While we’re all about cute bathing suits, we’re not even a little bit about spending between $250 and $300 on one. Like, at all. Salt water, chlorine, sweat, suntan lotion and the scorching rays of the sun are all foes of our favorite bikinis, leaving us disappointed and pissed each time one of them gets ruined — we could have spent that money on a roundtrip on Southwest, after all. Not to mention the fact that each summer, the amount of time we’re able to hit the gym seems to dwindle and certain styles don’t, uh, lay like they once did.
The solution? Spending slightly less on our poolside ensembles than we would if we had disposable incomes. This summer, we capped our swimwear budget at $100 a pop to see if it would be possible to feel hot for less than a quarter of our monthly rent. Shock and awe — it is. Here are our picks if you’d like to “follow suit.” HA.
1. Old Navy black String Bikini
Price: $17.50 for the top + $10 for the bottoms
Grand total: $27.50
It’s a black string bikini, it’s not winning any medals. But it’s a great swimwear staple and would look cute under a sheer, bohemian sundress on the days you feel like channeling summer sans the beach.
2. Rod Beatie ruffled polka dotted bikini
Price: $57.75 for the top + $30 for the bottoms
Grand total: $87.75
This black and white polka dotted number happens to come from the country’s best-selling swimwear designer (true story, according to research group NPD). We love it because it reminds us of a similar, 1980s one-piece style by Bill Blass that once belonged to our mother. Red lips, hoops, done.
3. Forever 21 Seaside Stripes bikini
$10.80 for the top + $9.80 for the bottoms
Grand total: $20.60
You’re not buying Forever 21 anything to pass down to your children, obviously. So who cares that this cute, patriotic two-piece may not make it through this summer’s beatdown? It will do the trick and look good along the way, and you truly won’t care if you accidentally leave it hanging over a friend’s shower rod.
4. Madewell Electric Ikat bikini
$46 for the top + $44 for the bottoms = $90
Dear Madewell,
We adore your desert boots and your silk summer dresses. At the moment, your website also carries a knee-length denim skirt that we’d forgo a few lunches for. And now, we’re obsessed with your swimsuits ‚ including this Ikat number that is just waiting to be paired with a slew of bold, tribal accessories. That is all.
5. Urban Outfitters Crochet Underwire bikini
$44 for the top + $39 for the bottom
Grand total: $95
High waist, yesteryear suits feel modern and sophisticated. But if the style shows any hint of stodginess, watch out — you’ll look like you’re taking water aerobics at the home. Luckily this cream-colored, crocheted two-piece gets the young body/old soul vibe just right.
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