Beat the heat with this sizzling beachwear

What’s the buzz in beachwear?

Swimwear is hot and sexy, for sure. And then there are the many looks that take you (and your bathing suit) beyond the beach with ease.

You’ll find sportswear-inspired options like pareos (a posh term for sarong), caftans, swim skirts and ponchos that transform your bathing suit into the centerpiece of your summer casual wardrobe.

See the latest fun styles and how to wear them in the latest edition of our weekly fashion and beauty update.

firstview.com Ponco on parade: From DKNY

Viva la poncho!
It’s the must-have piece of the summer and the latest beach cover-up: the fun, flirty, peek-a-boo poncho! Slip one over your swimsuit and hit the beach in style. But don’t pack it away after a day of sun — your poncho is perfectly fashionable when worn with casual styles, especially pants. The trendiest ponchos boast a bit of “now you see it, now you don’t” in terms of fabric and styling. You’ll find them made of sheer fabrics, such as chiffon, as well as open-weave crochets and lacy looks. Many are embellished with decorative details at the hem — fringe, beads or feathers — to add an extra frisson of fashion. If you’d prefer more cover, you will be able to find options in silk or other not-so-sheer fabrics — but not for a day at the beach!

Trend Tip
Thinking about a poncho? We’ve seen great ones in all price ranges from BCBG Max Azria, Rampage, DKNY, Arden B. and Ralph Lauren. And remember, if your poncho is fashionable and even slightly frivolous, it calls for a feminine sandal. No sneakers, please!

firstview.com Versatile: From Anna Sui

Skirtini time
It’s a skirt … it’s a bathing suit bottom … it’s a skirtini! Meet one of the hottest swimwear trends — the tiny swim skirt that’s either a separate piece to match your swimsuit, or one that’s built right into a bikini bottom. Meant to mix and match with your swimwear and your casual wardrobe, the skirtini is the perfect “beach and beyond” piece. It offers just enough cover to feel comfortable without having to change into something more “presentable” when grabbing lunch at the snack stand or answering the doorbell. Too short? Then you’ll love the pareo. This long, wrap-on cover-up, originating in Polynesia, has long been a chic essential at tony resorts and has now spread more widely as a hot swimwear/sportswear trend.

Trend Tip
The skirtini has taken the swimwear world by storm. You’ll find them in almost every swimwear department, styled to mix and match in design and color. We love the Lands’ End Beach Living collection and the Pick-Your-Fit separates from Eddie Bauer, especially because pieces are sold individually to get you the best fit. (Bonus: The stretchy fabrics keep hips and tummy in check!)

firstview.com Caftan cool: From Michael Kors

Under cover
For the ultimate in chic, beach-y sportswear, run for cover — under a caftan. Long a favorite of the lounging jetset at hot spots like St. Bart’s and St. Tropez, this resort staple is now catching on all over. Elegant, long and lean, the caftan has a clean-lined, open silhouette that is incredibly comfortable to wear; a deep V-neck, wide sleeves and side slits are de rigueur. After sundown, add a touch of makeup, pulled-back hair, important earrings, along with sexy summer sandals, and your solid or colorful-print caftan will be appropriate for dinner at almost any restaurant, at-home entertaining … and beyond. 

Trend Tip
Trendista alert! The caftan is an up-and-coming style and you’ll have to keep your eyes peeled for good examples! Right now you can find them in designer and better sportswear collections or from luxe resort stores that have always understood the appeal of this beachwear classic.  Our favorites come from Graham Kandiah and Calypso.

firstview.com Tubular, man: From Gottex

Surfer girl
Don’t know a rip from a curl? No problem! You can still catch the surfer girl wave. And no doubt about it — it’s a hip and happening look right now, especially in the sport and teen markets. In addition, you’ll find surfwear influences in swimwear no matter where you shop. Let’s start with colors and patterns. Hot brights, tropical prints (think surfboards) and graphic patterns are big. Surfers appreciate swimwear that stays on, so you won’t find any tiny strings here! Look for easy-to-wear halters, tankinis, boy shorts and sleek one-piece styles (sometimes finished with cut-outs or zippers that can be adjusted as needed). Fabrics tend to mimic the wetsuit, so in addition to regular Lycra and other swimwear staples, you’ll find high-performance options like Neoprene. The plus is that they also tend to be tight-fitting and quite slimming.

Trend Tip
Cut-out and zipped-down surfer styles may bare skin that has never seen the sun! Play it safe with an equally-high performance sun block product like Clarins Sun Care Cream Ultra Protection SPF 30 or Coppertone Shade Sunblock Lotion SPF 45.

firstview.com Bold gold: From Versace

Oh, maillot!
Here's the latest on one of the most popular swimwear styles: the versatile, flattering (for anyone over 18) and comfortable maillot. Like much of this season's swimwear, you'll find plenty of covered-up options, if you choose. For those who dare, there are many retro-and goddess-inspired looks that lift summer's maillots into the realm of the super-sophisticated. In terms of styling options, halter tops, flared goddess skirts and '40s-inspired one piece suits are hot right now, as are very lean, mean and chic maillots that seem almost sculpted on the body. We love hot metallics for their fashion sizzle, but you'll also find large or small florals, charming mini polka dots and solids — black, white or any bright — to suit every skin tone and mood.

Trend Tip
Deep V-necks and halter tops are great for those who have been graced with a bustline, while high-cut legs give the illusion of slimmer hips and longer legs. But we'll also share a well-guarded, trendista secret — if you want to look slimmer instantly, smooth on an instant tanning product, especially on your legs. A few to try: Neutrogena Build-A-Tan or Lancome Flash Bronzer, which is tinted with shimmering gold flecks and packed with anti-aging protectants.

Only on TODAY.MSNBc.com! Style editor Judy Gordon brings you the latest news and advice about apparel and beauty. LAST WEEK: Love is in the air — and in your closet GO TO ALL FASHION FRIDAY COLUMNS

Judy Gordon is a New York-based style consultant and the “Today” show’s style editor. She has been covering the fashion and beauty beat for the past decade. To learn more, you can visit her Web site, TheTrendReport.com, which highlights style trends in America.

firstVIEW is the primary supplier of photos to Fashion Friday. Go to www.firstVIEW.com for the latest pictures from top fashion shows around the world, including New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Milan, Brazil, New Zealand, South Korea and more.

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