By: Erika Nunez —
Image Director and fashion stylist, BLuxe Group
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Clearly the Summer is finally upon us now, but before we decide to take a dip in the pool or lay out on the beach, let’s examine the fit of your swimwear! Everything isn’t for everyone, and you don’t want the post-summer photo album to be full of moans and groans about your choice of a string bikini or a speedo when you should have been covering up a bit more!
Nothing to fear though, if you’re busty, gutsy, flat or curvy UrbLife.com has got you covered with these tips to match you with the right swim suit! Read on…
1. Classic One-piece
This option is ideal for smoothing out imperfections. Unfortunately, one-piece bathing suits can be a drab, as most women tend to go for the same ol’ black or navy swim suit that literally covers everything. Yes, darker colors may be flattering, but bold colors are just as flattering!
A tummy control-paneled swim suit that has a v-neck with wide, comfortable straps will open up the neck line, giving a “supported” and lean look for the apple-shaped woman. Check out the vibrant Cayenne Surplice design with matching sarong from Longitude:
2. Swim Trunks
There is nothing like seeing a topless handsome chiseled guy in swim trunks! But even if you have a little extra, you really can’t go wrong with a lively short that won’t expose any plumber’s crack…
Villabrequin has an array of prints, colors and lengths to choose from. With netted lining to hold “the goods” in place, they’re much more cooler and comfortable than your basketball shorts.
3. Updated Bikini
Mara Hoffman always designs with the shape of a woman in mind. For example, this embroidered bustier bikini set has clean lines with soft, yet strong colors. Of course, you’ll want to be in the best shape possible to go with this option, so hopefully you’ve been keeping up with our abundant fitness and nutrition tips!
Hour glass-shaped women will look most proportioned in bikinis, as the body is balanced from top to bottom. The underwire in the padded bra will flatter the bust, while the bikini bottoms will hug the other curves you’ve worked so hard in the gym for!
4. Two-piece Mix-N-Match
The greatest thing about two-piece bathing suits is the ability to make one body part more appealing than the other. Cheeky boy shorts fully cover the butt to give a firmer look, while bikini bottoms give a little more or less “junk in the trunk,” depending on the rise.
Meanwhile, bikini and bandeau tops can make breasts look more voluptuous, and tank-ini’s come with tummy control for a slimming effect. I like to play mix and match with Old Navy separates! They’re affordable, and they come in an array of colors, prints and sizes.
5. One-piece dress
A bathing suit that draws attention to the bust while minimizing the hips is ideal for pear-shaped ladies. Pear shapes are smaller on top, and heavier on bottom with fuller hips and thighs.
Avoid strapless or bandeau tops, as your breasts will appear a lot heavier than they actually are. Instead, opt for a halter style one or two-piece with ruching, a skirted bottom or short sarong wrap. This gem from Kenneth Cole is a great example of a flattering one-piece dress:
You can find this one-piece dress and more diverse styles from Kenneth Cole in various stores at Shopstyle.com!
6. Speedos
Guys, if you’re body is hot, then why not flaunt it? Try wearing sporty briefs or a sexy speedo, and give the ladies something to gawk at! Fortunately, Macy’s men’s shop has a number of form-fitting speedo options!
7. Body Wraps
Body confidence is an ongoing battle for both men and women, so thankfully there are great options for sarongs, caftans and tunics that will offer comfort as you flaunt your bathing suit this summer.
A cover-up, cool shades and a beach hat will be the perfect remedy for any of your beach bum blues. VictoriasSecret.com has a wealth of cover ups to choose from! Here is my favorite – the Striped Cover-Up Sweater:
Picking the right bathing suit is a daunting task for anyone, but with patience you can definitely find a flattering fit that minimizes problem areas. Happy shopping! Thank me later!
For more fashion tips and tricks, follow Erika Nunez on Twitter @ErikasNStyle
Erika Nunez is an Image Director for the BLuxe Hospitality Group, providing occasion-specific wardrobe for entertainers and business professionals.
