3 Bikini Trends You *Have* to Try This Summer

Summer is finally *officially* here, and we all know what that means – sun-kissed skin, beach waves and, of course, swimsuits galore. Sure, you always have your old faithful string bikini, or that classic one-piece that’s both practical and pretty, but don’t let that stop you from trying out something new to stand out from the crowd. This summer, there are three new Insta-approved swimwear silhouettes you’re bound to love. Scroll down for 16 bikinis that will give you all the inspo you need to try one of these three swoon-worthy bikini trends.

Modesty is the name of the game in swimwear lately, and high-neck tops are the perfect in-between for those of us who aren’t comfortable going super revealing, but still want to flaunt what our mamas gave us.

1. Cupshe Dream State Tropical Tank Bikini Set ($20): Tropical print, check. High neck, check. High waist, check. This bikini set lets you rock all of these popular trends at once.

2. Double Layered Mesh Bikini Top by Kendall + Kylie at Topshop ($68): Try this edgy mesh style for a look that’s equal parts smoldering and covered up. Black choker optional (but highly recommended).

3. Cupshe Beach Squad Sport Bikini Set ($19): Take your #squadgoals to the beach with you this summer. The deep cut sleeves are flattering on everyone and offer just the right amount of cold shoulder action.

4. ModCloth In Tune With the Tides Swimsuit Top in Burgers ($50): This top is proof that bathing suit season is the perfect time to go nuts with prints, especially one as adorable as burgers. Show the world that getting a bikini body doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods.

5. Seafolly Spot On High Neck Bikini Tank Top ($112): Polka dots are an easy way to get a more retro vibe, while the contrast trim and ruched front keep this top looking fresh and flirty.

6. Target Digi High Neck Swim Top Multi-Colored ($20): Colorful geometric shapes are always a win in our book. Switch out the black bottoms for a brightly colored pair for endless playful combos.

High-Waist Bottoms

This retro style has been on the swimwear scene for a while now (thanks, T. Swift), and is still just as hot as ever.

7. Swimsuitsforall Swim Sexy The Icon Palmate High Waist Bikini ($25): Palm prints are so on point for the season, and this pale lavender background is a refreshing twist on the tropical photo-print motif.

8. ModCloth Ya Swim Some, Ya Cruise Some Swimsuit Bottom ($40): What’s not to love about neons for summer? The dotted textured fabric adds some dimension to the look, and we’re all for anything that reminds us of delicious popsicles.

9. ASOS CURVE Pretty Floral Print Contrast High Waist Bikini Bottom ($30): Florals for summer? Obvi. While this classic print is a go-to for summer, this version feels RN thanks to the stark black piping that keeps it from looking too precious.

10. Cupshe Give the Summer a Hit Striped Top and Orange Bottom Bikini Set ($12): Matching sets are great and all, but why not push your look to the limit with contrasting colors like black and white stripes with a bright orange?

11. ModCloth Parasail Away With Me Swimsuit Bottom in Splatters ($40): Black and yellow can be tricky to pull off, but this paint splatter print gives the color combo just the right amount of kooky without verging into bumblebee territory.

Off-the-Shoulder Tops

Yup, the off-shoulder trend has infiltrated every corner of our wardrobe, and we LOVE it. A bardot-inspired top can add a touch of sweetness to an otherwise sexy look.

12. Palm Print Bardot Bikini Top by Kendall + Kylie at Topshop ($48): Kendall and Kylie are on their way to proving that they have some serious design chops, and their swimwear line is no exception. This off-the-shoulder top is cute enough to rock beyond the beach.

13. O’Neill Women’s Lux Solids Off-the-Shoulder Bikini Top ($52): Luxe is absolutely the right word to describe this top, with its deep, metallic sapphire color and gorgeous ruffle detail. Pair with a pair of trend-right culottes to double up on summer fashion fads.

14. Free People Rose Stripe Bikini Top ($70): The stripes, the bandeau top and the Brigitte Bardot sleeves — it all screams French-girl style in the most classic and effortless way possible.

15. ASOS Oh My Love Palm Print Off Shoulder Bikini Top ($38): More palm prints, you ask? Well, you can never have too much of a good thing! Keep the vacay vibes going with this tropical number.

