If you want to be in style, you'll need swimwear in bright colors and patterns.

Teeny bikinis, one-piece suits and styles in between come in shades of aqua, orange and red. Hawaiian prints, big, bold stripes and 1960s-inspired geometric patterns are the hottest designs. Even solid-color swimsuits have understated patterns thanks to textured fabrics. Their tiny designs can camouflage trouble spots because they keep the eyes from focusing on one area.

Suits in shimmery fabrics and animal prints, which were popular last year, are still selling well in local stores, but the shape of swimsuits has changed.

Last year's most popular style - the midriff-concealing tankini - has been largely replaced by plunging halter tops that look as though they came off the set of Charlie's Angels. Other '70s-style trends include crocheted swimsuits and handkerchief tops.

Bandeau bikini tops - narrow bands of fabric that wrap around the chest - also are popular. Most come with detachable straps to help the wearer avoid tan lines.

Surfer-style board shorts and modest boy short bottoms aren't as plentiful as they were last year.

Instead you'll find string bikinis, which tie at the hips, and Brazilian-cut bottoms, which peak high on the thigh and offer thinner coverage in the back.