Jetset Style :: Summer Swimwear Trends

[trip style = any]

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

"If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain; if you like to look awesome, but think shopping is a pain." I may have taken a few liberties with a classic, but all lyrics point to swimsuit season and the trials of shopping for them. Hallelujah, this year's suits reference style more than shape, so they work for all silhouettes. Whether you're Barbados bound or planning to make a splash at home, here's our rundown of 2014's key trends. 

Nineties
The dream of the nineties is alive in swimwear. From Baywatch tanks to high-cut briefs, and sunflower one-pieces to gingham bikinis, bathing suits are channeling Beverly Hills, 90210 faster than you can say Andrea Zuckerman.

left to right: J.Crew scoopback tank, Wildfox mermaid classic one piece, Topshop gingham bikini, Forever21 sunflower bikini, Kore flora maillot, Kovey line up one piece

Surf
Suits that blur the line between wetsuit and swimsuit have made their way from surf to sand this season. Look for features like neoprene, zippers and long sleeves, as well as a rash guard {or should I say fash guard?} when you need to hide your shoulders from the UV rays.

left to right: J.Crew ratti fish rash guard, Seea gaviota one piece, N.L.P. zip-front strapless bikini, Vitamin A cannes crop rash guard, Lisa Marie Fernandez lisa marie maillot

Photo Print
If being at the beach isn't enough, try wearing it on your body. This edgy and innovative print trend, popularized by Australia's We Are Handsome, is blowing up thanks to celebrity fans like Beyonce and Katy Perry. Call me a fangirl, but I'd sport this bold, graphic style any day.

left to right: Madewell tanksuit in beach day, We Are Handsome hideaway cupped corset, Gray Malin x Cover long-sleeved swimsuit & long-sleeved swim t, Nasty Gal lanikai swimsuit

Show Some Knee
Men, you finally have more to choose from than board shorts, Speedos and elasticized dad trunks. With your hands by your sides, look for a pair of trunks that extend 2-3" past your fingertips {6-8.5" inseam depending on height}.

left to right: Onia calder 7.5" board shorts, J.Crew 6.5" tab swim short, Volcom vin vang swim shorts, Mollusk cut out stripe trunks, Saturdays Surf colin swim shorts

Style Notes

• If you don't got it, don't flaunt it; look for a suit that plays up your best feature. Long torso? Look for a retro bikini or detailing on the back. Apple shape? Try a suit with a zipper to highlight your upper body. Curvy? Look for thick Lycra or surf-style neoprene and a sweetheart neckline. Boy shape? Create curves with exaggerated seams and colors, or choose a bold photo print.
• Color blocking is big this season. Follow the golden rule: dark colors on the places you want to play down and bright colors on the places you want to show off.
• Nineties-style tanks are fun throwbacks, but not ideal for ladies with larger chests.

Trip Styler Tip: Looking for the perfect cover-up? Throw on a kimono! We recently featured 12 of them on Jetset Style.

[photo collages by @heatherlovesit]

Jetset Style :: Kimonos

[trip style = any]

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

A nouveau boho movement is sweeping the planet faster than you can say flower crown. Less Coachella and more style staple, the kimono is the perfect packable piece for anytime, anywhere travel. 

I wear my kimonos at the beach as a cover-up, with an all-black ensemble of skinny jeans and tank top, over denim cut-offs paired with a wide-brimmed hat {see our favorites here}, or even at the office belted over a slim maxi dress.

Whether you're into cheap and cheerful, fringed and flowing, short and simple, or long and loud, there's a kimono for you at a price you can handle.

Men: Feeling left out? Look for a shirt with a kimono print this Spring.

Trip Styler Tip: Board shops are a great place to begin looking for inexpensive printed kimonos for the beach.

Where to buy: #1 / #2 / #3 / #4

Where to buy: #1 / #2 / #3 / #4

Where to buy: #1 / #2 / #3 / #4

[top image via spell & the gypsy collective]

Jetset Style :: Spring Fashion

In nature, a sure sign of Spring is an Instagram feed jammed with cherry blossoms {#notcomplaining}. In fashion, Spring trends don't stray too far from the blooms. Think of this season's floral trend as a form of urban camouflage amidst the blossoms. Spring also gives you permission to trade in black for white and boots for classic slip-ons {aka the fastest shoe for clearing airport security!}. To top off your Spring look, grab a pair of mirrored sunglasses, which I've seen popping up everywhere from the streets of Stockholm to the beaches of the North Shore. These four key styles will have you looking fresh this season, whether your plans include jetting off to Jakarta, road tripping around Reykjavik or pub crawling through Portland.