16. ABAD x Missguided Bandeau Bikini Set Red ($41): The blogger babes of A Bikini a Day are known for their killer bikinis, so trust us when we say that pieces from their collab are a must buy. Cue the ’90s-era nostalgia with this fire-engine red hue that evokes memories of Baywatch, in the best way possible.

Want to get more bathing suit inspiration? Check us out on Pinterest for more styles to get you ready for the summer.

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Swimwear style is making waves recently, pushing the limits beyond a traditional one piece or bikini set. Today, boyshort-style bottoms or even bikini tops with sleeves are becoming more common! As we all know, fashion trends tend to come back around every few years, and I would like to draw your attention to our old friend, the tankini.

These 10 tankinis are perfect for providing your poolside look with more coverage, but also lend a very trendy vibe. Scroll on to shop my favorite pieces!

Lime Ricki

Lime Ricki Breezy Floral Knotted Crop Top

This floral tankini top is to die for! It comes with a built-in bra, so you can wear this even if you decide to take a jog on the beach. This $85 style is one of the most popular Lime Ricki bathing suit tops, with a whopping 183 5-star reviews.

Gottex

Gottex Belle Curve V-Neck Halter Tankini Top

This $68 (was $104) tankini is so chic and has the perfect amount of European flair. I love the ruffled bottom detail and halter straps that give it a tenniscore vibe. Pairing this tankini with navy or white bottoms will complete the set seamlessly. This bathing suit is perfect for a day out on the boat!

Blue Rod Beattie

Blue Rod Beattie Break The Mold Tankini Top

I am deeply obsessed with this funky pattern. Blue Rod Beattie simply created the perfect tankini if you wanna get a little crazy and colorful this summer. I gotta note that this $91 tankini top runs on the longer side, so if you have a long torso, this may be the top for you!

lime ricki

Lime Ricki Clover One-Shoulder Tankini Top

A one-shoulder moment? Yes please! This tankini top comes in a vibrant clover green color with sewn-in bra pads. The adjustable tie straps make this top perfectly adjustable for any size. You can find it in sizes XS-4X. Green matches any complexion and can go with any style or color of swim bottoms. Keep it simple with a solid bottoms or spice things up with a fun pattern!

The Lime Ricki Clover One-Shoulder Tankini Top is currently on sale for $55 (was $73).

Tommy Bahama

Tommy Bahama Island Cays Shell Beach Reversible Halter Tankini Top

This pattern is begging to be on a beach in the Caribbean. Tommy Bahama knows how to do swimwear right, with this swimmie boasting a wrinkle-free and UV protective material. As if this $138 pattern could not get any better, the top is reversible. And HELLO??? the pom pom-lined neckline is such a fun addition!

Blue Rod Beattie

Blue Rod Beattie Color Field V-Neck Tankini Top

Another funky pattern for the win! This $91 tankini top would look so good with black bottoms, or any bottoms of the colors featured in the pattern. The gold ring detailing in the straps would look perfect with some shiny gold earrings, too!

Tommy Bahama

Tommy Bahama Palm Modern Halter Tankini Top

Timeless. Simply. Classy. This $80 tankini top can go with literally any pair of bottoms. This piece is made to highlight all your natural curves and can be adjusted to fit any chest size. Finally, this top is made from recycled fabric, and just like the other Tommy Bahama tankini I feature, it's made from a helpful UV protective fabric.

Trina Turk

Trina Turk Solstice Banded Strapless Tankini Swim Top

If you love a little two-in-one moment, this tankini was totally made for you. This banded top comes with adjustable, removable straps. So, whether you are feeling more of a bandeau-style top or aren't a fan of tan lines, you can just take off the spaghetti straps. Trina Turk tends to run small, so be sure to size up with this $90 pick!

Trina Turk

Trina Turk Hula Off The Shoulder Tankini Swim Top

I am so drawn to this $128 off-the-shoulder tankini. The ruffles add a fun vibe, even if this top is just black and white. It's also perfect if you're looking for more chest coverage from a swimsuit. You don't even need a cover-up – just throw on a pair of linen pants, and you have yourself a complete summer outfit.

Gottex Swimwear

Gottex Dandy V-Neck Halter Tankini Top

This $59 (was $108) tankini is so coquette. The bow details on the front are enough to sell me on it! This top is fairly simple, but the pop of color that really spices things up. The v-shaped neckline is also flattering for any chest size. The top fits true to size for finding your perfect fit!

