Welcome to The Essentials, 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 pieces of fan mail after donning the two-piece. Even more interesting, but not surprising, is that 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, we round up the coolest and most flattering bikinis that you need for Summer 2020.
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1
Martina Reversible Bikini Set
Capittana
shopbop.com
$132.30
The cap-sleeve bikini is a new shape for swim. Not only does it highlight your cleavage, but the puffy sleeves will enhance your shoulders, making your waist and hips look smaller.
2
Apex One Shoulder Bikini Top
JADE Swim
shopbop.com
$180.00
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
3
Wave Back Leopard Triangle Bikini Set
Nasty Gal
nastygal.com
$19.00
Animal print is the perfect way to add some spice to your pool day. Not to mention this set comes at a great price. Throw on a pair of hoops and you're good to go.
4
Ginny Scrunch Bikini Set
Reina Olga
reinaolga.com
€140.00
Arguably the most flattering bikini on earth! The scrunched fabric doesn't tug too tightly on your curves (particularly in that pesky muffin-top region), and the high cut of the bottoms will make your legs look miles long.
5
Lumiere two-tone metallic bikini
Oséree
farfetch.com
$224.00
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.
6
Feline Top Cherry
Kit10
kit10swim.com
$40.00
Stand out from the crowd in this bright cherry bikini.
Top $20, Bottoms $20
7
Black Crinkle Bikini Set
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.
8
Luna Rib Top + Chiara Rib Bottom
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
9
Metallic Bikini Set by Marie France Van Damme
Marie France Van Damme
modaoperandi.com
$174.00
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.
10
Bonita ruffled floral-print bikini
Zimmermann
matchesfashion.com
$189.00
Biggest flirt. Romantic florals will never go out of style and the ruffled-trim will play to your curves.
11
Seersucker Bandeau Bikini
Hunza G
net-a-porter.com
$180.00
Finishing off the with another iteration of that super flattering seer-sucker style. This woven fabric will hug you in all the right places. Trust us when we say this is the most complimentary style, possibly ever.
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Katie Attardo
Katie Attardo is the Accessories Editor at Marie Claire, covering all things fashion and jewelry-related.
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