Men: Acne Studios roc satin trouser, Nudie Jeans fairtrade organic t-shirt
Women: Gap 1969 legging skimmer jeans, Acne Studios patti blouse

Men {left side}: Illesteva leonard round frame sunglasses, Oakley frogskins
Women {right side}: Acne Studios sunglasses, Wildfox classic fox deluxe sunglasses

Women: Creatures of Comfort tomlin dress, Zara floral sweatshirt
Men: Engineered Garments pocket square, Beams Plus linen popover

Women {left side}: Sam Edelman becker slip-on, Givenchy skate shoes
Men {right side}: Vans brushed twill slip-on 59, YMC slip-on plimsoles

This post is written by Trip Styler's Assistant Wayfarer/Editor Heather.

Fashion Friday :: Sochi Style

With designers like Armani and Ralph Lauren tackling Olympic team fashion, you'd expect the Parade of Nations to be Sochi's answer to New York Fashion Week. But many countries sported looks that belonged on the slopes instead of in the stadium---with a few notable exceptions. Here are my picks for the strongest sartorial statements from the Opening Ceremony of the XXII Olympic Winter Games.

Best dressed :: Sweden
Designed by H&M, Sweden's blue and yellow uniforms were the most fashion forward of all 88 nations. I wouldn't expect anything less from the ever-stylish Swedes.

Most memorable :: USA
Ralph Lauren designed the night's most patriotic and polarizing outfits, also known as the Christmas sweaters seen 'round the world. I liked the shawl collars, hiking boots and après-ski vibe. Looking for the sweater? Sorry, it's already sold out online.

Most traditional :: Russia
The host country team came out in uniforms inspired by their past. Adorned with fur, sheepskin and folkloric symbols, Team Russia made a stylish statement at a ceremony that celebrated their cultural past. Honorable mention goes to Team Canada for their duffle coats, which mirrored the iconic 18th-century Hudson's Bay Company point blankets. If you want to dress like a Canadian athlete, you can buy the official apparel here.

Best print :: Ukraine
Puffy jackets covered in a patriotic organism print reminded me of pieces you'd see from French design house Kenzo.

Most confused :: Cayman Islands
Did they know it's the Winter Olympics? These Caymanians were the bravest of the night, wearing shorts and flip flops. They weren't, however, the only team in shorts; Team Bermuda also sported, you guessed it, Bermuda shorts.

Best neon :: Lithuania
In a sea of forgettable uniforms, Team Lithuania went for the boldest color combo of the night---besides the Germans, who maintain that their rainbow uniforms were just a style choice and not a political statement.

BONUS PICKS
While these striking showpieces weren't on display at the Parade of Nations, I'd be remiss to write about Olympic fashion without including them. I give you Mexico's mariachi-inspired slalom ski suit and Norway's curling uniform.

This post is written by Trip Styler fashion and lifestyle blogger Heather.

[photos via getty, epa & ap photo]

Fashion Friday :: Mad for Hats

[trip style = any]

This post is written by Trip Styler fashion and lifestyle blogger Heather.

I've accumulated a handful of hats over the years---straw hats for summer, wool toques for winter, ball caps for weekends and my absolute favorite, wide-brimmed fedoras for any d*mn time I please. While working as a television stylist and wardrobe consultant, I learned that there are generally two types of people when it comes to hats: people who think they look ah-mazing and people who think they look TERRIBLE. If you don't think you're a hat person, I challenge you to try some on, and then some more, like you're trying on sunglasses---super embarrassing until you the find the perfect style and fit.

Hats are memorable. They don't just make you and your outfit memorable, they also remind you of the times in your life when you wore them, like a favorite song or band. I can tell you about all the trips I've taken with my Steven Alan Janis Fedora like I can tell you about all the road trips I've taken listening to "Viva La Vida" or Milo Greene.

Here are a few more benefits of hats:
- They're better than dry shampoo for bad hair days.
- They give you an air of mystery.
- They stave off the cold.
- They automatically create a "look."

Trip Styler Tip: Don't pack your felt hat in your suitcase---wear it on the plane to avoid a "crushing" discovery upon arrival.

When looking for a hat:
- Forget trends and go for one that makes you feel fabulous.
- Try it on in person.
- Know your hat size.

Check out my nine picks for timeless toppers that will change your game at the drop of a ... hat.

1/ Rag & Bone wide brim fedora, 2/ Janessa Leone lucy, 3/ Shade + Slouch the alexandra fedora, 4/ Janessa Leone vera, 5/ Iron and Resin ranchero hat, 6/ Catarzi for ASOS classic fedora, 7/ Free People matador hat, 8/ Etudes unisex midnight hat, 9/ Federica Moretti torero hat

More Fashion Friday
Celeb Travel Must-Haves
Make a Statement
Red and Green Reimagined
Shop Seattle

[b&w photos via because i'm addicted, ascot friday, tommy ton for gq, janessa leone]