Retro One-Piece Swimsuit? (yes, for me) - YouLookFab Forum

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Retro One-Piece Swimsuit? (yes, for me)

rae

(website)

Veteran

Post and run for now, but I'll be back to read and comment soon tonight! DH are going to visit his family soon, and apparently activities may include boating and water skiing... (if some of you remember, the original reason for going was a family issue... not sure where water sports fit into that, either, but I'm going with whatever they want to do to relax).

Anyway, I'd been thinking of getting a one-piece anyway for pool diving, but I don't like how I look in the sporty Speedo types. What do you think of this one? The price is right and great reviews. Obviously retro-pinup is not normally part of my style description, but something about it appeals to me...
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Cata.....t/17804485

Would I look totally weird and costumed? Or could this fit into my pseudo-steampunky-retro persona?

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39 replies

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MNsara

Veteran

I'm not sure of style consistency, but it's an adorable retro suit, the price is right, and seems that it would be super easy to try (and return if not happy). I'm hoping you'll do the research for us

It sounds like the family emergency has calmed down a little -- with time -- so I hope you'll enjoy the time away!

DonnaF

Veteran

Yes! When you wrote retro one-piece for you, this is exactly what I envisioned. For some reason, I picture this with your shorter hair but not with your much, much longer hair.

Anonymous

Oh, this should totally work for you, especially with the short hair and movie-star shades!

catgirl

Veteran

I think you could wear this. It's a little off your usual style, but that's a good thing. I love this kind of suit (except for the halter) but unfortunately I'm old enough that on me a skirted suit makes me look elderly rather than sassy.

Have you seen this style? This one is a little jaunty and costume-like but this style is out there!

http://www.zappos.com/seafolly.....st=fcl%3A0

catgirl

Veteran

Ah, here:

http://www.zappos.com/seafolly.....st=fcl%3A0

Mary Beth (formerly LBD)

(website)

Veteran

I think you would look beautiful in any of the suits on this thread.

My baby sister bought a Seafolly suit early this year for a trip to Mexico, and was thrilled with it.

rae

(website)

Veteran

Ah, Una, I like the boyshorts one, unfortunately I don't want to pay that kind of $ for such limited use.

Hm, this is going over better than I thought. What color do you think? Stick to black?

goldenpig

(website)

Veteran

I vote for red!

Diana

Veteran

I think these will be great on you! I've always wanted to try this style, but I have such a hard time with one-piece suits I've pretty much given up by now.

harmonica

Veteran

yay! I say red for you and I can see it work for you stylewise too.

rute

Veteran

I would go for the speedo type, This seems a bit old lady..

T-Rex

Veteran

I love retro style swimsuits. I think the red is the more typical pinup color, so go with that. A matching mani and pedi would look great with it. And if you feel comfortable with it, red lipstick. (Some might think that's too much, but it's like this suit is crying out for it!)

If you have a flair for the dramatic, they still make those rubber swim caps with flowers all over them. I bought one for myself and one for a friend. I don't really use mine except for costume parties. My friend has used hers for retro style photo shoots. Yes, they are silly. But fun.

I ditto the remark about movie star shades. That's a must.

Mander

(website)

Veteran

I love retro-style swimsuits like this (but not the kind with skirts -- they just flap around in an annoying way). They are the only kind that are at all flattering on my kind of body. I wouldn't worry too much about my swimwear "matching" with the rest of my style, though, TBPH. Some big retro sunglasses and a hat, maybe a big oversized white men's shirt as a cover-up, and you're good to go!

I'm in a serious aqua phase at the moment but I think any of those colors would work.

annaj

Veteran

Love this style of swimsuit! I think it would look great!

Anonymous

My only concern is if halters generally work for you. They hurt my neck so it is a style I can't wear. Pretty suit!

Anonymous

Rae, I am not feeling it. This is something I would wear to cover my post baby flabby stomach. If you are not wearing a sassier swimsuit in your 20's, then when? I think there are other options outthere, that perhaps feel a little younger. Also, that rouched flap in front is going to sag and pull down when wet, with the weight of the water. Not a pretty sight.

T-Rex

Veteran

I see a couple of people are hating on the skirt. I don't see it as "old" because it's so old that it's come around again.

However, you could do a search for retro swimsuits and pull up a deluge of options, both skirted or not. So if you aren't as sold on this one as I am, it might be worth looking around,

FYI, my BFF inherited a bunch of clothes from her grandmother, who definitely had terrific style. In among the treasures were some wool Jantzen swimsuits from the 1920's I believe. Oh, how I lusted for those. But BFF sold them off, and I was heartbroken. But she did need the money, so I forgive her.

