Ask Kim France: Swim Skirts That Don’t Scream Old Lady Trying to Hide Her Butt?
Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your account’s‘Saved for Later’section.
Comment
Kim France has joined the Strategist with a monthly column to answer the highly specific style questions of “girls of a certain age.” She’ll cover going-out outfits for Gen-Xers who don’t like getting dressed up, what to wear when you spiritually feel 27 but physically are about to turn 40, and solutions for anyone generally confused about pants. Send your questions for Kim to strategist@nymag.com.
Is a bathing-suit skirt ever cute, or does it just scream “old lady trying to hide her butt”?
First off, don’t talk that way about old ladies! You will be one someday, the good lord willing, and you’re talking about some of the chicest women I know. But I get your point, and you’re in luck: We are in a pretty hugely adorable moment for swim skirts.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Everyone’s favorite destination for nap dresses also offers a couple of pretty frankly amazing swim skirts, like this lovely blue floral. I like that it sits high on the waist.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Micro-mini in the front, hot pants (are they still called hot pants?) in the back: If you’re interested in showing off your legs in a meaningful way, this could be the one for you.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Here’s one that is flirty and at the same time pretty practical, which is a neat trick.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Gingham is never a bad idea, and it is definitely on trend this summer. This cut offers a little more coverage too.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Easily the chicest swim skirt suit I’ve seen; this just looks like it would be fun to wear and would keep the parts you want covered, covered.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Plaid and florals together! The cuteness!
New! You can now save this product for later.
And may I suggest a pair or two of swim shorts? This one comes in another good colorway and looks just as sporty as can be.
New! You can now save this product for later.
More shorts: This puckered, plaid bottom andmatching tophave a kind of sweet and retroish appeal.
What’s your top splurge-worthy brand or suit?
My philosophy regarding investment purchases, not that you asked, is that you shouldnotmake them on, say, a fancy dress, purchased for an event, that will get worn a couple of times a year. Instead, I splurge on the key pieces that immediately go into high rotation and stay there until they’re dust. This is how I came to own a $500 hoodie (it isperfect!). And that is why I advocate spending a bit more on what to wear when you’re as close to naked as possible.
New! You can now save this product for later.
Rachel Comey is a master of prints and textures, and her suits are just uncannily chic.
New! You can now save this product for later.
This one makes me think of something Mary Tyler Moore might have worn onThe Dick Van Dyke Show. The back cutout keeps things cool and modern, though.
New! You can now save this product for later.
This brand, which was started by model Liya Kebede, has always been on the pricier side. But this little number is on sale — I always like a graphic black-and-white print.
New! You can now save this product for later.
The colors here are so classic Pucci, and the print is just exuberant. Were one to purchase this one-piece, I truly believe one would not regret it.
New! You can now save this product for later.
The ruched detail here is both really on point and also quite flattering.
I want cute rash guards! And other cute sun-protection clothing, like hats.
New! You can now save this product for later.
This brand was founded by a woman who’d received a skin-cancer diagnosis, and it offers some of the coolest swimwear I’ve seen, all with a UPF of 50. I always like the way a bright color like this red really pops against leopard. Here’sthe swimsuit versionof that shorts suit.
New! You can now save this product for later.
I don’t adore the expression “cult following,” but Emerson Fry truly has one, mostly for its lighter-than-air caftans. I will not travel to a warm environment without one: Bring it on a beach vacation, and you might find yourself wearing this to breakfast or out to town.
New! You can now save this product for later.
What a clever notion for those of us who lack the coordination to undress under a towel.
New! You can now save this product for later.
I’m not wearing anything this short out on the street, but at the beach or pool, this is a pretty great cover-up
New! You can now save this product for later.
You’ve seen one raffia hat, you’ve seen ’em all, especially this season. But this one — punctuated by that pop of red that I’m always a sucker for — is almost too good.
New! You can now save this product for later.
A packable option for not a ton of cash that comes in quite a few other shades, though I’m partial to this earthy gray.
More From The Strategist
- The Strategist Fall 100
- The Best Things Strategist Editors Have Bought This Year (So Far)
- The Strategist Summer 100
- I Replaced My Tretinoin With This $30 Retinal Cream
The Strategistis designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read abouthere. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.
