Yay or nay: mismatched bikinis

What do you think of mismatched bikini tops and bottoms? Fashion disaster or cool pattern mixing?

I need to get new bottoms for my bikini top (#1) as my current bottoms are too small. It is >5 years old (I don't go swimming much..) so there's almost no chance I'd be able to find the matching bottom. I still love the top, it fits well and is underwired but doesn't look like a bra. Plus replacing a bikini bottom is relatively cheap, whereas the types of bikini tops I like (underwired, bra-sized) tend to be expensive.

Some possibilities - keep in mind that I chose these more for color/pattern and I'm not wedded to the shapes necessarily although I do need substantial back coverage for decency. I like side-ties too as they are nice and adjustable for big booty/small front.
The safe/obvious choice would be plain black. (#2, and obviously many other options)
Something in b/w colorblock to echo the color scheme of the top? (#3 and 4, I love #3 but I think it's too skimpy for me)
A different color solid (#5)
Pattern mixing in b/w with stripes/dots (#6-7)
Pattern mixing with a different b/w floral (#8)
Serious pattern mixing (9-11)

ETA: Here is a mismatched set that is sold as such. (photo 12)

http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/.....143240016/

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12 years ago

lyn*

(website)

Veteran

YAY! I do pattern mixing with stripes or dots, but I think that some of the solid options are very cute too!

2 - no brainer
3 - matches the white ties
4 - I don't like as much :p
6 - My favorite of the 'alternative' options

FlorenceFearne

Active Member

I like 3 and 4. I also like the idea of doing a wide b&w stripe like in 7, but without introducing another pattern. If you could find a similar bottom without the dots, that would actually be my top pick.

Irene

I would go with #2 and #4, which is what I did myself last month: http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....ch-bikinis

rachylou

I love mix and match. Think it's positively brilliant.

I have to say not 4. Too muck like Jockey shorts for me.

MsMary

You know I love a nice pattern mix! My favorite is #8!

Cindy

FWIW I like 3,4, & 8.

Thistle

Not a pattern mixer, nor is anyone in my area, so by me, it would look odd.

elpgal

I like 4 and 8 the best. 3 reminds me too much of boudoir lingerie :p

cloud9

I like the idea of big tie of 3 the best, but agree is too skimpy. For pattern mix, I like 7 best. So stripes or dots, in black & white color scheme, with big side ties would look best as my conservative pattern mix. I'm just not advanced enough to go with completely diff colors AND patterns.

Sarah A

Embracing mix matched bikinis has made my life about a billion times easier. Big yay!

ClaraT

I am a mixer-and-matcher. Why not? If you go with a print top and a solid bottom, it isn't even a fashion risk (just a variation on the bikini-top-with-solid shorts/daisy dukes look).

Bottoms #2 and #3 are my favorites (and I don't find #3 too skimpy). Cute top!

Beth Ann

Love the idea! I like #2 and #6 the best -- they let the top shine, and seem to be adjustable, which lets you find the right "spot" for flattery on your body.

Sara L.

I mix and match my bikinis so I think it's a great idea. I like all the black and white options. I'm not into advanced pattern mixing so I'll have to leave the wilder combinations to others.

rae

I think I only do this because I'm too cheap to buy a set (singles I can find for very cheap). I think 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, or 9 have great potential. The only thing I have to be careful of that I would suggest is not to have them too different in color value - a dark top with a bright or very light bottom makes the eyes to right to the backside.

Janet

I'm only a fan if the pieces look like they could have been offered as a set, and have a consistent style (sporty top, sporty bottom, etc) but I'm not a big pattern mixer. I see some young girls around here mix pieces that clash and I don't care for that look -- just looks like you lost half a suit.

Anonymous

2, 4, 6, 8
Those are the ones that resonate

DonnaF

I would want to see a number of these in person. For example, on my monitor, #4 looks like underwear, but maybe doesn't give that impression at all in person. #6 looks more charcoal, and #9 looks navy. I love pattern mixing, but I think I would like #9-11 more if your top had more colors. I like #s 8, 7, and 4 if the whites are white and not as cream as they appear on my monitor and the fabric is compatible; otherwise I like #2.

Diana

OK, so it sounds like the consensus is mismatched is fine, but most people think it's best to stick to the same color palette (in my case, black and white.) My personal favorites are 3 and 8, although like I said, 3 is probably a bit skimpy, and I'd have to see 8 in person to see if the pattern works with the pattern on the top. And plain black of course, although I'm thinking it actually looks more cohesive if there is white soemwhere on the bottom too.

So I'm going to try to see if I can find something in person first since swimwear is so hard to fit. I hope I'll be able to find a cheap black bottom at least at H&M or Forever 21 or someplace like that and that will work for now, and maybe a black and white option as well. BTW, all of these are from Figleaves, and since they ship from the UK it's kind of slow (although shipping and returns are very reasonable, although not free); it's not a huge hassle for me if I do decide to order because they are one of very few retailers that sells my bra brand, so I can always add some bras to my order too.

Marley

#2 - no brainer
#3 - white sash matches top
#6 - easy-peasy pattern mixing
#7 - my favorite - a little more adventurous pattern mixing

I mix and match my bikini tops and bottoms all of the time. I think that if there is ever a time to jump out of your comfort zone and go for zany pattern mixing, its when you're wearing a bikini!

I am sooo not a pattern mixer, and I have a matchy matchy heart. But I once bought 2 sets of swimsuits with the idea of mixing them. Loved it! they were in the same color family and only one print with the other a solid.
(sadly I lost the groovy 60's print one in a FL motel room on one of our moves)
Thumbs up.

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ManidipaM

My only two-piece swimsuit is solid bottom with stripey top (tankini, not bikini), so guess where my vote falls?

I'm not even sure of sticking to a colour family, though mine does. For example, as with other clothing, a denim look would go with say a black&white stripe or colourful floral or red paisley... no? So also solid black or grey or white perhaps, aka 'neutrals'?

I mean, why is this so different from matching tops to pants or skirts generally eh?

I'm loving 4, 6, 8, 10 and 11 for your set!

cheryle (Dianthus)

Absolutely. I almost always buy bra sized tops but don't like the matching bottom cuts so get a separate bottoms.

I think the dots or BW look the best. #3 and #7 are my personal faves but it could be because my hips are wider than my chest so the smaller tie bottom helps to mask this.

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