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Lead image via Trina Turk.

It's official: Blue Ivy looks totally grown up now — especially in her gorgeous gold gown at the Mufasa: The Lion Kingpremiere. It honestly feels like just yesterday that Beyoncé announced she was born, and now she's a star in her own right! She celebrated her Disney film debut with her family by her side on the red carpet (and everyone looking as gorgeous as ever).

While Jay-Z was one of the latest celebrities caught in the crosshairs of P. Diddy allegations, it didn't stop mom and dad from showing their unwavering support. The family put on a united front, smiling for the cameras and praising Blue's work on her latest Disney film, further proving that they're in this together. Here's everything we know!

Details about the Mufasa: The Lion King premiere

Beyoncé & Jay-Z Amazing Support Of Blue Ivy's Role In 'Mufasa'

Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney

Blue Ivy stars in Mufasa: The Lion King as Kiara with Beyoncé voicing Nala again. The highly anticipated film will show Mufasa's origins from a young cub to the majestic king we've come to know, love, and mourn.

In this cute BTS clip, Beyoncé and Blue are initially shown in separate recording booths while the latter says, "Don't stare at me." It's a typical response all kids eventually give their parents, but it doesn't bother Beyoncé. She simply smiles and says, "I can't help it. You're just too beautiful girl." Still, she offers a bit of reassurance to Blue. "I'mma be right here closing my eyes."

Blue briefly talked about what it feels like to work on a movie by saying, "If I like told my younger self that I was in a movie, I'd like never believe myself."

The star couldn't help but tear up as she continued to watch Blue and said, "Give me a second. I'm still...just can't believe that's my baby." While sitting side by Blue, Beyoncé eventually turns to look at her to let her know she's "so proud of her." Even Rumi, Beyoncé and Jay-Z's youngest daughter, makes a quick appearance!

The Mufasa: The Lion King premiere occurred December 9 with Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and grandma Tina Knowles standing by Blue Ivy's side. They looked stunning on the red carpet as they wore coordinating outfits. Although the ladies seemed to be present and excited, Jay-Z temporarily looked distracted while all of them were standing together (via PEOPLE).

If we had to guess, it may have something to do with the recent allegations connecting he and P. Diddy weighing on his mind. After the accusation went public, Jay-Z penned his own public statement and shared it to Roc Nations' social channels. The most heartbreaking aspect of it is realizing his children will be able to see everything.

"My wife and I will have to sit our children down, one of whom is at the age where her friends will surely see the press and ask questions about the nature of these claims, and explain the cruelty and greed of people," he wrote (via X). Only time will tell how everything pans out, but we hope this doesn't overshadow Blue Ivy's success, nor do we want to see people vilify her or her siblings for alleged misdeeds of Jay-Z.

At the end of the day, we're so proud of Blue for letting her light shine bright despite everything else!

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The day Target swimsuits hit stores is the day I can feel myself becoming myself again. After all, summer is when I thrive! As the weather warms up (albeit slowly), it's time to shop all the Target swimsuits before the cutest ones sell out.

From one piece bathing suits to teeny, cheeky bikinis, the retailer's got their swimwear game on lock – and these 16 Target swimsuits prove it! From more modest swim dresses to spring break-worthy matching sets, scroll ahead for the best Target swimsuits of the season.

Target One Piece Swimsuits

Shade & Shore Shirred Ribbed Bandeau Cheeky One Piece Swimsuit

This one piece bandeau-style swimmy is giving major cool girl vibes. The soft, slightly ribbed material it's made out of is designed to hug your shape in the most flattering way, while the bust stays put with the help of a durable elastic band. If you don't exactly jive with the strapless look, this $25 style arrives with a set of detachable and adjustable straps.

This little number is also available in three other colors (black, blue, and pink) and you can shop it in sizes XS-XL now.​

Kona Sol Pucker Square Neck One Piece Swimsuit

If there's one thing about me, it's that I love a square neckline. They're universally flattering and provide your look with somethin' a little bit different than the rest!

That's exactly why this very marine-inspired green suit is perfect for poolside or the beach – the unique neckline will have heads turning left and right. Best of all? You'll feel comfortable and supported all day long, thanks to the sewn-in cups and the wide adjustable straps.

