If
your New Year’s Resolution of going to the gym 5 days a week and perfecting The
Plank didn’t quite pan out, you’ve come to the right place ...
 |
| Marilyn Monroe showing how it's done in style! |
In summary, to feel confident in your swimwear, you need to:
- select
the right style for your body shape
- get the same support you have from your
underwear
- wear one of your most flattering colours
- use accessories to deflect attention from your 'not-so-perfect areas'
The key thing to remember is not to get hung up on the size of your swimsuit, this is one item of clothing that you may have to go up
(at least) one size to your usual sizing.
Before you get started tips:
- Be kind to yourself, if you’re going to wear fake tan on
holidays then make sure you apply it a couple of days before you go shopping
for your swimwear. (Before application, exfoliate your
skin by mixing a handful of brown sugar with your body lotion. Rub the mixture in a circular motion over your skin, then
rinse under a warm shower, and hey presto you'll have softer skin).
- Avoid foods that bloat you.
- Make an appointment with your beautician for waxing, a pedicure & manicure, or do it yourself.
If you’re not ready to strut your stuff in front of a
well-meaning shop assistant, why not order online and try on in the comfort of
your own home? Remember to check the
sizing details for each retailer before ordering &
read the reviews from other customers to avoid disappointment. Once it arrives, do a
little bending, sitting, and swimming practice to ensure you feel comfortable
wearing it.
Best for pear-shapes
If you're pear-shaped, avoid patterns or any detailing below your waist; you always need to draw the eye up to your top half and away from your hips. Choose a darker colour for your bottom half; tankinis are often a good choice for pear shapes as you can choose plain bottoms with a patterned / bright top.
Best for apple shapes
If you
are apple shaped, a one-piece with a central panel in a darker shade will give the illusion of a slimmer shape, and choose a style
with subtle tummy control panels. A plunge or square neckline will draw attention away
from the midriff up to your decolletage and shoulders.
Best for disguising an untoned tummy
Choose a suit with shirring or ruching to help disguise an untoned tummy. Try to wear one with a little detail away from the stomach area to attract the eye upwards, this one from Lascana receives great reviews:
Best for a large bust
An underwired, or support style with
adjustable straps, is essential for you to make sure the fit is as good as you would have from your bra. The better the support in this area to lift the bust, the
better your midriff, waist, and hips will also appear. Thicker
straps are a good idea for extra support, but avoid halter necks which can cause
neck and shoulder ache if worn all day.
If you are particularly large on top
then balance out your figure by choosing a suit that has a patterned or
lighter coloured bottom half.
Best for thigh coverage
Swimdresses are becoming more & more popular and receive brilliant customer feedback, so, rather than feeling you have to have your sarong over your thighs at all times, you can just relax and jump in the sea when the mood takes you! This black one was designed by the queen of designer swimwear, Melissa Odabash, for Marisota.
Best for lifting your bottom
Gravity has met its' match with Marisota's MagiSculpt Bum Lifter Swimsuit, in a beautiful coral colour that will flatter pale skin as well as a tan:
Choose matt not sheen
Matt fabrics are a lot more forgiving than those with sheen; I doubt you'd treasure your holiday photos wearing this shiny fabric from Asos Curve:
Cheat a little
Take a tip from the Victoria Secret models; to create the
perfect illusion, apply St Tropez’s Illuminators to where the light would
naturally reflect off the front of your leg, this will lengthen and
sculpt. You can apply on your collar
bone and along your arms too. Choose the
rose shade if you have a paler skin tone.
 |
| Apply St Tropez's Illuminators to arms & legs to appear slimmer |
Choose a Flattering Cover-Up
A deep V-neck, opposed to a high round neck,
will make your neck look longer and therefore, your whole body appear leaner.
And finally, add a little sparkle
Choose sandals with a little sparkle to attract attention away from any problem areas & make you feel a little glam by the pool:
Now that you know you'll look good, focus on enjoying your holiday! Enjoy x
