Welcome to The Essentials (opens in new tab), our weekly series highlighting a must-have classic, key to building a timeless, pulled-together closet.
The bikini first came about in 1946 when French designer, Louis Reard, showcased the daring suit at a swimming pool in Paris. The timing could not have been more opportune: World War II had just ended about a year earlier, and before that time, women were restricted to one-pieces. When the bikini came about, women found freedom in this new two-piece swim, and as we all know, the bikini, is nothing, if not liberating.
Fun fact: Micheline Bernardini, the Parisian showgirl who was the lucky lady to model that first suit, received about 50,000 (opens in new tab)pieces of fan mail after donning the two-piece—unsurprisingly, the majority of those letters were from men.
And while my 50,000+ letters from eligible bachelors must have gotten lost in the mail, I continue to rock a bikini throughout the balmy summer months. Below, the coolest and most flattering bikinis that you need for summer 2020.
Marie Claire alum Brittany Kozesrski created a swim line that's widely known for its minimal silhouettes that come in a wide array of colors. This one in the color "punch" doesn't disappoint. Top $90, Bottoms $90
The cap-sleeve bikini is a new shape for swim. Not only does it highlight your cleavage, but the puffy sleeves will also enhance your shoulders, creating a slimming silhouette.
Animal print is the perfect way to add some spice to your pool day. Plus, this set comes at a great price. Throw on a pair of hoops and you're good to go.
Arguably the most flattering bikini on earth! The scrunched fabric doesn't tug too tightly on your curves, and the high cut of the bottoms will make your legs look miles long.
This two-tone swim set is a standout. Equal parts sporty as it is glam, the sunlight will reflect nicely off of the metallic fabric—talk about a beachy glow.
Stand out from the crowd in this bright cherry bikini. Top $20, Bottoms $20
A simple black bikini is the perfect canvas for a major jewelry moment. Pile on some turquoise and coral beaded necklaces for an effortless yet glossy beach look.
No tan lines here! This black bandaeu bikini is perfect for a day of margaritas and soaking up the sun. Pair with a wide brim straw hat to take this look to the next level. Top $95, Bottom $95
This bronzed metallic set will add a whole lot of glam to your beach day. We're surprised we haven't seen our girl Riri in this yet.
Finishing off with another iteration of that super flattering seer-sucker style. This woven fabric will hug you in all the right places.
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