Swimsuit evening dress: unstoppable sexy

Lead: This summer, the fashion trend that's causing a big stir might not just be dresses. Swimsuit sets are also being designed to be both stylish and comfortable. These versatile pieces can easily transform into affordable cocktail dress skirts, taking up minimal space in your suitcase and making travel more convenient.

Bec & Bridge

This season’s most popular style is the single-shoulder silhouette, often decorated with metal plates and vibrant jewelry colors. These elements allow swimsuit sets to transition seamlessly from casual to evening wear, offering the same charm as a traditional dress.

"Many spring and summer fashion trends have been adapted into swimwear—think ethnic tribal prints, bold patterns, and animal textures. The swimwear is naturally tailored, adorned with beads, pleats, and delicate stitching. Flower prints are especially popular this season in both clothing and beachwear," said Colin Sherlin, fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York. "As designers become more complex, it seems that swimsuit designers are increasingly influenced by garments. Many ready-to-wear designers are now creating beachwear, from Gucci to Pucci."

Carmen Marc Valvo

Carmen Marc Valvo shifted his focus from evening gowns to swimwear, calling it an uninterrupted evolution. "Unlike sportswear or casual clothes, evening wear is very revealing, and swimwear is even more so. They share similarities, especially in terms of draping and shaping. I can use materials like chiffon-like warp-knitting on swimsuits to create elegant designs," he explained.

Valvo also uses similar techniques for evening dresses. He noted that Japanese-style wide belts can slim the waist, topless jackets can enhance the neck curve, and pleating is a simple way to add volume to the body. His entry into swimwear was driven by customer demand. After a successful show in Palm Beach, Florida, he sold some tight-fitting jumpsuits made with a nylon-Leica texture. "While women may not have many occasions for formal wear, they all enjoy sunbathing. This design meets both needs," he said.

Karla Spetic

Sherin from Sasling noted that in some brands, swimwear sets make up at least half of their product line. "This is a key commercial aspect of beachwear due to its versatility and multiple styling options." In terms of sizing, swimwear suits offer more flexibility. Swimwear Anywhere, a swimwear design company, works with brands like Valvo, Marc Jacobs, and DKNY. Its founder and creative director, Rosemary de Rolando, said, "A swimsuit suit fits many types of women—it's incredibly versatile."

Therese Rawsthorne

Many summer swimwear sets draw inspiration from 2010 T-shirts, such as Michael Kors' chain belts and plastic trims, or Marc Jacobs' pleated details. However, buying a swimsuit set isn't the same as buying a T-shirt. For example, Valvo's dresses range from $500 to $1,000, while a swimsuit dress typically costs around $150.

"Expensive, fancy Turkish gowns with flashy decorations, which can sell for around $600, are always the best choice for cocktail events," said Karen Ray, creative director of Satya Rai. "They're perfect for a night out but still functional for a day at the beach."

Arnsdorf

"When the drape and coverage are well-balanced, the silhouette of the gown is definitely sexy and flattering," she said. "But there are some terrible Turkish gowns—what I call 'mumu gowns,' originally popular in Hawaii." Ray even wore her own satin-print Turkish tunic while working in Manhattan. "I started this collection because I travel a lot. I wanted to wear these clothes without worrying about wrinkles."

Swimsuit suits are not completely transparent or form-fitting. Most are designed to cover under the bust. "You need to buy this kind of outfit like you would a dress—you have to find the right fit and try it on," she added. Don’t forget accessories, she advised: wooden or metallic bracelets, sunglasses, bright handbags, and flat-bottom flip-flops complete the look.

"These outfits are truly designed to match the swimsuit suit from head to toe. We found that our customers love to create new looks around the swimwear—and then wear them all day. You don’t need anything else. Whether you're going on vacation, to the beach, for lunch, cocktails, or dinner, a swimsuit suit will do."

Valvo is unsure about wearing swimsuit suits for actual swimming or surfing. He believes deep V-necks or backless styles are better suited for poolside or beach huts. "On a cruise ship, this kind of outfit makes you look beautiful. But I don’t think you’d wear it while actually swimming," he said.