High-cut legs and a low back.

Yes, you can look modern in a one-piece. Stick to high-cut legs and a low back. Those two things instantly change the silhouette from “mom suit” to “aspiring Bond villain.”

The trick is avoiding the traps. Skip ruffles, shirring, and those “tummy control” panels that look like a girdle. Go for solid colors (black, olive, navy) or a single bold geometric print. Ribbed fabric and thick straps also read as current. Cutouts are optional but effective — a side cutout or an open back does more for style than any bow or lace-up.

Fit matters more than price. A $40 suit from Target with the right cut will look better than a $200 suit with a high neck and skirt bottom. Try on a few styles, move around, and be honest about what flatters your body. Most people don’t even look at the back of a swimsuit tag.

This is not the place to play it safe. If you find a suit that makes you feel a little dangerous, that’s the one.