So, why would we do an article on bathing suits in the fall? Well, in case you have some time on your hands this winter and are feeling ambitious, you can hit the gym and ramp things up for spring. Some of us aren't quite so lucky, and may be headed off soon for a post-holiday trip to the tropics (or a quick jaunt out back to the hot tub).
Whatever the reason, or time of year, check out these tips for how to look and feel great in a suit, whether it's a skimpy string bikini or a sexy one-shoulder number. Who knows, you may even feel so confident, you can finally shrug off that massive towel and strut your stuff.
If You Want To: Slim your Hips and Behind
When you want to accentuate your feminine curves without drawing too much attention to your hips and rear, you'll want to go with frilly ruffles, sexy skirted bottoms and even boy shorts. This helps draw attention to your hourglass shape while detracting from the features you want to minimize.
You May Like: Becca 5th Avenue One-Piece Swim Dress
Cost: $98
About the Suit: This slimming black suit features an asymmetrical neckline. The crown jewel is the polished stone ring on the suit's sole shoulder strap. Other features include a drop shelf bra and removable cups. The thin line of frill that skirts the hips makes it sexy and unassuming all at once.
If You Want To: Boost your Bust
Consider an underwire or halter top. The halter gives you an added benefit from up top, since you can gain more support just by tightening the knot at the nape of your neck. The underwire gives you that boost you're looking for, but from below, with more support at the bottom and sides of your bust. Note: If you're going with a one piece, still look for underwire or halters - no flimsy nylon here.
You May Like: Tommy Bahama Palms Away Banded Halter Top
Cost: $89
About the Suit: This top is a refreshing take on the much-repeated tropic print. Instead of a palm graphic in bright blues and greens, this is in classic (and classy) black and white. Plus, a ring detail at the bottom center helps accentuate the bust line. Choose from the hipster bottom, $63, or the skirted hipster bottom, $82.
If You Want To: Flatter a Full, Feminine Figure
A tankini works best for a full figure. Frills, lace and flowing diagonal panels dominate. This gives your beachwear a fun, feminine look while providing perfect coverage. If you want more of a fitted look, consider a halter tankini with foam cups in the bra and tummy control panels. Otherwise, strapless tankinis are all the rage. Consider pairing with a high-waisted bottom in a solid color.
You May Like: Caribbean Joe Swimwear Ribbons - Layered Tankini and Solid High Waist
Cost: $73 Top; $35, Bottom
About the Suit: This suit offers up a flowing version of the traditional tankini. Diagonal panels cascade in 4 thick ribbons from the chest down to the hips. Bright pinks contrast with blacks and grays to draw attention inward and upward. This tankini helps mask your trouble spots while creating a flirty, fun look. Available in black print, black or brown.
If You Want To: Flatter a Long Torso
Tankinis also work best here. What you'll want to consider is a tight, form-fitting top with lots of ruches and gathered fabric. Ruffles for these suits should be minimal and really only appear along the trim, with contrast between the bust and abdominal sections. For most all suits, you'll want to go with a halter top to accentuate that hourglass shape.
You May Like: Victoria's Secret Wireless Push-Up Halter Tankini Top
Cost: $48, Top; $28, Bottom
About the Suit: This tankini provides a slinky shape with a variety of carefree prints for gals in their 20s through 40s. Choose from sporting blue dots or pistachio and aqua animal prints to royal blue or black solids. This suit ties at the neck and has a high back. The best part - it comes in 23" for regular torsos, and of course, 24" for long torsos. Pair with the scoop bottom.
If You Want To: Minimize Your Midsection
To even out a problematic tummy, the key is actually in the bottoms you choose. Look for banded hipster bottoms (think yoga pants, with the fun thick band of color that folds over your hips). That band of color draws the attention down to your hips, instead of your abdominals. High-waisted bottoms also work. To make sure they fit at the waist, they'll need to completely cover your hip bones. High-waisted bottoms pair best with a tankini top, bandeau style. Or if you're feeling daring, go for a banded halter.
You May Like: Victoria's Secret Becca Skirted Scoop Bottom
Cost: $52, Bottoms; $72, Top
About the Suit: This bottom has the classic full coverage scooped shape with a swanky little skirt that makes it pop. The bottoms rest just above the hips, and the ruched fabric draws the eye away from the abs. Mix and match the top to achieve your favorite custom bikini. We recommend the absolutely adorable Butterfly One-shoulder Bandeau Top. A strip of fabric hugs the right shoulder, and is offset with a butterfly clasp. Between the skirt and the butterfly, all the attention will be on your shoulders and hips, not your midsection.
Whatever your body type, there's something out there to make you feel swim-ready and fabulous. For this season, keep in mind a few trends, from bold and colorful to soft and feminine. To keep any eye on your suit and away from your trouble spots, consider adornments such as stones and clasps. These are most popular in the mid-point of the bust and on the shoulder.
If your tastes are a little more adventurous, you could venture out to animal prints, which are all the rage - unconventional prints like chameleon and snakeskin say you're ready for fun, and most importantly, that you're proud of your bathing suit body, no matter your shape.