On Nickerson Beach, Amanda wears Tommy Hilfiger's brightly striped bikini top with hipster trunk, accentuated by flower detail at hip. She looks great in yellow, pink blue and green stripes.

      Styles are super-feminine and refined. Two of the hottest trends for the summer are retro swirls and polka dots. Don't worry, your polka dot bikini doesn't have to be itsy bitsy or teeny weeny. Swimsuit bottoms are offering a bit more coverage than in the past, without giving up any sensuality. A few patterns to look out for are bright geometric prints, florals and bikinis with white backgrounds.
      The sun-saturated days of this year's swimwear fashions are filled with vibrant colors. A rainbow of beautiful pigments is taking over, ranging from bright bold prints inspired by the '60s and '70s, plaids, pastels, lots of greens and pinks, coral, chocolate brown and, of course, the always classy black.
      Other great trends include bandeau bikini tops and big buckles. Triangle and halter tops are still big favorites on the tropical runway. Tankinis - the two-piece with a long tank top that meets the bottom - are rising in popularity.
      

What's Hot

      The bandeau top has to be the hottest bikini style right now, and every swimwear label seems to have its own rendition.
      Big buckles and dangly, hip details are still the big thing this year, except you will be seeing more swimsuits that have the jewel, ring, or buckle on only one hip.

ZAK is ready for summer fun on Nickerson Beach in Tommy Hilfiger's boldly striped orange board short. He shines in a bright palette of yellows and oranges.

      Sash ties, rather than spaghetti strings, are definitely in vogue.
      Retro looks are a really, big deal. Luxurious, retro, European prints and glam styling are making a big showing, harking back to the Italian Riviera and the James Bond era. Look for shirred front bikini bottoms that just cry out, "ciao baby!"
      Sweet innocence is sublime. Look for lots of super girly looks, with pretty, English florals and loads of adorable ruffles, which are everywhere.

BRIAN makes the scene at Long Beach's Pacific Boulevard Beach in Nike's blue front tie trunk with rear splash design.

From Street To Beach And Poolside

      More coverage is the trend and swimsuits are starting to take on the look of streetwear. There's the cute little "skirtini," that covers the bum nicely and goes great with a little cami for a day in town

Just Tops

      The classic, halter top is still strong, whether it is an elongated sliding top, or the stationary, banded style.

One-Piece Swimsuits

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HAYLEY glows in Tommy Hilfiger's florescent floral bikini on Nickerson Beach. The flattering halter bra top is paired with a floral side tie hipster bottom in sunny colors of pink, yellow, purple, and red.

      Prefer a one piece-bathing suit? Then the monokini is the way to go. The monokini resembles a bikini, except the top and bottom parts have been made in one piece, usually connected at the sides of the body.
      You could also go for the maillot one-piece bathing suit. There are many varieties to this classic swimsuit that contour to specific body types. Whether you need minimizing, maximizing or a lot of support, these are great for any shape.

DALE is ready for a great day at Nickerson Beach in Nike's turquoise and lime bikini sport suit.

The Finishing Touch,

      The "must haves" this summer are accessories. It's surfer girl all the way when it comes to jewelry, such as ankle bracelets and stone necklaces. And don't forget about the essential coverage. The prettiest way to accentuate your bathing suit is by covering it up with a sarong, poncho or a matching slip on skirt.

RAY shines at Long Beach's Pacific Boulevard Beach wearing Nike's orange front tie trunk with vertical blue oval design.
      There are many beautiful styles and designs to choose from. Don't get discouraged when you are trying to find the best fit for your form. This season there are plenty of choices that will fit everyone's shape. The best way to find that perfect fit is by starting with larger sizes and working your way down. A good rule of thumb is to go up one dress size to get the correct fit.
      So catch the latest swimsuit and get ready to hit the beach in style. Put your sunblock on, soak up the soft summer breezes and feel great in your new swimwear!

The Crew -- from left, ZAK, AMANDA, RAY, HAYLEY, DALE and BRIAN.

Editor's Note:
A special note of thanks to the following for the valuable assistance to The Herald in preparing this section: Nassau County Department of Parks and Recreation, City of Long Beach, Sports Illustrated's Bruce Kaufman, Body Reformers Pilates Studio, and stylists Beth Wallach and Karenlyn Barone.

Photography by Richard Slattery
swimsuits provided by Tommy Hilfiger and Nike