How to Style Your Winter Swimsuit this Holiday Season

When most of us think of swimsuits, we think of spring and summer beach trips or days spent sunbathing on the side of a pool. Very few of us think of swimming in winter, taking a polar bear plunge, or trying the European hobby of ice swimming! After all, there's a reason why so many of our swimsuits feature bright pastels and bold floral patterns. But suppose we want to take up winter swimming in order to experience all the health benefits it has to offer. In that case, we should experiment with different styles that are both appropriate for the winter season and warm enough to keep us as safe and comfortable as possible.

We're going to give you some fun and unique examples of ways that you can style your winter swimwear, but remember that the most important thing to consider is how the swimsuit makes it feel. Feel free to mix and match different tops, bottoms, and accessories to create a look that is completely your own! And remember, it's winter, so get creative, layer up, and, most importantly, have fun.

Colors - Cool, but Festive

The holiday season is saturated in two essential colors: red and green. Shop for swimsuits that are bright, cranberry, or wine red, or emerald, dark emerald, and pine tree green, and no one will have any doubt about your holiday spirit. You don't have to limit yourself to shades of red and green, though; plenty of other colors are considered ""wintery,"" including pale shades of blue, purple, pink, and white. If you're looking for inspiration, try taking a peek outside your window and see what colors in nature stick out to you.

You might not see a lot of gold or silver in nature, but these celebratory, metallic eye-catchers are also perfect for the holiday season, especially right around New Year's Eve or New Year's Day. Participating in a polar bear plunge can feel nerve-wracking, but wearing a gold or silver swimsuit will give you all the confidence you need to tackle the task like a champion!

If trying to find the ""perfect"" color or color combination feels overwhelming to you, you can never go wrong with black, white, or black AND white pieces. These colors transcend all seasons, no matter what ""no white after Labor Day'' enthusiasts will tell you. After all, what other color could better commemorate the childlike feeling of playing in the snow? On a practical note, black swimsuits are great choices for the winter season because the color absorbs sunlight, which will help keep you a tad bit warmer on a cold, sunny day than any other color will.

Styles - Warmth is Key

There's nothing wrong with wearing a bikini during the summer, but unless you're used to swimming in cold waters, wearing a bikini while you take a polar bear plunge or go ice swimming could be hazardous to your health! Opt for warmer styles when you can, choosing rash guards over strapless tops, skirts, shorts over normal bottoms, and one-piece over two pieces. If you want to stay REALLY warm, you could try wearing a wetsuit with long sleeves and long pants.

Wearing a two-piece indeed gives you a lot of variety in the ways you can style them and the pieces you can match them with, but there are a lot more one-piece styles to choose from than you probably think. All kinds of lengths, patterns, necklines, and embellishments allow you to show off your personality while staying safe and warm. Try wearing a swimsuit with a ruffled neckline or sleeves for an extra feminine look. If you want the confidence boost of a two-piece without the commitment to a two-piece, there are one-piece swimsuits that show the tiniest bit of skin above your waist while covering the entirety of your back. It all comes down to what makes you feel most comfortable and what will serve you best during the activities you're planning on doing.

Accessories - Layer Up, Baby!

During the warmer months, we might pair a swimsuit with a sheer coverup, a pair of sandals, and a nice sunhat. When those temperatures drop, though, we have to get a little bit creative. After all, a sheer coverup probably won't cover it if you're planning on swimming in the same temperature waters that polar bears do!

You'll probably spend more time wearing the coverups you choose in the winter than you will in the summer since summer swimming is all about escaping the heat. Whatever you use to cover up in the winter should help keep you WARM! Look for lightweight, long sleeve shirts and sweaters that you can both bundle up in and take off super easily. Athleisure wear makes great winter coverup wear, and because it's so comfortable, you'll have no problem wanting to keep it on.

You may not need a sunhat when you visit your winter swimming grounds this holiday season, but a beanie may do you some good, especially while you're waiting outside for your turn to jump in! You should also consider investing in a few good swim caps, especially those that are specifically designed to keep your hair dry and your ears warm. Keep in mind that not EVERY swim cap is designed for these purposes, so do some research before you buy anything.

Novelty Pieces - Best. Pictures. Ever.

Are you looking for something truly unique? Do you want your holiday cards to garner a lot of laughs? There are some brands that sell holiday-themed swimwear, covered in turkeys for Thanksgiving, menorahs for Hanukkah, and reindeer, ornaments, and trees for Christmas. Buy a set for your whole family, and get ready for some hilarious and memorable pictures! Mature, professional-looking photos are entirely overrated.

Conclusion - Chill Out this Winter

No matter how you plan on swimming this holiday season, remember to relax, have fun, and spend time with the people who are closest to you. Happy shopping!