8 Sizzling Styles for the Beach and More

It's officially summer, and that means hot weather and cool new styles for the beach and beyond. This year, the swimsuits are sexier, the colors are brighter and the sandals are even strappier. Before hitting the beach, check out these 8 hot summer trends.

One-Piece Monokinis

Where To Buy: Victoria's Secret, Instyle Swimwear

You may be asking - mono what?! For lack of a better description, a monokini is a one-piece bikini. It's a fashion engineering miracle. Even sexier than your typical bikini, the monokini hugs curves and shows skin in all the right places for body-confident women. Some monokinis, like Victoria's Secret Vix Jewel-Cut Monokini ($123), accentuate the stomach and back. Others, like the L Space Jet Set Monokini ($123), accentuate the hips with crescent cut-outs on either side. And then there's the barely-there monokini, like the Sauvage Crystals Monokini ($160), which is accented with Swarovski crystals.

Embellished Swimwear

Where To Buy: Victoria's Secret, BestSwimwear.com

Whether its embroidery, jeweled designs, rings or studs, adding a little something extra to your swimsuit adds a lot of style this season. Check out the Victoria's Secret Scoop Bikini Bottom ($37), with jeweled hardware on either side at the hips. An embellished celebrity favorite is the Vitamin A Glamoflage Bikini ($79 - top; $88 - bottom). This camo-inspired string bikini is accented with large golden hoops at the hip and smaller matching hoops on the top.

Gladiator Sandals

Where To Buy: Zappos.com, Piperlime.com

Strappy gladiator-style sandals are back this season in a big way. The sandals can range from a full straps-only sandal, like the Tribeca By Kenneth Cole ($45), to a modified gladiator-style, like the Madden Girl Rammona Sandal ($56). This shoe is a lot of fun to wear because there are so many unique variations available that don't follow the basic style.

Floral Accent Sandals

Where To Buy: Piperlime.com, Zappos.com

Simple sandles with faux flower accents look fresh at the beach or on the go. One great example is the deep red Poetic License Margarita Sandal ($80), which was featured in Star magazine. A more colorful example is the gold, lime and orange-infused Belle By Sigerson Morrison Sandal ($175), which seems to exude playfulness and style. If colorful flowers just aren't your thing, you can still get in on this floral-inspired trend, with monochrome floral accents like BCBG's Max Azria Soleil Sandal ($88).

Brightly Colored Sandals

Where To Buy: Payless.com, Piperlime.com

The colors on this summer's bright sandals aren't for the faint of heart! Fluorescent pinks, blues, greens, reds and yellows dominate these sandals. Check out the Franco Sarto Fancy Sandal ($65.99) in bright patent yellow. Or go even bolder at the beach with picks like the Treasure Patent Rhinestone Sandal ($14.99) in hot pink, offered by Payless Shoes.

Exotic Sandals

Where To Buy: Piperlime.com

Once considered trashy, exotic print summer shoes are the height of class this season. They range from high-end summer shoes, such as Anne Klein's Camel Leopard Print Ballet Flat ($225), to simple, strappy numbers, such as the Two Lips Boa Sandal ($55). You'll find a wide selection of exotic prints available this season, including zebra, snakeskin, croc, cheetah, leopard and more.

Sunhats

Where To Buy: Coolibar.com

Not only are wide-brimmed sunhats in style this season, they protect your face from harmful UV rays while relaxing at the beach. The sunhat you choose can be a statement in itself, or it can complement your swimsuit or outfit. According to www.coolibar.com, their sunhats are the only ones recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, which makes them both stylish and smart. Try Coolibar's Everyday Cotton Hat ($29.95), available in seven colors: natural, white, cocoa, tan, hibiscus, smokey blue and black.

Kaftans

Where To Buy: BeachwearExporters.com

This season, kaftans have outdone the sarong as the beachwear cover-up of choice. Comfortable and roomy, kaftans (or caftans) can come in a wide range of fabrics and styles, though the sleeves are usually wide. One of my personal favorites is Beachwear Exporters' Purple Cotton Kaftan. It's perfect for lounging on the beach or a barbecue.