Summer is just about to pick up in full gear and with the warm weather means the fun and joy of spending more time outside, especially at the beach. Running around in the sand, getting your tan on – it’s all a blast! It’s the finding what to wear part that can pose a problem.
Bikini shopping ranks up there with jean shopping for us ladies, meaning it’s not all that enjoyable. But that’s about to change! Like anything, It’s all about finding the right style so here are some tips to get you started on your journey to new summer swim wear!
If you’re Boy Shaped/Lanky: Try using prints and texture to add more to your frame. Ruffles and ruching add some extra shape to help fill out your figure and add a little curve and bold prints will help add some punch and pop to your look and can create some serious sex appeal. Also try monokinis with a cutout – this look will help create some extra curves to that already bangin bod of yours.
Vix St Barths Bikini (Top: $92; Bottom: $96)
Roxy Surf Essentials Monokini, $80
Big or Small Bust: Some of us were lucky enough with a nice endowment up top and some of us not so much. But your bust size shouldn’t affect how you look and feel when rocking your swimwear. Tips for little busts: find a top with a little padding or underwire support. This will lift up what you’ve got and add a little something to create the illusion of a bigger cup size (trust me, it works!).
J Crew Double Stripe Bikini (Top: $54; Bottom: $44)
If you’ve got more on top, try working with a top with thicker straps. This will give you all the support you need so the girls look great, but you also won’t be worried about the possibility of falling out. Also try to avoid any ruffles and frills – this will only add more volume to your chest and cover up what you’ve been beautifully blessed with.
Bar III Halter Triangle Bikini & Side-Rouched Brief Bottom, Both $37.40 (on sale)
Bigger on the bottom: Some of us were blessed with a booty and/or strong legs, so when looking for new swimwear try finding a style that will tone or lengthen to help you feel great when you’re flaunting it on the beach. The illusion of creating length to your legs will help you feel more confident in your tiniest bikini and make them look more amazing than they already are. Try something with a string tie or a higher cut bottom to achieve this look. If you’ve got a booty, try bottoms with a little more coverage. Hipster shorts or athletic-style bottoms will really flatter your rear and make sure you’re not rocking a near-thong (I know from experience!).
River Island Botswana Print Bandeau Swimsuit, $42.43
Nanette Lepore Strobe Light Bikini (Bottoms: $59.99; Top: $65.99)
A Little Tummy: We’ve all been there, but just because you’re concerned about your midsection doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hit the beach. There are plenty of ways to conceal and flatter to get you looking and feeling sexy! High waisted bikini bottoms are not only super in right now, they’re also incredibly flattering. They help suck you in a little bit and keep you feeling comfortable while looking hot. Rouching Is another sleek and sexy way to hide a little tummy bulge by adding a little texture and distracting the eye and focusing it to where and what you want to flaunt.
Victoria’s Secret Ruched Halter One Piece, $58 (more colors available)
Hourglass and Curvy: So you’ve been blessed with a curvy body and you want to show it off, we don’t blame you! But you also want to make sure you’re not showing off too much. If you’ve got curvy hips, try string bikini bottoms. The tiny string will help make your legs look longer and keep your hips from looking wide. Also try accentuating the curves in a sexy belted one piece. You’ll draw attention to that tiny waist of yours, which will slim and show off your sexy figure without showing off too much.
Madewell Flora String Bikini (Bottom:$48; Top: $55)
Zimmermann One-Piece Vapor Swimsuit, $290
Of course there are always exceptions to the rule so knowing where to start is the biggest thing, but trying on different styles and finding what you like is always the best way to shop for swim wear. Mixing and matching tops and bottoms is another great option that allows you to create your own style and mix what works best on you.
And the best advice of all? Rock what you feel good in! Nothing looks better than confidence so if you feel great, that radiates to looking great!
xoxo,
Emiko
Emiko Vaughn is a personal stylist and wardrober from Cleveland, OH. She currently co-owns and operates personal styling company Lageson & Vaughn with her business partner, Kirsten Lageson.
Find her here:
www.emikovaughn.com
twitter.com/emikovaughn
pinterest.com/emikovaugh