Swimwear 2009: The beach is back

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Plus: Behind the scenes video of the Swimwear 2009 photoshoot »

Let's face it: We get only three months of beach time each year, so you'd better make it count. It's a fashion faux pas to wear the same suit day after day, but luckily there are enough swimwear styles out there right now to "suit" just about anyone. The strongest trend this summer is the return of the classic one-piece.

The early 2000s saw the apex of skimpy swimsuits, but now swimwear is moving toward a more covered-up look. These modern one-pieces are more chic and glamorous than grandmotherly and frumpy, with little updates such as side cutaways that amp up the sex appeal. Best of all, these styles tend to be the most flattering on any body type.

For Vita.mn's annual swimsuit issue, our models took to the secluded Cedar Point Beach at Cedar Lake in Minneapolis to highlight the retro trend. Other styles riding high in 2009 include classic nautical, East Coast prep, rock 'n' roll, '70s boho and '60s Pucci prints. So take your pick, and don't forget the most important part of pulling off any look: Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize!