I've never been against mixing and matching my bikinis [1]. It's just another way to get the most out of the pieces I've already invested in (while making it look like my swim drawer is filled to the brim). But this wasn't a move I made often — at least until now.
I recently went away on a tropical vacation [2] and pretty much wore a swimsuit every day. That was when I discovered the one bottom that truly looks best on my bum [3]. While it's cheekier than any design I've dared to put on [4] before, I figured there was no better time to experiment and slipped on a V-cut bottom with a single strip of ruching down the center. (Let's just say I had to apply extra sunscreen to my newly exposed cheeks.)
When I turned around and looked in the mirror, I loved the way it looked. The piece made my behind appear toned and perky, covering just enough skin so that I didn't mind leaving the vicinity of the hotel room. I didn't take it off for the rest of the trip, rotating the handful of tops I brought, even if they didn't coordinate perfectly.
Afterward, it hit me: why not use this as an approach to shop for swimwear? Rather than buying a full set just because you fall in love with the color, pattern, or texture, find the silhouette that feels most comfortable and looks good [5] (whether it's a top or bottom), and purchase one or two in neutral tones that can work with the prints you already own.
Scroll for a few winning designs that fit the bill in a whole range of shapes and sizes.
Pink Ruched Mini Bikini Bottom
Pink Ruched Mini Bikini Bottom [7] ($23)
Ella Moss The Lover High Waist Bottoms
Ella Moss The Lover High Waist Bottoms [8] ($68)
Marysia Swim Mexico Scalloped Bikini Top
Marysia Swim Mexico Scalloped Bikini Top [9] ($180)
PrettyLittleThing Bandage Bikini Bottoms
PrettyLittleThing Bandage Bikini Bottoms [10] ($23)
H&M Bikini Top
H&M Bikini Top [11] ($20)
Kate Spade New York Half Moon Bay Bandeau Bikini Top
Kate Spade New York Half Moon Bay Bandeau Bikini Top w/ Removable Soft Cups and Halter Straps [12] ($98)
LSpace Estella Bikini Bottom
LSpace Estella Bikini Bottom [13] ($70)
Norma Kamali Jonny D Ruched Stretch-Tulle Bandeau Bikini Top
Norma Kamali Jonny D Ruched Stretch-Tulle Bandeau Bikini Top [14] ($185)
Zulu and Zephyr Textured High Cut Bikini Bottom
Zulu and Zephyr Textured High Cut Bikini Bottom [15] ($76)
Cali Dreaming Grus and Nova Reversible Bikini
Cali Dreaming Grus and Nova Reversible Bikini [16] ($120)
Becca ETC Plus Size Black Beauties Bikini Bottoms
Becca ETC Plus Size Black Beauties Bikini Bottoms [17] ($48)
ASOS Minimal High Leg Hipster Bikini Bottom
ASOS Minimal High Leg Hipster Bikini Bottom [18] ($19)
Free People Tavik Jessi Bikini Top
Free People Tavik Jessi Bikini Top [19] ($74)
Missguided Mix & Match Leg High Bikini Bottom
Missguided Mix & Match Leg High Bikini Bottom [20] ($13)
J.Crew Women's Scalloped Italian Matte Bikini Top
J.Crew Women's Scalloped Italian Matte Bikini Top [21] ($68)
Michael Michael Kors Coastal Solids Lace-Up Bikini Bottom Women's Swimwear
Michael Michael Kors Coastal Solids Lace-Up Bikini Bottom Women's Swimwear [22] ($58)