Everybody wants to look their best when they hit the beach, so choosing the best swimwear is very important. The right color, pattern and cut can make all the difference between having a great time frolicking in the sand and hiding behind your beach towel. It’s not hard to choose the right piece, as there is so much variety on the market at the moment. These famous bikini scenes should give you all the inspiration you need to find gorgeous swimwear.

Joan Collins, Our Girl Friday (1953)

Everyone’s favorite diva claims that she was the first person to wear a bikini on the big screen. Some argue that Brigitte Bardot had that honor, but it’s hard to argue that Joan Collins looked anything but fabulous in a swimsuit fashioned from the sailor shirt of a fellow castaway. Striped bikinis are on high streets everywhere this summer, and can be very flattering if done right. Use horizontal stripes to boost your assets and vertical stripes for slimming.

Ursula Andress, Dr. No (1962)

Nobody has ever looked so glamorous climbing out of the sea, either before or since Honey Ryder made her entrance as a Bond girl. The scene made Ursula Andress famous and has been named the most memorable sea scene in movie history by Blockbuster. White is very much in this summer, but if you want to pull off a white bikini do make sure you choose one with thick material. Thin white material has a bad habit of going rather see-through.

Phoebe Cates, Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982)

Although this coming-of-age comedy featured early roles from Sean Penn and Forest Whittaker, it’s always remembered for one scene. When 19-year-old Phoebe Cates climbs out of a swimming pool, wearing an itsy bitsy red bikini, she captured the attention of young men everywhere. If you want to look sexy on the beach, red is always a good option.