Up Your Swimwear Game with Tips from Fashionista Baille Benemelis

It’s still swimsuit season, so it’s not too late to change up your swimwear wardrobe with Benemelis’ tips: something pink, sporty and chic.

Few blend classic, timeless and trendy into their style as effortlessly or own as impressive an array of fits as local socialite and fashionista Baille Benemelis.

As President of Couture Circle, “an exclusive community of fashion lovers, change makers, and avant-garde leaders,” she curates unique fashion-centric experiences. 

Benemelis sat down with District Fray to discuss building a swimwear wardrobe and why men should think more about accessories. 

District Fray: What’s your approach to building a swimwear wardrobe?
Baille Benemelis: As someone in the fashion industry, I think about all the different types of occasions for anything I have to wear, so I am prepared for all types of things. Calling it a swimwear wardrobe feels spot on. If people thought about it that way, they can think more seriously about what they want to wear, how they want to present themselves and how they want to look and feel. You should feel good in your swimwear; it shouldn’t be an afterthought. I have something sporty, sexy and chic, bohemian, and whimsical, and a black bathing suit and a few one-pieces within those categories.

What swimwear styles do you gravitate towards?
I love a retro bathing suit; there’s nothing better than a cute high-waisted bathing suit or a one-piece with a bustier style. It is very attractive and classic and will always be in style. I gravitate towards cuts, prints or detailing that’s different. I love fringe, beading, large flowers on a bathing suit — those unique little details that will set you apart.

What should men be paying attention to when designing a swimwear wardrobe?
For women, trends are so different because we have so many styles: one-pieces, two-pieces, different types of tops and different bottoms. For men, it’s only a trunk; you have different lengths, but it’s the same style. [When] men think about swimwear, the print is everything for a guy who wants to set himself apart. Also, consider accessorizing; you cannot go wrong with a great hat. Think about footwear for walking around and what type of top you wear so it feels like a holistic look. 

Baille Benemelis. Photo courtesy of subject.

How is building a swimwear wardrobe different from building an everyday wardrobe?
I like to think about it in terms of occasions: when and where you will be wearing these pieces. Is it a casual day at the pool at your apartment, home or a friend’s place? Are you traveling? Is it a destination? Are you going to Europe or the Caribbean? Are you going to a resort? If I’m at a resort, I make sure I have a cover-up that I’m going to feel comfortable wearing going into a restaurant and sitting down and eating versus going to a pool party in Miami and wearing a smaller cover-up and carrying a tiny beach bag so it doesn’t feel as cumbersome. 

How does fast fashion fit into the equation?
Swimwear is something that you don’t want to skimp on. You want good construction and need a good fit, you want it to stay put and you want it to be comfortable. You can’t disguise poor quality with swimwear material. When you go to the pool, there’s chlorine and other chemicals. Fast fashion isn’t going to hold up.

Lining is a big deal. The lining’s not going to be there in cheaper swimwear. The material isn’t going to feel as thick. It’s going to feel flimsier and less expensive, and there are going to be fit issues. Do your research and look for reputable brands. I love Calzedonia, Beach Bunny, Psycho Bunny, Frankies, Agua by Agua Bendita and Divno Seas. 

What swimwear styles and colors are trending this season?
For colors, bold metallics are really big this season. And, of course, with the Barbie movie, Barbiecore is now extending into swimwear. Oversized ruffles, layered bathing suits that almost look like you’re wearing two pieces, and skirt bottoms [are also trending].

For more style tips and inspiration, follow Baille on Instagram @baillekg. 

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Andrew J. Williams III