cut tops; one of the most interesting looks this year is a two-color top where one side of the bikini is the complete opposite in color as the other.

The Bandeau
Bandeau bikini tops are back this season, and best paired with boy shorts and super-skimpy bikini bottoms. Pick up yours in an array of bright tropical colors including turquoise, emerald green, orange or pink. Jacquelyne Love added a twist to this look with extra fabric gathered at the sides of the bandeau to tie around the neck as a semi-halter. Find this in both solid and floral prints this year.

Sailor Stripes
Jessica Simpson's Swim collection featured a number of black and white striped ensembles in both one-piece and two-piece styles. Look for one-pieces with keyhole cuts and complete cutaway styles, and finish off the look with a few bright red, navy, or pink accessories.

The Trapeze Coverall
If you need a little extra coverage on beach day, follow the lead of designer Rosa Cha with a flowy trapeze top over a bandeau. The tops are fitted around the chest and flow out for a loose and comfortable fit. Enjoy a goddess-inspired look with a toga-style wrap instead, also a key look from this designer; these very-feminine tops and dresses are perfect for cooler evenings after a day of fun in the sun.