SUIT YOURSELF 12 Swimsuits So Chic You Might Want to Wear Them Off the Beach Too

Special to Stylelist by Nana Ekua Brew-Hammond

The beach has never been so high-fashion. Thanks to new lines by Victoria's Secret, House of Deréon, Target and H&M, ruffles, sequins -- even hoodies -- are hitting the sand. But are they safe to go in the water? Yup. And when you're not playing it safe, pair with jeans or a flowing skirt for a look that stays hot long after sunset. (H&M loves Kylie swimsuit, $24.90; available at www.hm.com)

FIND THE PERFECT SWIMSUIT

H&M loves Kylie Collection

Patrick Robinson for Target Medallion-Print Swimsuit, $29.99

"A good print can take off 10 lbs," Patrick Robinson told our sister site BlackVoices.com in an interview about his summer collection for Target. All the more reason to double this sexy swimsuit as a tank top. (available at Target.com)

Buy Target Suit

Jantzen Crystal-Accent Cutout Maillot, $118

This white hot one-piece with ruffled collar and Swarovski crystal cleavage accent looks more like a designer blouse than a swimsuit. Wear it to the beach without packing a top to make tote room for that trashy beach read, then keep it on for drinks with the girls right after. (available at www.dillards.com)

Buy Jantzen Suit

Stay by Stacey Angela Crochet Bikini, $225

Enjoy an Aphrodite moment in this scorching two-piece by indie designer Stacey Angela, but stay away from chlorine which can be too harsh for the delicate viscose, cotton and spandex style. (bikini, $225, and earrings, $55, available by custom order at www.staceyangela.com; beads by Alicia Shulman)

More on Stacey Angela

Baby Phat Mock Two-Piece Halter with Scoop Bottom, $110

Bring a little bling to the beach with this two-piece sprinkled with rhinestones and connected by a removable cat charm. (availabe at www.babyphat.com)

Buy Baby Phat Suit

Old Navy Halter and Bikini Bottoms, $12.50 each

Boogie board your way through summer in this 'Gidget'-flashback style and don't forget to accessorize with a headband and hula hoop. (available at oldnavy.com)

Buy Old Navy Swimwear

XOXO Roller Girl Stripe Bandeau Top Keyhole Scoop Hipster Bottom, $39 each

Perfect for sunbathing on the beach or the roof of your apartment building, throw a pair of shorts over this candy-colored 'kini and go California-girl style on especially hot days. (available at xoxo.com)

Buy XOXO Suit

Cosabella Mare Hermia Adjustable Adjustable Top & Lowrider String Bikini Set, $128.25

Turn up the heat this summer when you adjust this French maid-esque ruffle-trimmed bikini top to fit your curves. (available at chicmystique.com)

Buy Cosabella Mare Suit

House of Deréon Hoodie Crop Top, $145 and Draped Triangle, $165

Channel Beyoncé at the beach with these beautylicious styles that flatter bootylicious bods. (available at houseofdereon.com)

Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Glitter String Bikini, $59 and Metallic Bikini, $73

Catch some rays and reflect them back in this sequins-splashed bikini (top) or go for a barely-there look in this nude-beach-friendly style embellished with sparkling shells. (available at victoriassecret.com)