The Bikini Lineup That Gets Me Compliments & Stares (In That Order)

Let’s get one thing straight: I don’t just wear bikinis. I curate them.

If you’ve ever seen me at the beach, at the pool, on the dock, or casually pretending I’m filming a swimwear commercial in my backyard with a lemonade — you know. I collect bikinis the way some girls collect trauma (kidding… mostly). I am a bikini maximalist. A connoisseur. An expert in the art of looking good while barely dressed.

And if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my many years of soaking up compliments like SPF 50, it’s this: not all bikinis are built the same.

Some are made for lounging. Some are made for posting. And some are made for that "Oh this old thing?" slay that makes people spiral.

Here are the four bikinis that have earned their place in my rotation — complete with styling tips, where to find them, and how I accessorize to go from “cute” to undeniably iconic

1. The Barbie Dream Girl

Princess Polly Siella Underwire Shine Bikini Top in Pink (CA $55)

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Ellie High Cut Shine Bikini Bottoms in Pink (CA $41)

Let me start with a rant (because, of course): why do brands keep selling bikinis as separates? Like babe, just let me click one button and call it a day. Why must I do math in the summer?

But despite the chaos, this set is everything.The underwire gives the girlies a lift that screams sculpted without surgery, while the ruching on the cups is chef’s kiss — delicate, flirty, and flattering.

The bottoms are high-cut without being a thong, which is my exact sweet spot. I love looking hot, not arrested.

How I style it:

• White wedge sandals (for that rich mom on vacay energy)

• A sheer white sarong tied on the hip

• Gold hoops + a tiny belly chain

• Hair in a slick bun with a claw clipIt’s giving Malibu baddie who drinks $18 smoothies and journals by the pool.

2. The Sweetheart With Secrets

Hollister Crochet-Style Trim Halter Triangle Bikini Top (CA $45)

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Crochet-Style Trim Double-Strap Cheeky Bottom in Light Pink Check (CA $33)

She’s soft. She’s sweet. She looks like she reads poetry — but you know she will ghost you if you say “what are we?” too early. This set is the perfect flirty feminine moment. The light pink checkered print? Adorable. The crochet trim? Like your grandma crocheted your bikini in heaven.

Double straps on the bottoms are a chef’s kiss detail. And the cut is cheeky enough to flirt with the sun without doing full cheeks-out chaos.

How I style it:

• Pale pink kitten heels

• Oversized white linen button-down (unbuttoned, obviously)

• Rose-tinted lip balm + claw clip with a bowIt’s giving picnic at the villa, flirty texts, and main character vibes.

3. The Rich B*tch Minimalist

Amazon YIMISAN Women’s Ribbed Strapless Tube Bikini Set in Black (CA $46)

Say hello to the bikini that whispers “My daddy’s a lawyer and I summer in Monaco”. This black bandeau set with white trim is chic, structured, and stupidly flattering. And yes, it’s under $50 — which in bikini world is like finding Chanel at Dollarama.

The bandeau stays put (shocking, I know), and the bottoms are just the right amount of cheeky without screaming “I’m here to cause problems on purpose.”

How I style it:

• Black wedge sandals

• White oversized sarong

• Giant floppy straw hat + oversized sunglasses

• Dainty layered gold bracelets and ringsIt’s giving old money meets Instagram baddie — think Jackie O with a Finsta.

4. The Cottage Core Cutie (With a Bite)

Ardene Floral Textured Underwire Bikini Top (CA $22)

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Floral Textured Cheeky Bikini Bottom (CA $15) – Light Yellow

This bikini is straight-up illegal for being this cute and this affordable. Under $40 for the full set, which is honestly criminal in today’s economy. The buttery soft yellow color is so flattering, especially with a light tan. The textured floral fabric makes it feel way more expensive than it is.

The top has underwire and actually stays put, which we love. The bottoms are simple, flattering, and the side ties are a fun little flirty moment.

One note: if you’re part of the itty-bitty committee (love you sm), the cup structure might gap — so maybe double-check reviews or try on in-store if possible.

How I style it:

• White platform slides

• Oversized thrifted graphic tee as a coverup

• Messy top knot and sparkly body oil

• Add a mini woven tote and you’ve got your lake day look lockedIt’s giving cottage mornings, dock selfies, and soft girl supremacy.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve a Swimsuit Era

You don’t need a “perfect body.” You need a bikini you love and an attitude that says “I know I look good.” These suits don’t just get compliments — they get stares. The kind where someone’s eyes track you across the pool deck like a movie montage. Bonus points if you pretend not to notice.

And remember: style isn’t about price tags — it’s about how you wear it. Whether you're rocking Princess Polly or Amazon, what matters is how you feel in it. So if you need an excuse to click “add to cart”… this is it.

Now go out there, serve heatstroke-worthy looks, and don’t forget your SPF (preferably La Roche-Posay from The Glow Edit).

Keep them guessing, Always.

xoxo, Bella James.