Summer is just around the corner, which means that most women will be shopping for a perfect swimsuit that reflects their personality, flatters their figure and is in sync with the styles of the summer. So what styles are in store for 2008?

According to suite101.com, bikinis and tankinis are, once again, in along with the emergence of the new, hot cut-away swimsuit: the monokini.

The monokini is probably the most intriguing swimsuit of the year, available in a variety of styles. It is essentially a one-piece swimsuit with an open back while the front allows the wearer to decide what she wanted covered and what she wants exposed. Styledash.com says that “the cut-out swimsuit is perfect for those who want to conceal a less-than-perfect middle or for those who want something a little different than the average swimsuit.�

The one-piece swimsuit is also making a comeback this year. Shoptilyoudrop.com calls the one-piece “sophisticated,� saying it is “a nod to the hold-Hollywood glamour we love so much.�

As far as print is concerned, animal prints are in; so are solids, florals and dots. Suite101.com says that apart from animal prints, asymmetrical and geometrical shapes are also in style. Sites such as Newport News and Victoria’s Secret advertise a wide range of prints: tops with dots and bottoms with florals, to one-pieces with prints ranging from stripes to florals.

Macon State College Theater major Laura Wallace says that she plans on wearing a black and white polka dotted bandeau top and bottoms that she purchased from Victoria’s Secret.

Laura LaRoche, a senior at MSC, says that she will wear a solid blue or pink tankini this summer. Meanwhile Freshmen Hannah Griggers plans to wear her blue two-piece.

For more information on bathing suits, visit: http://womensfashion.suite101.com/article.cfm/womens_swimwear_trends_for_2008, http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/24/trend-alert-cut-out-swimsuits/, and http://www.styledash.com/2008/01/24/trend-alert-cut-out-swimsuits/.

written by Leah Railey