The Best Bikinis for That August Vacation

Somehow, August is already here and summer 2015 is almost over. Oh no! You've been so swamped this year that you've waited until now to book a week of vacation time. You're ready for some sun and surf and to make the most of those sweltering temperatures. As you dig through your wardrobe though, you realize that all of your bikinis are so last season. There's no need to panic. Bikini trends for this year are chic, colorful, and carefree, the exact vibe that you want to give off when sitting on the beach reading that latest bestselling book.

If you're a fan of color-blocking your clothes, you'll be happy to learn that this trend has extended to swimwear. Your bikini can harness all the fun, funky colors that you envision when you think of the summertime, hues like bright pinks mixed with blues, neon greens blending with smooth white, and electric coral orange paired with show-stopping yellow. The "Mercury" black and white bandeau from Splash is color-blocking perfection. You can also go with a more demure look with a longline bikini top. You no longer have to worry about the girls tumbling out with these covering halters that leave plenty of room for wild prints or fun slogans on the front.

Hippie chic, another huge style trend, has also started appearing on the swimsuit racks. Whether it's crocheted fabrics or earthy hues combining together into one matching top and bottom, bikinis with a boho flair are easy and breezy. Another trend that digs back in time a little is retro swimwear. You've seen the likes of Taylor Swift fashioning high-waisted bikini bottoms for years, and now the style is in vogue. Worn with a strapless bandeau and an oversized pair of sunglasses, you'll look like you stepped out of a really fashionable time machine.

Swimsuits show a lot of skin, and you'll notice that a lot of recent designs show even more. Mesh and sheer materials, very popular on the runways, are a natural complement for bikinis and allow you to wear something more interesting than a triangle top and tie-side bottoms. Of course, be careful not to go too sheer to avoid a mishap in the pool or the beach, but most bikinis that you find with mesh panels leave plenty to the imagination, showing off just a bit extra. Another great way to get all eyes on you is with a red bikini. It doesn't matter the type necessarily, just that it's a big, bold, beautiful shade of red. The "Kabila" bikini from Splash is a perfect example with its bandeau style, keyhole in the front, and strappy back.

Although not a bikini in and of itself, the monokini used to cover a little less than a one-piece. These days, designers have whittled down the monokini to practically look just like a bikini only with more fabric connecting the top and bottoms. These can be incredibly sexy, so don't discount them when you go shopping this season. Ruffles are also quite popular. Girly and flirty, whether a bandeau or strappy top, laser-cut ruffles are flattering for almost any body type. The way that the beach breeze shifts the delicate ruffles will win your heart. Don't miss Splash' "Flora" ruffle bandeau in pristine white or navy blue.