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Would You Wear Jan 3, 2008 @ 12:02pm

Would You Wear A One-Piece Bathing Suit?

by Natalie Hormilla

Serena poolside.JPG Last night’s Gossip Girl included a wardrobe choice that we’ve been pondering since we first booked our New Year’s flight to Florida earlier this year - the bathing suit.

Instead of the standard tied-at-the-sides, red and pink hibiscus print bikini, Serena derobed poolside to reveal the more modest choice of a navy one-piece.

We weren’t sure if we should be confused or in awe (we’ve had a recurring day dream of laying out on a yacht wearing a maillot and straw hat somewhere off Tahiti for the past five years.)

But realistically, we haven’t worn a one-piece swimsuit since fifth grade for fear of looking like, well, a fifth grader. (And we’re sure that when we finally get up the ladder in age, we’ll be having the same conversation with our best friend from a cramped dressing room somewhere, begging for reassurance that a one-piece doesn’t make us look, well, retired.)

Would you wear a one-piece swimsuit? Or is this a look better left to those on the outsides of the 12-40 age range?

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posted by Lindsaysue12

Jan 03, 2008 12:35PM

I would! I'm not one to spend a lot of money on swimsuits. I'm planning on purchasing Isaac Mizrahi for Target hot pink solid one-piecer come warm weather.

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 12:39PM

I actually own a particularly chic grey Calvin Klein maillot with ruching at the bust. It was all over the place in pink and black and blue... I just happened upon this one at a local store. I feel sexier in it than any of my two pieces...

posted by cory

Jan 03, 2008 12:41PM

It was a bit unusual, but it was a great cut on her. It fit her beautifully and she looked hot in it, no?

posted by nadarine

Jan 03, 2008 12:42PM

with the 40's leg, the halter, and the bare back, this is sexy.
and hey, if Gossip Girl can influence some teenagers to put down the slutty clothes and cover up with a bit of class, bonus! :)

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 12:42PM

just got back from a christmas vacay in the bahamas, where i wore a completely age-appropriate, multi-colored one-piece. got many compliments on it. plus, all i had to do was throw on a skirt and i was dressed enough to walk around town!

posted by ImmaterialGirl

Jan 03, 2008 12:45PM

I think one-pieces can be very chic and even sexy. The trick is getting a cut that's on the bare side, or going for a suit with retro (but not frumpy) styling, and sticking with solids or metallics. I've long hated shopping for swimsuits because I feel so many of the designs for young women are anti-fashion -- the aforementioned hibiscus prints, for instance, which are just awful in my opinion. If I wouldn't wear a certain print on a dress, why should I wear it on a bathing suit. It can be surprisingly difficult to find a nice bikini in a solid. color.

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 12:46PM

My boyfriend, who is 23, prefers the one-piece look. He likes the classic shape it creates, and I guess it leaves something to imagination!

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 12:55PM

I'd definetely wear it!
Here in Brazil, they've been trying to put this on the beaches for two years, but I think this summer these will definetely get on girls body! I saw a girl at a marine these days, she wasn't tanning, tough. But for a late afternoon party or a early evening party at the pool, it's absolutely glamorous!

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 12:57PM

I LOVED it- my husband, on the other hand, thought it was very mawmaw!

posted by mckeb753

Jan 03, 2008 12:57PM

from the perspective of a gay man...i love it!...specifically the one she's wearing...i'm not advocating something that makes you look like a member of the local swim club

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 1:00PM

I just started a few years ago! And I'm only 18!

posted by dumbbrunette5

Jan 03, 2008 1:02PM

i personaly love one pieces, i think they look gorgeous, especially ones that have the whole 40s leg + halter thing. unfortunately ive never bought one because my top half is tiny and my ass is normal..so i either get a bathing suit with a loose top or it fits on top but i cant get my ass inside..so annoying

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 1:06PM

I think they're one of the classiest options around. Whether or not you have a tight tummy, it's not always necessary to show it, and the one-piece has a lot of retro style cred. I'm all for it.

posted by socialista

Jan 03, 2008 1:09PM

Some one-pieces are really sexy and I wouldn't want to see anyone outside of the 12-40 bracket wearing it!

While I love my bikini collection, I did just score a very sexy Diane von Furstenberg leopard print one-piece, that has a very low halter that stops about an inch or 2 above the bellybutton and a very low back as well

posted by teenfashionista

Jan 03, 2008 1:10PM

When Serena revealed her chic one-piece, I gasped out loud. I loved it, though if I were the show's stylist, I would have put Serena in Blair's bikini and Blair in Serena's maillot...

posted by xxi

Jan 03, 2008 1:14PM

I can only wear one pieces otherwise my top half doesn't have enough support. So I guess I have no other choice and I'm so happy that someone actually wore a one piece and made it look chic instead of old and frumpy like the mindset seems to be with you guys.