This $46 piece is truly timeless and will last you past this season and the next. Shop it in this gorgeous green or lavender or peach! It's now available in plus sizes 14-24.

Kona Sol Full Coverage Tummy Control Cap Sleeve U-Wire One Piece Swimsuit

This Target swimsuit comes complete with a tummy control feature that will undoubtedly make you look snatched, no matter where you are. I've never seen a style like this one, TBH, and I am obsessed – the slim cap sleeves and deep-diving notch on the neckline are just adorable, plus they add a feminine air to the look as a whole. You could even get away with wearing this as a bodysuit on dry land!

This berry-red color definitely speaks to the spring and summer seasons with beautiful vibrance. You can snag this $42 one piece in sizes XS-XL now!

Shade & Shore Twist-Front Plunge One Piece Swimsuit

This cute suit makes me want to singlehandedly bring back ombré fashion... The twisted front detail is enough to make it stand out from other styles, but that's not all this Target piece has to offer! The flipside of this swimmy features an open back that secures stylishly with a bow tie, allowing you to show some skin and simply get some sun. The plunging neckline definitely incorporates a flirty vibe to your vacay (or pool day) get-up.

This $36 piece is also shoppable in a rich brown color if ombré isn't for you. You can snag it in sizes XS-XL now.

Shade & Shore Square Neck Wide Binding One Piece Swimsuit

The white trim on this Target swimsuit delivers some serious vintage vibes, contrasting wonderfully with the mesmerizing green body. This number boasts medium-level coverage, so you can move about without worrying about an accidental slip or wardrobe blip. The fit is fairly straightforward, plus it's customizable with the addition of adjustable straps.

Add this pick to your cart for just $36! It's currently shoppable in sizes XS-XL.

Shade & Shore Mesh Front One Piece Swimsuit

Mesh is just that girl. The see-through cutouts on this Target swimsuit allow for a hint of mystery and sexiness... because, after all, you should feel sexy in your swimsuit! I think black is the perfect color to opt for when buying a suit because you can be confident it'll match with whatever else you're wearing at any point in time.

The mesh paneling on this one piece crosses back and forth across the front of the stomach, with the rest of the material being an opaque black. This suit is the perfect amount of spicy for when you want to look and feel your best by the pool or ocean.

Snag it for $40 in this deep black or a stark white color in sizes XS-XL today.

Wild Fable High Leg Cheeky Scoop Back One Piece Swimsuit

This one piece makes a play on traditional suits, instead hiking up the leg holes to elongate your legs and giving it a plunging open back to reveal some skin. It's fairly basic when it comes to the other Target swimsuits, but I think it works perfectly for those who aren't looking for extra bells and whistles.

There aren't any cups in this swimmy – just a convenient built-in shelf bra. It's fully lined and fitted with adjustable straps to find your ultimate fit! Shop it for just $20 in this eye-catching red or a basic black.

Shade & Shore Ribbed Plunge Front Cut Out One Piece Swimsuit

This has gotta be my favorite of all the hottest Target swimsuits this season. The triangular cutout that sits just above the tummy gives the illusion that this one piece is actually a two piece, but it's not as uncomfortable as a bikini in any way. The supportive high-waisted bottom half is extremely flattering (the high leg makes it extra-cheeky), while the ruched top has all the pizazz.

This $50 pick secures with a tie in the back, so you can land on a fit as tight or as loose as you like. The fact that it's shoppable in actual bra sizes is life-saving for a good fit, too! Find this floral design in sizes 34D-38DD.

Target Bikinis

Wild Fable Triangle Bikini Top + Side-Tie Scoop Front High Leg Adjustable Bikini Bottoms

It seems this season is all about the high leg! High leg silhouettes like this will def make those beautiful legs look longer and luscious. This strappy bikini set with a tie-back triangle top and adjustable, tied bottoms is very straightforward compared to most traditional suits, but that doesn't mean it's bland! The electric purple colorway makes this pick instantly attractive. If purple just isn't the vibe, you can also shop it in black, red, or green!

Both pieces of this two piece are $12, making the entire look an accessible total of $24. The purple shade is now shoppable in sizes XXS-XL!

