Bobbie Thomas TODAY Style Editor

It's the middle of summer, and you've just now come to the realization that you need a new swimsuit. The one in your bottom drawer feels saggy and baggy, but the bad news is, stores have already started featuring fall fashions. Don't throw in the towel just yet! The good news is that now is the best time to shop for a sale, and to score one of the hottest looks to hit the sand next summer. Bobbie Thomas, TODAY Style editor and author of the Buzz for “In Touch Weekly,” highlights swimsuit styles that will be burning up the beach for seasons to come:

The one-piece
While it may give you more coverage, there's nothing matronly about the one-piece swimsuit. From the iconic images of Bo Derek in “10” and Farrah Fawcett's infamous poster to today’s magazine-favorites like Katie Holmes and Victoria Beckham, this classic look oozes sophistication in a way that is sexy without being revealing. And speaking of classic, like the little black dress, the little black bathing suit will never go out of style. Lines like Eres, Michael Kors and DKNY take the plunge with low-cut one-piece suits that are chic and fashion-forward. Anne Cole one-piece plunge maillot $110, everythingbutwater.com

Sporty style and separates
It's no surprise to see a movement toward sporty suits from designers like Vix, Keiko and Nautica. Bathing suit trends now parallel what we see on ready-to-wear runways, and spring's space-age sporty clothing style is also big for the beach. Fashion meets function as design details like stripes and primary colors are fused with functional features like underwire, elastic bands and ultra-stretch fibers, which allow you to have fun in the sun — in a suit that offers support! Norma Kamali even allows you to custom-design your own look with separates.
Tube top, diamond bra, jog swim short $65-110, normakamalicollection.com

Lisa Curran/figleaves.com

The bandeau bikini
While the tube-like bandeau top may be simple, it's a major style statement for today's trendsetters. Originally worn by Roman gymnasts in the fourth century, modern designers such as Vitamin A and Lisa Curran have resurrected the look with vibrant prints and updated hardware. And just like the triangle string-bikini top is a dream design for girls who are gifted with a beach-bombshell bosom, the bandeau bikini is a perfect style for those who are more petite on top, like Jessica Alba and Cameron Diaz, who like to mix and match their bandeaus and bottoms.   
Vitamin A separates $72-84, DianesBeachWear.com

Retro rewind
Old Hollywood meets modern glamour as swimwear takes on a nostalgic feel. Break out your black-and-white photos — ’60s beach babes and pinup girls ruled the swimwear runways, from Chanel and Juicy Couture to Betsey Johnson. The less-is-more motto in recent years has lent itself to a modest flashback, and contemporary designers are now showing full-coverage, high-waisted bikini bottoms and swim dresses. Covering up has never been cooler.
Polka dot one-piece Catherine suit $295, Abaete.com or 212-334-4755. High-waisted pink/tangerine bikini $276, Karlacolletto.com

The cut-out, or “monokini”
While once considered impractical for sunbathing, now enlightened SPF lovers are scooping up cleverly crafted cut-out designs from the likes of Shay Todd and Rosa Cha. The sexy suits show some skin, but can also elongate a frame through flattering lines. Though this side-baring style has often been thought of as too fashion-forward, the monokini is beach-bound and here to stay.
Salinas “Fashion Show” feather cut-out suit $228, CurvesnWaves.com. Juniper Rafia hat $30, shopintuition.com

...and last but not least,

BCBG Max Azria Crochet/Nordstrom.com

Here comes the beach bride
For those who decide to take their leap of faith seaside, or are honeymooning on the sandy shores of an exotic locale, nothing says, “I do” (look fabulous) like a white swimsuit. Just don't forget to stash your diamond before you dash to jump in the ocean! Put away your brand-new “bling” and slip on a pair of diamond rings from the Girl Two Doors Down. Their fun, crystal-embellished flip-flops feature declarations such as “What’s mine is mine, what's his is definitely all mine, I do!” ($46, artisangems.com)
BCBG Max Azria crochet suit, $110, BCBG.com. Orchard crown and bouquet, Pistils & Petals Miami, FL 305-534-5001

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