Summer Series #3 // Work your body type: Swimwear

My third post in the Summer Series! To see the others, go HERE (under 'Summer 2013 Series')

Summer's approaching real fast which means it's time to head to the beach/pool and break out them swimwear. Most people are under the illusion that any great body will look good in any bikini. However, even the best of bodies wearing the wrong swimwear could be extremely unflattering. Swimwear comes in loads of styles and patterns there will be one that suits your body type - bandeau, tankini, monokini, halter top, triangle... So it's a good thing to spend a little time in understanding your body shape and invest in swimwear that flatters you. No two person has the same body shape, but everyone can look a million dollars. If you've got it, flaunt it ;)

(L-R): Tangerine Rose Bikini (Topshop) // Snake Print Balconette Bikini (Matalan) //
Watercolor Halter Bikini (Forever 21)

If you're athletic:

- Focus on feminine cuts & details

- Show off your toned lower half with embellished and printed bottoms 

AVOID: strapless bandeaus; boy cut briefs; shapeless tanks

(L-R): Navy Bikini (Topshop) // One Shoulder Monokini (Forever 21) //
L*Space Knotted Fringe Dolly Bandeau Bikini (Sundance Beach)

If you are straight:

- Fake some curves OR take advantage of the fact that you have nothing to hide

- Enhance chest and butt with ruffles, gathering or padding

- Exaggerate the apperance of a fuller chest with ruffles, frills and fringes

- Flaunt your straight silhouette in an itty-bitty string bikini

- Opt for cut outs & prints

- Horizontal stripes break up long lines

- Look for bikinis with adjustable straps, padding or underwire

AVOID: Sporty bottoms & plain bandeau tops

(L-R): Navy Spot Underwired Tankini Set (Fashion Union) //  Orange Halter Padded Stud Bikini Set (Lingadore) //  Striped Tankini Set (Fashion Union)

If you are pear shape

- Opt for higher cut bottoms

- A tankini will lengthen you

- String style bottoms will  bare plenty of thigh

- Draw the eye up with molded cups, halter straps or cleavage detailing

AVOID: loud prints on your lower half + bikini boy shorts as they will cut off your thighs at the wrong places

(L-R): Biba Goddess Bikini (House of Fraser) // Enchanted Bandeau Top (Betsey Johnson) //
Navy drape push up halter bikini (River Island)

If you have an hourglass figure:
- Opt for a solid or small print that won't distort your proportions
- Look for an underwire, balconette or halter style top for support
- Look for styles that are banded around the midrif and can be tied back, around the neck and has wide shoulder straps
- Unless you have features you want to exhibit, stay away from anything with a shifty string top or bottom

AVOID: String bottoms or tops (unless you have features you want to exhibit); bandeau style tops (offers no support & could flatten chest)


(L-R): Walter Mio ruched bandeau (Norma Kamali) // Rococo Rose Vintage Maillot Swimsuit (Seafolly) //
 Tulle bandeau tank (JCrew)

If you're apple shaped/self conscious about your tummy:
- One piece suits with a cinched waist create an hourglass shape
- Belted waistline give a appearance of a smaller middle
- Try empire waist or colour block swim suits
- Ruching helps to eliminate bulges

(L-R): Green Hawaiian Print (River Island) // Mara Hoffman Medicine Wheel Ruched (Madewell) //
Giejo Floral bikini (Madewell)

If you are petite/have shorter legs:
- Ditch the plain and boring, go for exciting prints & graphics
- A high cut bikini will elongate your legs

There you have it, the perfect swimwear for YOU (: Which one will you get?
Don't know what kind of body shape you have? CLICK HERE

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