Shade & Shore Shirred Ribbed Bralette Bikini Top + Ribbed Hipster Bikini Bottoms

This sporty set is living in my head rent-free. For those that prefer not to fuss with excessive ties, clasps, or buttons, each piece of this bikini is super easy to put on – with just a singular clasp at the back of the top. Plus, no underwires or bulky cups to mess with! The shirred v-neck top also features adjustable straps, so finding a length that feels right isn't a challenge. The bottoms are more of a low-rise vibe.

Each piece in this set is $15, so your whole look will set you back $30. You can find this style in black, brown, or pink, too. Shop it in sizes XS-XL today!

Wild Fable Center Front U-Wire Bandeau Bikini Top + Scoop Front Ultra Cheeky Ultra High Leg Pieced Bikini Bottoms

I simply cannot get enough florals! I love the more abstract, color-blocked design on this Target bikini.

The top hugs your bod in the most loving way, securing in the back with a wide-strapped bow tie. It also comes ready with detachable, adjustable straps for the pool days you'd prefer to have more support up top. The flirtly little u-shaped wire detail is the cherry on top for me, TBH! The bottoms are equally cheeky (literally showing some cheek, if you know what I mean), but soooo adorable for sunning.

The top is $18 while the bottoms are $15. All together, this colorful look costs $33 and is available in sizes XXS-XL now.

Shade & Shore Underwire Ruffle Trim Bikini Top + Ruffle Cheeky Bikini Bottoms

I highly recommend buying a white swimsuit if you're jetting off to a coastal vacation. The clean color will match perfectly with a blue water beach! 

This flirty n' femme bikini set begins with a stunning ruffled top that's supported nicely by a discreet underwire. The top (with cute crossed straps in the back) secures behind you with a simple tie, while the bottoms flaunt ruffled trim on all sides. The bum ​also​ has some very flattering ruching running down the middle to accentuate your figure! This is one highly Instagrammable suit.

This Target swimsuit ($43 for both pieces) is shoppable by bra sizes, now available in sizes ranging from 32A to 38DD. The sizing for the bottoms ranges from XS-XL!​

Shade & Shore Longline Keyhole Halter Bikini Top + Strappy High Leg Extra Cheeky Bikini Bottoms

I am fully here for the keyhole design on this suit. The fact that you don't have to layer it yourself every time you go to wear it is super helpful, too! The top on this bright orange bikini fits snugly on your bust, securing in the back with a basic clasp. The strappy bottoms feature a playful tie-back accent that can be styled a handful of different ways!

This suit also follows bra sizing, now available in sizes 32B-38DD. The bottoms vary slightly, following a XS-L size range. All together, this electric look totals $48.​

Target Swim Dresses

Swim 365 Plus Size Princess-Seam Swim Dress

This vibrant pattern is everything! Dip your toes into the tropical vibe this summer with this Target swim dress that fits like a glove. It's lined on the inside with a durable, stretchy material that also provides some favorable tummy control, if you're looking for it. The hem hits at your upper thigh, so this suit is still super youthful and ready for any adventure!

Shop this pick in sizes 8-34 for about $67 now.

Swimsuits For All Plus Size Tiered Swim Dress

The tiered look on this swim dress make it a bit more sophisticated for sitting by the ocean or playing in the pool! No matter what you're up to, you can trust that this suit will stay put, thanks to its comfy mesh lining. The scoop neck silhouette shows off your arms and collarbone in the most flattering way.

This $89 pick isn't sold in stores, but you can snag it online in sizes 10-26!

Swimsuits For All Plus Size High Neck Wrap Swim Dress

The crossing neck straps on this style are adorable and add an air of elegance to your swim look! Not to mention, this blue and purple colorway is making me wanna book a flight to Hawaii, ASAP. This tummy-controlling swim dress is lightly lined with mesh on the undersize so you won't feel too engulfed in the water-friendly fabric.

Snag this $86 pick that'll last you season after season online only in sizes 8-26.

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Ahhh…Paris Geller. Where does one even begin with the best Gilmore Girl whose name isn't actually Gilmore? The woman we all came to know and love. The purveyor of backhanded compliments, deadpan humor, the quickest wit one can imagine and an absolutely ungodly work ethic. The sole character of the series who I would 100% watch a spin-off of, and love every minute. Sure — she once said that everyone around her needed to be sterilized immediately. And that Rory’s boyfriend offers “nothing to women or the world in general.” And that she can “scare the stupid out of you. But the lazy runs deep.”

