Ask BB: The Best Bathing Suits on a Budget

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Do you have any ideas for cute, fashionable bathing suits on a budget?

The newcomer to the swimwear scene that's got everyone talking this season is Forever 21, which now offers attention-grabbing bikinis, monokinis and more at select stores and online. Get a two piece bikini for as little as $22.60 (total!) (continued below)

[1] Wild Zig Zag bikini, $12.80 top + $12.80 bottom at Forever21.com
[2] Triangle top bikini, Now $25 at Newport-News.com
[3] AE Retro Halter One-Piece, $39.50
[4] Nylon Tricot Le Sport Chic Swimsuit, $42 at American Apparel

Another budget-friendly store now offering swimwear is American Apparel. Look for off-beat cuts and colors, plus unique retro-style bathing suits from this hipster favorite.

A surprise hit this season is New York & Company, which has a well-edited collection of bikinis, tankinis and one-piece suits in eye-catching geometric prints, classic black and a spot-on leopard print, too. Bikinis are $19.95 per piece, and right now they have an online buy-one-get-one half off sale. Pick up a stylish pareo cover-up, tote and flip flops while you're at it.

Of course, there's always Victoria's Secret. They have a huge selection, just be sure to shop when they're having a sale. (Right now you can save 25-40% off 250 styles.)

A tried-and-true favorite of mine is Newport-News because they offer a wide range of cuts and sizes to flatter every figure—all at super low prices (especially when they're on sale). I've been really happy with the 3 suits I purchased from their website (my mailbox has been inundated with their catalogs ever since but oh well.)

I've also had great luck at TJ Maxx and Marshall's. Go with a friend who can help bring you suits to the dressing room so you're not running back and forth, dressing and undressing. Both my sister and my mother found amazing suits at these off-price retailers last season at a fraction of their original price.

Finally, check out AE.com, OldNavy.com, Target.com (now carrying designer Ashley Paige's "Bikini Love" collection), and Gap.com for cheap suits that don't look it.

Where have you found great swimsuits this season that won't break the bank?

Comments

uggghhhhh just the thoght of putting on a bathing suit makes me shudder

#1 Real Style Real people (Homepage) on 2009-05-04 08:03 (Reply)

I love this! There's a great book that recently came-out called "The Power of Small" and it talks all about how small things can have a big impact. It was written by Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval and you know what we fashion forward ladies can look good without spending a lot of money and this posts shows it! Though it may seem small look fashionable makes us feel good and feeling good is a key to success:)

#2 Flora on 2009-05-04 08:57 (Reply)

all fabulous options...i'm especially drawn to #4, but i fear the tan lines would be a bit unsightly.

#3 Cupcakes and Cashmere (Homepage) on 2009-05-04 09:25 (Reply)

I like the bathing suits from target, as far as inexpensive goes. The ones at f21 are cute, but it you have a chest, forgetabout it!

#4 killakate on 2009-05-04 10:47 (Reply)

Check out the J.Crew sales too!

#5 Liz on 2009-05-04 13:11 (Reply)

eh..i havent seen any good ones from forever 21..maybe one day

but i LOVE the victorias secret selections, especially the basics where you can match them up and theyre only $15 a piece

#6 Neira (Homepage) on 2009-05-04 14:20 (Reply)

You are awesome

thanks so much!

#7 jenni on 2009-05-04 14:23 (Reply)

Victoria's Secret is having an awesome sale on select suits...I got a fab striped Khaki number for about $30

#8 Wanderlusting (Homepage) on 2009-05-04 15:08 (Reply)

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