Swimwear

We are never as exposed as we are on holiday, so my ultimate tip for your well-earned and much needed fix of sunshine is to invest in some decent swimwear.

A well-cut swimsuit can make you look as though you have shed pounds and work wonders at helping you to look – and feel – you’re best. There are certain items I always advise my clients to spend a larger proportion of their budget on, such a jeans and tailoring. During this season, swimwear is definitely another of them.

I would always recommend trying to visit a smaller independent stockists rather than a large retailer. Their advice and expertise are invaluable and will help you solve the niggles you may have when trying to find a swimsuit. Which may include flattering your tummy, fitting your cup-size and even accommodating a prosthesis. Whatever it may be you struggle with, the staff should be more than happy to help you.

Be sure to try your swimwear on before you buy, so you know what it looks like on you. If you need to go up a size compared to what you wear in regular clothing, do not despair! Swimwear tends to be cut smaller and fit tighter. Panic over.

Your swimwear should flatter your exact body shape and accentuate your positive features as this will naturally detract from the negative areas you don’t like. Most people feel insecure about at least one part of their body. Those insecurities can definitely amplify when the bathing suit season arrives.  We can’t change Mother Nature but we certainly can disguise her!

Here are a few of my top style tips and tricks for all body shapes to help you become a complete beach bombshell!

If you carry your weight on your hips and thighs, let’s slim that pear!

• Pear shapes generally tend to have a good tummy, so let’s show this off with a two piece.
• Avoid detail on the bottom, the less going on there the better! Opt for a solid plain coloured bottom.
• Bring the focus upwards, try a top in a lighter colour, with fun details or a pretty pattern.
• Choose a fairly high-cut bottom, this will slim the thighs and create the illusion of longer, leaner legs.
• Avoid boy shorts, although very popular with ladies trying to hide more flesh around the bottom and thigh area, they are actually very unflattering. They can shorten the appearance of your legs and make you seem wider than you actually are.
• Many two-piece bathing suits are now sold separately, allowing you to mix and match and purchase a top and bottom in the exact sizes you need.
• If you would feel more comfortable in a one-piece then always choose a plunging deep V-neckline. Although flattering on virtually any body type, they’re especially flattering on bodies with full hips or thighs such as a pear. This is because they draw the eye to the upwards to the top half of the body.

If you don’t have much on top, let’s boost that bust!

• Don’t rule out an underwire, it can give shape to a small bust and create the illusion of fullness.
• Opt for a structured bikini top with pretty details like flirty ruffles, beading, or colorful patterns and pleating. This will add bulk and visual interest.
• Print, colour and stripes are all hot for Spring Summer 2011 so why not look bang on trend on the beach or around the pool on holiday whilst adding interest and detail to your figure.
• Avoid the bandeau type tops, they can flatten you even more.
• A chunky necklace is also great disguising a flat chest, although you may feel you don’t want to wear jewelry whilst it gets covered in sand, sat around the pool you will look so chic and stylish

If you’re concerned about your stomach area, here’s some tummy trimming wonders!

• Avoid a tankini at all costs! A tankini is a two piece swimsuit with a longer top that usually draws eyes right to the stomach area (the place that we are trying to avoid). They tend to ride up and expose what you don’t want people to see.
• Do show some skin in your one-piece swimsuit. A high-cut leg or low-cut top will draw eyes away from your middle area.
• Don’t go for a shiny fabric, it highlights every lump and bump. Matte is much better.
• Another great way to disguise a tummy is with ruched gathered fabric, this can be very flattering and camouflages extra weight and adds a decorative detail to the swimsuit. It can also pull you in and shape the waist.

If you’ve got a big bust, let’s support it!

• Always look for a swimsuit top with the appropriate cup size to support your chest area.
• Consider swimsuit tops that have underwire or a hidden bra, specialist shops such as Bravissimo or figleaves.com make it easier to shop for a more customized fit.
• Try a halter neck preferably with a band under the bra area. Halter-tops provide flattering support for a large bust, and their structure helps hold a large bust in place. They even allow you to show off some of your cleavage, which can be very flattering.
• However, if you don’t like the weight of the halter straps around your neck, look for swimsuits with wide straps. These are essential in holding the bust up and providing the support you need.
• Avoid strapless swimsuits or triangle bikini tops if you’re bigger than a D cup. They very rarely offer enough support.
• Higher cut armholes on a swimsuit can also help support and contain a larger bust.
• Consider the fabric content of the swimsuit itself. Lycra is a great fabric choice for a swimsuit for a larger bust. The Lycra provides adequate support whilst having enough stretch to accommodate the curves of a larger bust.
• You can wear a swimsuit in any colour that you choose, however, dark colours can help minimize a large bust.

If you’ve got curves, embrace and flatter them!

• Play up your curvy shape with a fun print. Because an hourglass figure is considered the perfect shape for swimwear, you can feel free to choose a more dramatic print that will draw attention to your body.
• Don’t shy away from stripes, just be sure they’re vertical or angled across your body.
• Emphasize your defined waist by choosing a two-piece swimsuit. Bikinis show the most skin and will highlight your curves the best.
• If your curves need toning slightly do not despair, you can still wear a bikini, just avoid thin string ties, which can dig and create bulges.
• If you are not comfortable wearing a bikini but don’t want to go for a swimsuit then try a tankini. These styles cover most of the stomach but feature a separate bottom, offering the convenience of a two-piece with more coverage.
• If you do prefer a one-piece swimsuit then go for a wrap style, perfect for cinching in your waist and showing off your curves.

Remember to finish your swimsuit, bikini or tankini off with a gorgeous beach bag, some fab sandals or flip flops and a nice cover up such as a sarong or kaftan to complete your look.  Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure and become the sun goddess you have always dreamed of, those holiday snaps need to be shown off not hidden away! Still panicking and need a little help? You know where to find me…