She may, in fact, be the only character whose absurdity warrants such unhinged comments, and I am so here for it. You may be reading this because you too believe that Paris Geller deserves way more praise than she receives. Or you hate her. Or perhaps you don’t even know who she is. Regardless, allow me to delight you with the many — shall I say — unique musings of my favorite Gilmore Girls character, and explain exactly why Paris was not only what the cult-classic show needed, but the feminist icon TV needed, too.

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So let’s start from the beginning. Paris Geller (played by Liza Weil) joined the GG crew in Season 1, right as Rory Gilmore (the show’s sort-of protagonist) walked into Chilton Academy, a private school where Paris was attending, for her first day. A far cry from Rory’s relatively timid and soft-spoken personality, Paris tore up the screen with her high-strung personality and immediate rivalry with Rory (Rory did not feel the same), who Paris viewed as the only candidate who could possibly challenge her spot at the top of the class standing. As the year progresses, the two become friends, which of course Paris still highly questioned.

The rest of their high school experience is plagued with repeated ups and downs, from Paris’s parents’ highly publicized divorce to their joint student government campaign and, most notably, Paris’s C-SPAN meltdown, courtesy of a Harvard rejection fueled by what she can only assume to be wide-spread knowledge that she lost her virginity. Despite losing the Valedictorian slot to Rory (which Paris comes to terms with after finding out Salutatorians tend to be more successful), Paris walks across the graduation stage and accepts her diploma from the school’s headmaster, to which she iconically quips, “no hard feelings.”

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Fast forward to Paris’s first year at Yale, a school she knew Rory was attending but had no intention of ever seeing again. Not to the surprise of Paris’s life coach, the two frenemies were placed together as suitemates, a pairing that ultimately served as a catalyst for lifelong friendship. Throughout college, Paris pursues pre-med and pre-law degrees, joins the Yale Daily News alongside Rory, dates an elderly professor (he passes away, leaving Paris to grieve), moves on with the editor of the Yale Daily News, Doyle McMaster, and potentially saves Rory from abandoning Yale forever by admitting to Lorelai that Rory is the only person who ever listened to her, challenged her and motivated her.

Paris then proceeds to become the editor of the Yale Daily News, a position in which her power-hungry tendencies took full-force, resulting in a forcible resignation, kick Rory out of their shared apartment, let Rory move back into their shared apartment (now with Doyle), be accepted to a slew of prestigious medical and law schools. She ultimately chose to attend med school and break up with Doyle, to which he refused, and tells Rory that they’re on their own but she can still do great things (Of course this doesn’t last, the two are meant to be best friends.)

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Somehow this doesn't even scratch the surface of the character of Paris. As you can tell, Paris is a fiercely loyal, protective woman who fights for herself to no end. She (literally) doesn’t care what other people think (so long as they’re not within her immediate circle) and never stops pursuing her dreams, no matter how many times she probably should have. She is the epitome of feminism in modern television — perhaps taken to an extreme — and serves as a necessary counterweight to Rory’s floundering sense of self.

So long as she keeps her need for perfectionism in check, Paris has one of those few personality types whose wild ambition and outspokenness is directly beneficial to her success, a success that she, and only she, can define. Sure, she has an exaggerated sense of self-importance, but when balanced by Rory’s soft-but-straightforward approach, Paris can quickly reset, reevaluate and move forward.

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That's the thing with Paris — she’s always moving forward. She doesn't get into Harvard? Tough. She takes a few days to wallow before considering her other options: Yale, Columbia and Princeton. She doesn’t know whether to choose med school or law school, so she takes stock of her bearings, reflects on her past dreams, and makes a clear, concise decision that she moves forward with.

Her brutally honest nature (both internally and externally) is exactly why Paris works. She’s generous when needed, comfortable with giving tough (and oftentimes tougher) love, is able to express vulnerability with the people she loves, doesn’t allow outside influences to affect her path and never let’s someone (especially a man) tell her she’s less than (*cough, cough*—Rory). For an early 2000s show, she showed women that there is power in education. There’s power in stepping away from a caretaker role. There’s power in expressing your opinion, no matter your age.

Image via WB

There’s no doubt in my mind that she’s inspired countless women over the years — after all, she’s inspired me! Even though she’s had her controversial moments, she’s always been a cheering voice for women, even if it’s behind her resting grimace. For these reasons, and so many more, I am hereby deeming Paris Geller the best of Gilmore Girls — the heroine, perhaps, and a feminist icon to all.

