Bringing sexy back

A sense of modesty has returned to the beach this year with the revival of the one-piece swimsuit. Not only is the swimsuit demure and practical (it covers more flesh and usually stays put when you swim), it has also been reinvented by designers in an array of styles, making it the must-have accessory of the summer.

From simple and elegant, as seen on the catwalk at Diane von Furstenberg, to stylish one-shoulder pieces (a trend carried over from Ready-To-Wear collections), halter-necks and more risque cut-away styles, there are suits to suit women of all ages this season.

No longer just reserved for your grandmother, this summer also sees the return of the skirted swimsuit, reminiscent of the 1920s, says Shiny Fang, founder of Shanghai's exclusive designer lingerie boutique Lingerie & Me.

"I love the elegance of the skirted swimsuits," adds Fang. "The skirt is a very feminine, flirty feature, which also discreetly covers up any unwanted bulges."

Luxury French lingerie label Fifi Chachnil (available at Lingerie & Me) offers cute one-pieces with short, ruffled skirts, while designer Michael Kors has created skirted bandeau-style swimsuits with the more sophisticated woman in mind.

"The one-piece swimsuit is iconic; I think it's very feminine and sensual," says Therese Sdervall, head designer at Swedish-owned production and design company Wonderful Earth, based in Shanghai.

In the midst of designing a swimwear collection for their new fashion brand Func Factory, her favorite trends this year are the classic Hollywood 1950s pin-up look, and the halter-neck or bandeau-style swimsuits with low-cut legs and frills - very Brigitte Bardot.

"There's also a return to the strong iridescent colors of the 80s with graphic floral prints and tie-dye effects," she adds.

When picking the right color, bold is best. Substitute delicate pastels of previous seasons for bright blues, purples or yellows. Classic full-black styles also remain a stylish, slimming option, jazzed-up with beaded or gold-ring detailing.

But not all of Shanghai's fashionistas are convinced. Philanthropist Carol Tan prefers to stick to her bikini on the beach, favoring the designs of La Perla and Calvin Klein.

"I think the one-piece can be quite flattering but I prefer the simplicity of an overall tan," she says. "The new cut-away styles give you spotty tan lines."

Sara Villarreal, founder of The Villa, a new upscale multi-brand fashion boutique set to open this fall, is also attached to her bikini, but welcomes the one-piece as a sexy addition to her swimwear wardrobe.

"When worn right, it can really add an element of class," says Villarreal. "Besides, who wouldn't want the option of covering up unsightly areas on a bad day?"

Meanwhile, dancer and production assistant Hannah Lucy Goodwin has been sporting the swimsuit for years.

"I think they can look really flattering and do more for your figure than most bikinis," she says. "They're also practical, especially if I ever feel the urge to learn to surf."