Irene

Veteran

I like it in theory, but swimwear (and lingerie) really depend a lot on how they look put on. And one-piece swimsuits are especially tricky in terms of proportions. I don't wear one-piece swimsuits except for swimming because they are not that flattering on me, nor supportive, let alone practical when visiting the bathroom, but I understand that everybody is different. Just try it on and see. And I really like aqua for you

PS: The skirted bottom does bother me a little bit though, it might look 'elderly'

Anonymous

Also, a Walmart swimsuit scares me a bit because a swimsuit is not something you want to go low quality with. I hope not to offend the Walmart fans here but if you end up buying it, make sure that you wear it wet and check yourself to make sure that the fabric does not become translucent when wet. Also check that the lining covers the back too. I have seen too many horror stories of wet-suit-peekaboo-butt-cracks to last me a lifetime lol. Little Zap and I took a parent-children swimming class for years and boy, the horrors I have seen.

T-Rex

Veteran

Have you guys noticed any Jantzen ads in the sidebar since we started discussing swimwear? Anyway, I followed the link, and quickly found a couple of faves. I don't know if these are out of your price range, but from what I remember, the quality on these suits is good.

First, the coral suit with the ruffles on the hips. Want!
http://jantzen.com/collection.html#photo-3

Then, the cool pattern on this one. Not sure if it would flatter my figure, though. My shoulders may not be broad enough to carry this style. But the pattern on the fabric is very nice.
http://jantzen.com/collection.html#photo-4

Finally, not a style for me at all. But I love it on the model, and I love the cobalt blue color. And it fits with Angie's posts on the comeback of the blouson.
http://jantzen.com/collection.html#photo-2

There is a line of Esther Williams inspired swimwear. And lots of retro lingerie manufacturers also offer retro swimwear, although those pieces are too pricey for me. I may get in the water once or twice a year, max. So my swimwear purchases are few and far between.

I hope you have fun looking!

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I like the top and neckline but am not a fan at all of that style of bottom, sorry. (I admit I have a bit of poison eye for skirted styles too) You are too young and fab for that. I know there are similar suits out there without that drapey bottom because I just bought one for my niece this weekend. It was black and white polka dot, and had a similar vibe of retro glam without being cutesy (her style is similar to mine). I can't remember the designer now but I'll try to find a link.

Anonymous

I actually think the contrast between your modern style and the suit's retro style could be really interesting and cool! And as young as you are, I'm thinking the time to be slightly more conservative with swimwear is around in-laws. Take this with a grain of salt. Your mileage may vary.

Anonymous

Soo... I went shopping lol:

Macys has a lot of good stuff. Check it out:

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....Type=PDPZ1

http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....Type=PDPZ1

like it in black:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....slotId%3D9

so cool but what an awful suntan
http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....;RVI=PDP_5

Thinking of this one for me:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....Type=PDPZ1

Love the cobalt:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....lotId%3D26

I like the sporty vibe:
http://www1.macys.com/shop/pro.....lotId%3D98

Transcona Shannon

Veteran

Well I love it because of the retro style, although I personally can't wear a halter. However, I'm wondering if the retro look is you? I think you'd look fab in it though.

rae

(website)

Veteran

This is considered a skirt style? Hm. This is the first time I've encountered the possibility of looking like an old lady. I like the ruching because flat, sporty one-pieces accentuate my non-sporty tummy in a way that hipslung bikini bottoms do not. I could also try something like this, but this really looks older than the other one to me because it lacks the retro playfulness and seems all about the tummy. Am I off base?
http://www.target.com/p/merona.....A-14488793

Zap, I do like some of the alternate options presented (thank you!!), and I hear you on the quality, but yeah, I just can't spend that much when I have other swimwear, since I bought nice bikinis last year (I historically didn't do this much activity). Maybe I can try to find these brands you suggested on ebay or something...

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I am with Zap on the quality thing. I have had (and still do have) good suits that cost a little bit more but have lasted years and years even with regular use (I have one that is probably 12 years old and still going strong, even though it's just a sporty lap swimming suit). Some of the cheap suits I've seen do awful things in the water.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I just got this one for myself:

http://www.swimnsport.com/La-B.....LH/Product

(I needed an alternate one-piece for pool parties and such where I need to look good and relatively covered up but still be functional for swimming/playing)

The SA made me try on this one. I am not a nautical girl, and I never would have chosen this to try on, but it was surprisingly more flattering than I expected. It would probably be even cuter on someone a bit less busty than me:

http://www.swimnsport.com/Bleu.....LJ/Product

All in all, this store has some cute options. Not cheap, but they carry good quality suits and they know their stuff. I just bought my sister and both of my nieces new suits there this weekend. Somehow four women ranging in age from 23 to 57 (and a matching range of body issues!) managed to leave there with a suit we were each very happy with! My sister hasn't owned a swimsuit in years and hadn't even planned on trying anything on, but is excited about her new suit.
http://www.swimnsport.com/One-Piece/3002/dept

Sara L.

Veteran

I think it's cute. Have you tried it on? How does it look? I like either the aqua or red (I don't particularly like black swimsuits). I think if you're looking for a cheap swimsuit that won't get much use, then this could work. There's no reason to spend a bunch of money on something that you don't anticipate using much.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

YES!! Why the heck not

Red.

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