What's your take on Paris Geller? Let us know in the comments, and sign up for our email newsletter for more pop culture musings!

Header image via Netflix, Warner Bros

This post has been updated.

Gilmore Girlstakes up more of my brain space than I'd care to admit. The show is undeniably great. I mean, there's a reason it's become an absolute cultural phenomenon! The banter is witty and memorable, the Stars Hollow, Connecticut setting is warm and friendly, and the character dynamics feel natural and comforting. All of these elements combined create the perfect comfort show thatI personally rewatch again and again. However, despite having an overall positive opinion of the show, there is one bone I have to pick with it. This grievance makes my blood boil and keeps me tossing and turning at night.

While I can't pose my all-too-important question to the creators of the show, I will ask it to you, reader: Why in the world was Lane Kim's storyline such a travesty? Considering the show is not shy about uplifting and celebrating Rory (despite her many mistakes) it feels especially unfair how short of a stick Lane (played by Keiko Agena) truly got. Here are my unfiltered thoughts on the subject.

Lane deserved better after a life of seeking independence

Photo via WBLane Kim's Treatment On "Gilmore Girls" Is The Ultimate TV Tragedy

Throughout Lane's formative teenage years, she was forced to hide her true identity and interests in order to appease her mother. From hiding CDs in her floorboards and changing her clothes when she got to school, Lane was under a lot of pressure to keep her mom happy, while still trying to figure out who she was. Her mother even kicked her out after finding out about her "secret life," causing Lane to have to move into Rory's dorm. Rory, on the other hand, had a mother who supported her every dream and who she could be fully herself with.

I'm not sure why only one of these two besties got to live out their dreams, but if it did have to play out this way, it should have been Lane Kim. Given how difficult her upbringing was, couldn't the show have given her a win by having *her* be the one who gets to follow her dreams?

Lane's love life is lackluster

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Once again, the show propped up Rory and gave her not one, not two, but three love interests. Whether or not you love all three of them, we can all admit that each boyfriend was compatible with Rory in their own way, and helped her learn and grow. Lane, however, did not get this. Her first boyfriend, Dave, is great. He's kind and sweet and understanding of her family situation, but the show breaks them up because they can't handle being long-distance. (Technically, we know actor Adam Brody had to leave for The O.C. but where is the justice??!)

After Dave, it all goes downhill from there for poor Lane. She ends up with Zack, who isn't bad but isn't great. And, as soon as Lane is finally getting to pursue her passion by going on tour with her band, she finds out she and Zack are pregnant. Considering how long Lane dreamed of getting to be her authentic herself and openly express her interests, it feels cruel that this twist of fate took it away from her at this exact moment.

Lane made the best of her situation

Image via Neil Jacobs/Netflix

Despite Rory having almost every opportunity available to her, we find out in Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life that she is making bad decisions (like, er, sleeping with an engaged man) and is struggling to find her way. Lane, on the other hand, has made the best out of the cards she's been dealt. She's still married to Zack, is taking care of her twins, and has even kept music in her life by joining a band. I can't help but think if Lane can forge ahead despite all of her unfortunate circumstances, how fantastic could her life have been if the writers had served her just a little bit more good fortune?

Lane could have served as the role model so many girls needed

Image via Saeed Adyani/Netflix

Lane's experience mirrors many Asian-American girls' lives. She had a strict upbringing and struggled to strike a balance between fitting in with her American peers and forming her own identity, while still trying to manage her mother's expectations of who she should be. As an Asian-American, Lane's experiences mirrored many of my own, and, at a time when there was such little Asian representation, this was extremely impactful.

With the lack of representation at the time, it was even more important that Lane was dealt an ending that she and her viewers could be proud of. Instead of turning her into somewhat of a cautionary tale, her story could have been utilized to empower an audience of individuals who saw themselves in her. For that reason, Lane's treatment on Gilmore Girls will never quite sit right with me.

What do you think about Lane Kim's storyline on Gilmore Girls? Let us know in the comments and check out our guide to Where Is The Gilmore Girls Cast Now? to keep up with your favorite Stars Hollow residents (even if they're not in Stars Hollow anymore).

Lead image via Warner Bros

This post has been updated.