Choosing the right swimwear...

It's that time of year again ladies when you're looking forward to your summer vacation and excited about hitting the beach.....or are you?  Because I know that as much as we all love hitting the beach, it also means that we have to start thinking about swimwear shopping, and this can be overwhelming and stressful! 

We all have body parts that we're not 100% happy with, and there are so many different types of swimwear out there that it can be difficult to choose what's right and what's wrong for your shape!  What should be a fun experience turns into a depressing and difficult one, and we end up feeling bad about our bodies - again!

The important thing to remember when shopping for swimwear is to make sure you get the right fit!  Don't obsess about the size - it's just a number!  Make sure you get something with the right support, as this can make or break how your swimwear will look.

Also, be realistic ladies!  If you're 40-something and not in the best shape, steer clear of bikinis.  There are some great one-piece suits out there that will look great and hide the bits that you're self-conscious about. Or you can still wear a two-piece with the tankini, which is a bikini bottom and a long, more loose fitting top that will help disguise that tummy or muffin top.  I haven't worn a bikini in years, even when I was in the best shape of my life!  I was never a fan, but instead I opt for a great one-piece with side cut-outs and great support or one with great prints!  And remember that prints can also be key in disguising a tummy.

Also, think about getting some great cover-ups.  TJ Maxx have a great selection of colorful, flowy cover ups to throw on if you're not comfortable in swimwear.  This allows you to be discreet when
you're not swimming and look stylish too!

There are some great 'miracle' suits out there!  And I didn't just make that name up, that's what they're really called.  They're called this because they have a lot more lycra than other suits and will suck you in in all the right places.  Macy's has a great selection of these suits. 

Also remember to protect yourself from the sun ladies.  A sunhat is important and there are some great ones out there.  Sunscreen - a MUST! 

Whatever your shape or size, there is a swimsuit out there for you, so don't despair.  Take a look at some of these tips on what to look for when swimsuit shopping.


If you're athletic....this lady was wearing a droopy bandeau top that did nothing for her.  She looks
much better with a bust enhancing top.

If you're bigger on the bottom....this lady was wearing boy shorts that cut her off in all the wrong places.  Wearing a one-piece that has a higher cut was far more flattering on her. A tankini would also work as this lengthens you.

If you're lanky or boyish....swap your one-piece for a bikini with ruffles to give you some curves!

If you're apple shaped....swap your frumpy look for a sleek alternative!  Ruching is also flattering in the belly area, so look for something that has ruching detail.  Side detailing is also slimming, so keep a look out for that when swimwear shopping.

If you're pear shaped....color blocking is a great slimming trick.  Putting a lighter color on top makes her look slimmer all over.  An assymetrical cut is also slimming.  A bold print will also play up your top half and detract attention away from your bottom half.

If you're busty...you need support with cups and/or underwire and a good fit, just like with bras!  Also wearing a strapless fitted one-piece minimizes.

If you're curvy...two-pieces are not flattering, so stick with feminine styles with support.  Other things to look for are ruffles on top that will showcase curves, and a small print that conceals.

If you're an hourglass...no suit should give you a muffin top!  Make sure you don't get anything that cuts into you anywhere!  Stick to one color, it's more sleek.  A deep V plunge neckline is also sexy!

Here are some images of different swimwear available out there.  There's so much to choose from these days that there's really no excuse for not looking great on the beach!