Fashion

Ladies and Drag Divas, summer is fast approaching, arriving with a bang in only 47 days. That means swimsuit season is right around the corner! Luckily there is plenty of time to get into swimsuit shape via healthy dieting and regular exercise. Since you ladies will be hard pounding the pavement of Audubon Park until you can practically form a river consisting of solely your sweat, allow us to design the perfect Pensacola Beach and Blue Bayou ready ensemble for your summer days (floaties not included).

LOOK #1 (Left to Right):
Michael Kors Jalita Wedge, $135
Illesteva Le Steel Round Frame, $265
We Are Handsome “Fighter Swimsuit”, $296
We Are Handsome “The Toco” Swimsuit, $296
Vintage Studded Cut Off Shorts via Etsy, Sold Out
We Are Handsome “Bikini Imprimé”, $241

Snow leopards, pelicans, and sunsets, oh my! Ok, so one of those things is clearly not like the other, but you get the picture (pun intended). The recent trend of photographic clothing has been seen on sites like Nasty Gal and Wasteland, and stores like Urban Outfitters and even Target. The look is bold and daring and requires the inner confidence of a lioness (calling all Leos). To make this look work on and off the sand, pair with distressed and/or embellished denim cut-offs like this great studded and shredded pair from Etsy. Add an effortlessly cool vibe with a pair of neutral – we chose black with this look – platform sandals that transition perfectly from day to night and rose-tinted shades. Your world will look positively picture perfect (and slightly more elevated).

LOOK #2 (Left to Right):
Whitworth Bikini Top, $50
Zimmermann Savannah Floral One Piece, $330
Warehouse Promenade Floral Bikini Top, $25
Pull & Bear Bandeau Bikini Top, $349
H&M Bikini Bottoms, $13
3.1 Phillip Lim Cosmetic Bag, $345
Floral Headband
Free People Nightcap Dreamcatcher Open Back Maxi Dress, $298

There’s nothing more picture perfect than the sunset on the beach, so head out for an ideal day in romantic floral prints and ruffles. The ultra-feminine cuts of these swimsuits highlight curves in all the right places, making a summer glow even more beautiful. When clad in an ethereal print, look for sweetheart necklines, bustier bodices, or bandeaus. Keep all the colors light or neutral or mix a powerful splash of color of more subdued tones. Perfect this look with an equally dreamy crochet or lace dress in either cream, white, or beige and a flower crown.

LOOK #3 (Left to Right):
American Apparel Stripe Nylon Tricot High-Waisted Briefs, $26
Asos Floral Print High-Waisted Briefs, $26
J. Crew Seersucker One Piece, $82
Topshop Multi Floral Bloom Ruffle Swimsuit, $60
Topshop Sleeveless Denim Jacket, $70
Miss Selfridge White Broderie Tie Shirt, $50
Loeffler Randall Chloe Platform, $350

Last, but certainly not least, unleash your inner beach babe with an awesomely retro swimsuit look. You’ll be confused with the likes of Bettie Page and Marilyn Monroe when you strut your stuff in lingerie inspired looks. Try sporting this look in pastels and watercolor prints with a classic tied-up, sleeveless button down under a light wash denim vest. Look head-to-toe glamourous with a pair of patterned platform sandals – a huge trend this year – a high ponytail (Bettie Page bangs optional), waterproof cat eyed liner (try Stila’s Stay All Day Eyeliner), and cherry red gloss lips via Lime Crime. You’ll have James Dean look-a-likes drooling over you for years to come after you hit the waves in this ensemble.

Try one or all of these looks this season (one for each month, perhaps?) and prepare for the best summer ever! And please, while you’re out having a ball, remember to wear sunscreen and your sunnies. Bon voyage!