The Best Retro Bathing Suits (SLIDESHOW)

It's official: Summer 2008 marks the return of the retro swimsuit.

As swimsuit season approaches, women are discovering that many of this summer's suits represent a sharp turnaround from the crass arrangement of string and sequins that in recent years has made the Hamptons shore look like a Vegas sideshow.

Probably for the first time since Lindsay Lohan was born, fashion designers, from the high-end likes of Miuccia Prada and Stella McCartney to mainstream classics like Jantzen, have taken a more refined approach to swimwear, emphasizing one-piece looks, halter tops, high-waist boy shorts and ruffles and ruching as camouflaging details.

Have a look at the New York Times favorite looks.

Or see which stars are frolicking in their fun suits.