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 1:17PM

does anyone know who made the bathing suit she wore? it's lovely.

posted by FWD

Jan 03, 2008 1:21PM

People eschew the one-piece suit? I had no idea they were thought of that way. I wore fluorescent bikinis till I was 12, but then I read about Audrey Hepburn getting discovered in her black one-piece when all the other girls on the beach were channelling Mansfield. So I switched to those for the next 8 years.

posted by nadarine

Jan 03, 2008 1:35PM

re: dumbbrunette5- good point. You can't snag a size M bottom with 36C top in a maillot, so it'd better fit perfectly off the rack.

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 1:49PM

Nothing wrong with a stylish one-piece! I definitely would.

posted by mpw

Jan 03, 2008 1:52PM

I definitely love a chic one piece. And, because I'm really pale, it's nice to one less body part to slather in sunscreen.

posted by jess

Jan 03, 2008 2:13PM

personally, i love the one piece look- i dont think it has a specific age attached to it at all.

now, looking good in a one piece is a different story. its not as easy as one would think for a shorter, regular sized gal.

posted by Ginge

Jan 03, 2008 2:14PM

I definitely wear one pieces (at least, the past few times I've gone swimming). But I'm lucky because I have my mom's old bathing suits. The one I've worn the most has thin, diagonal red and white stripes with a navy trim and the top is like a bikini top except that the straps cross in the back and hook on to the sides. It makes me feel quite glamorous and I get compliments on it every time I wear it.

And I'd like to second mpw's comment: more coverage from the sun!

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 2:29PM

are you kidding me? bikinis are so boring and typical, I LOVE some of the unique one-pieces that I've seen. They're totally hot to me, especially the ones with the side cutouts...or plungining necklines...or even the old fashioned glam ones. Where have you been looking for one pieces, lol.

http://socialitedreams.wordpress.com

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 2:40PM

Oh my goodness, you guys are so freaking funny. Would you wear a one piece? Yes! What's the big deal. Most people I see wearing bikinis shouldn't be.

I go for the deep-v once piece every summer, and I always get compliments from guys and girls, who've told me it's "sophisticated," and "sexy."

I thought you guys were more open minded, but lately you've been acting all weird.

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 3:03PM

I am a size 2-4 and very skinny, but last year I had a growth spurt and lost some weight at the same time. As a result, the skin on my stomach is a bit loose, so I don't feel comfortable donning a bikini. I think a chic one piece can be really sexy and sophisticated, if it's pretty cut like the one in Gossip Girl rather than an old fashioned "mom" suit. It's nice to see a show where the girls don't look so naked; I think sexy one pieces are definitely getting more popular. Also, I love one pieces with the cut out sides, they're really nice. Does anyone know the designer of the swimsuit Blake Lively is wearing?

posted by astralgirl02

Jan 03, 2008 3:28PM

Again with the silly questions!!! C'mon, Fashionista....

OF COURSE one-pieces are chic... not everyone loves bikinis or showing off so much skin, especially with skin cancer running rampant these days.

I love the vintage Norma Kamali suits, as well as the deeeeeeeeep V suits from our budget-minded friends at (ew) American Apparel...

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 3:29PM

No way! I just returned from Brazil where EVERYONE wears a tiny bikini. It is much more sexy to be comfortable with your body then to try and cover it up with unnecessary (and hot and icky!!) fabric. As for me..I brought back 3 brazilian bikinis. And I'm not a size 2...

posted by ochottie37

Jan 03, 2008 3:42PM

where are some cute places to find them? and am i the only one who thought that serena had a beautiful figure but that the swimsuit was not flattering? ( not in that picture...in the episode)

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 3:44PM

Like so many topics that come up on this site...I can't believe there is even a question about whether one-pieces are acceptable or not. You "fashionistas" need to step your game up... They have been back in style for a while, and can be way sexier than a two-piece if you choose the right one. Last year I bought two one-pieces, both with very low backs and low necklines, and stood out in a sea (literally) of boring string bikinis. Wearing a one-piece has nothing to do with not feeling confident with your body... one-pieces are chic and sexy as hell and more girls should rock them.

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 3:52PM

I would totally wear that one piece if I looked that good in in. Blake is beautiful. If I could pull it off I would love the chic, sexy, sophisticated vibe it gives off

The queen of all things chic,

stephanie rose

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 4:02PM

check this out.http://www.retrodress.com/ew102.html
what is *not* sexy about a one-piece? and it's affordable. and i agree with astralgirl02, the american apparel one-piece is super sexy. check out emily's pic on gawker if you don't believe it. i have to agree with other posts, this question shouldn't be on a fashion blog. just like 'would you wear tory burch flats?'hmmm, NO!

posted by geneva

Jan 03, 2008 4:22PM

Of course! One pieces can be so chic. And you'll look different from everyone else, without looking like you're trying too hard, you know?

posted by hannah

Jan 03, 2008 5:07PM

I'm not sure if it's supposed to be the same part (Christmas Break in St. Barts), but in the book Serena and Blair decide to go topless. Just saying. And also, I agree with the person who said Serena should be wearing a bikini while Blair would be in the one-piece.

As far as one-pieces, I think they can look very chic but not on someone my age (15).

posted by guest

Jan 03, 2008 5:59PM

so...if i didn't watch the show, i would of thought to myself "hm, that 45 year old blonde looks fantastic".

but as a teen/20-something year old, that bathing suit did nothing to show off her body...her derriere looked terrible. yikes.

posted by glttergrl3890

Jan 03, 2008 6:11PM

I think in the right color it's gorg, but if you put a print on the swim suit it's horrible.

Delia's has a bunch, but again, you have to be careful otherwise you may look too young:

http://store.delias.com/browse.do?categoryID=1339&sidenavTrack=apparel.swim.onepiece

http://store.delias.com/browse.do?categoryID=1732&sidenavTrack=apparel.swim.monokinis

posted by beccaeve

Jan 03, 2008 6:51PM

I love one piece bathing suits. The retro look is more sophisticated than a bikini. It's also a classic shape and leaves a little more to the imagination, which makes it even sexier than all that skin.

http://fashionmefabulous.blogspot.com

posted by tahl

Jan 03, 2008 8:03PM

I have to ask all you one-piece converts: how are the tan lines? I feel shallow for asking, but that always brings me back to my bikini (it being quite easy to, uh, untie for a bit?).

posted by staceyy

Jan 03, 2008 9:26PM

while everyone chats about one pieces i simply cannot get over the fact that i missed gossip girl!!! ugh!

however, i've been searching for the right bathing suit for ages, and I'm thinking a one piece might be what i've been looking for!

posted by guest

Jan 04, 2008 3:19AM

I had no idea one pieces were considered frumpy or "retired." I've worn them all my life, not everyone is a size 4, but I never considered them unsexy either. They were just more flattering so my anwser would be duh, yes I would wear one.

posted by guest

Jan 04, 2008 9:56AM

I like American Apparel's one pieces. Although, I'm not sure I favor one pieces over bikinis but I do like what they've got - especially when bikinis may not be practical (i.e. waterskiing).

posted by Rose Tyler

Jan 04, 2008 12:38PM

I would love to find a one piece that looks like Serena's. It's much more fashionable looking then the usual string thing. I also thought it was very sexy. Plus being a mom of four, it's very impractical to run after toddlers on the beach in something tiny.

posted by guest

Jan 04, 2008 1:34PM

Would I wear a one piece? Always! Who wants to look like a cliche in a string? A classy one piece will always be my preference. Besides, the less rays my belly gets the firmer it will stay!

posted by guest

Jan 04, 2008 1:50PM

Yes, I would wear a one piece. However, I celebrated turning 40 in '07 and proudly spent an "Un-mother's Day" weekend with three lifelong girlfriends on South Beach...in a variety of very tasteful, flattering two pieces. And if I'm blessed enough to do the same in another decade, bring it on! Of course, it won't have strings of any sort!

posted by Becca

Jan 04, 2008 4:53PM

I would, if I could. Every few years I forget that they never fit and try one on. Even the "long torso" ones are too short. I'm even giving up on one-piece racers as soon as my current one dies.

posted by Starfire8825

Jan 07, 2008 9:39PM

one-pieces are classy if you get the right design for your body type. I`ve got the sexiest dark leopard print v-neck halter suit I wouldnt give up for the world. Granted for suntanning when you cant go 'au naturale' a teeny bikini is nice to have.(no lectures on tanning please. we know*we know, I smoke cigarettes also. judge me. haha) I have too many everything, but still not enough. almost 10 suits to choose from, two of which are one pieces that are not made for kids. :) My friend Rachael has a gorgeous one piece that shows more skin than a bikini.

posted by guest

Jan 11, 2008 7:52PM

hey, does anyone know where to get the swimsuite she is wearingg. if anyone knows. PLEASE let me know ;D

posted by guest

Sep 25, 2008 2:08PM

I would and I do. I have a couple of Michael Kors animal print one pieces. One in brown and one in pink. I get compliments on them all the time.