Emily Bowman, Chelsie Noles, Lindley Duncan and Meridyth Moyers exhibit some of this year's swimsuit styles [Click to enlarge]

It's almost every girl's nightmare -- being at a party or other social event, looking up and seeing that someone else is wearing an identical outfit.

Although this standard is usually applied to prom dresses and formal wear, uniqueness is equally important for swimsuits.

"You don't want the same one everybody else has," said Emily Bowman, 17. "You want something different."

Luckily for girls, this year's swimsuits come in a variety of colors, patterns and styles, making it easy for them to mix and match pieces, creating their own look.

Emily wears a hat and earrings, two popular accessories for swimsuits this year [Click to enlarge]

There are several popular swimsuit styles this year, including halter tops, tube tops and string bikinis. "I've seen a lot of mix and match suits," said Meredyth Moyers, 18. These suits are made of matching fabric but different cuts, so girls can choose between different styles of tops and bottoms.

And no one style seems to be a front-runner. "I've seen everything from string bikinis to halters," Moyers said.

Bowman suggested that a girl's preference may depend on her body type. "Different styles look better on different bodies," she said.

"Halters are cute for people with bigger chests," said Amber Worth, 23. "String bottoms and triangle tops are more for petites." She added hipster bottoms and those with wide bands are flattering for the sides and stomach, and good for any body type.

Those who are conscious of their stomach may opt to wear a tankini. And for church trips, sensible suits, usually a one-piece, are required, Moyers said.

Two-piece suits are ideal for soaking up the sun on a hot summer day [Click to enlarge]

Styles may also depend on the occasion. While life guarding, Bowman and the other lifeguards wear a basic, required two-piece suit. "It's sensible and comfortable," she said. "It's not flattering, but easy to swim in."

But other times, comfort isn't even an issue. "I want something that looks cute," said Lindley Duncan, 17.

For laying out, the girls agreed they prefer a skimpy, two-piece suit. But their tastes for swimming, going to the river or lake and other activities vary.

"For swimming, I like skirted, frilly suits," said Chelsie Noles, 17. Lauren Polk, 15, agreed. She likes skirted suits for swimming because they conceal more.

Bowman wears older suits for trips to the river and lake, while Worth added she would never wear a white suit on one of these trips.

And personality also plays a factor in swimsuit choice. "An outgoing, upbeat happy-go-lucky person would probably be wearing bright colors, while an easygoing person would wear something more simple," Moyers said.

Varying colors and patterns also help girls achieve uniqueness. "You don't want to blend in," Noles said, adding that she has seen a lot of gold, turquoise and coral-colored suits at the pool this year.

Swimsuits in solid colors are quite appealing and trendy, as well as stripes, polka dots and paisley patterns.

Duncan noted that she has seen a lot of bright colors this year. "Pink, orange and lime green are big," she said. Bright blues and yellows are also trendy, Moyers added.

However, some classics remain popular as well, such as solid black suits because of its slimming qualities, Bowman said.

Since suits can be quite expensive, price may also influence taste. "I buy it if it looks good on me and the price isn't bad," Bowman said.

But this can also go the other way. Worth prefers expensive, name-brand suits to lower the chance someone else will have the same one.

Wearing the right cover-up and accessories seems to be just as important as the right suit.

Shorts and T-shirts aren't the only clothes worn as cover-ups anymore, according to Worth. Terry cloth tube dresses are trendy, as well as short cotton skirts. However, the lifeguards at the pool noted they still see quite a few board shorts and sarongs.

"Big sunglasses and colorful bags are popular," Duncan noted. And earrings, flip flops and hats are other common accessories.

Sequined flip flops are popular, as well as plain colored ones. Some girls, like Bowman, own several pairs of flip flops to match their different suits.

Moyers agreed: "I always try to match my flip flops and sunglasses with what suit I wear."