Style

Image Matters

HERE COMES THE SUN!

Summer will be with us shortly.  Whether you’re taking your holiday in the UK or off to sunnier climes, what you wear on the beach will often be of concern. 

There is swimwear to suit all shapes and sizes.  It’s just a question of knowing what will make you look even more gorgeous than you already are.

Here are my tips to help enhance your best features and disguise those that you don’t like as much.


1. Large tum:

A one piece swimsuit is the best bet.  If you can find one with ruching down the centre, even better, as the wrinkles disguise any flesh in the folds of the fabric.  Depending on your overall size, you can use a pattern to detract the eye from the offending area.  If you have large boobs, you will need a swimsuit that has a lowish neck or your bust can appear “shelf-like” and even more obvious.  A swimsuit with a medium high cut leg will make the most of longer legs and detract attention away from your middle.
To cover up, try a V neck kaftan and a big pair of sunspecs.

2.    Pear shape:

If you have large hips, or saddlebags, and a smallish bust opt for a two piece rather than a swimsuit.  Small bikini bottoms, especially those with string ties at the side, will elongate legs.  Halter necks and ruched tops will create a more balanced bustline. Bikini bottoms with A V cut waist band will also work.  Bandeau tops look great if they are cinched in the middle rather than going straight across the chest area.  Many bikinis have different patterns/ colours top and bottom so make the most of the new trend.  Dark colours on your bottom half will make it look slimmer, whilst a bright or light colour top will attract attention.    If you really don’t feel comfortable in a bikini, buy a one piece with high cut legs or try a tankini with a smaller bottom.  If you have a large bottom, don’t have high waisted bottoms or those that completely cover all of your cheeks.  It will look matronly.

A sarong wrapped loosely round the waist and a large sunhat to balance, completes the look.  Carry a bright patterned beach bag over your shoulder to also divert attention away from your hips and balance out your body.

3. Lean

A halter neck top will widen shoulders and boobs will appear to be larger.  If you are long bodied, try a tankini, as it may feel more comfortable.  You can wear athletic looking swimwear, so try racing backs.  Beware of triangle tops, as they can flatten your breasts if not padded.  Bandeau tops, in a textured or detailed fabric can flatter and add inches.  If you want to look curvier, opt for a swimsuit with keyholes cut out of the sides.  Boy shorts can work, if you have long legs.  If your legs are short, avoid at all costs as you’ll look stumpy.  

A pair of linen draw string trousers look great on this shape.  Try a baseball cap, a bandanna or a small bucket hat as your finishing accessory.  Alternatively, try a sarong tied around the bust.

4.    Curvy

Keep it simple.  Block colours look best as they elongate your frame.  Choose underwired bra tops, whether in a bikini or a swimsuit, as droopy boobs are not a good look to have.  A belted one piece looks great if you have a tiny waist. 

A sarong, a large hat and huge sunspecs will give you film star appeal.  Avoid a kaftan as it will hide your curves.

5.    Large boobs:

Avoid halter or high necklines as they will make your bust look enormous.  Tops should have support under the bust but make sure it is stylish.  You don’t want to look like your grandma.  A keyhole top can be surprisingly effective, and it’s glamorous.

A sarong tied around the waist is your best cover up option.  If you tie it higher on the body or with a halter twist around the neck, it will attract attention to your bust.

Remember your scale and your complexion – covered in previous newsletters.  Too large a pattern on a petite frame can swamp and too small on a large frame can add pounds.  Black can be slimming, on the right colouring.  If you are naturally fair haired, and don’t tan well, black may be overpowering.  Try brown or blue instead.

Size and fit is critical.  Never purchase swimwear if you have to keep adjusting the legs or it’s too short in the body.  Persevere.  The perfect garment awaits you.

Shoes with a wedge or thick sole, coupled with a V frontage such as a flip-flop, will lengthen the legs.  Sliders, or any sandal with a horizontal bar, will shorten.

Lastly, enjoy your holiday.  Relax in the knowledge that you look terrific.

 

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