Calm Swimwear Fears

Some women put on makeup first, some spray on a fake tan. Still others avoid the mirrors altogether and just order from a catalog. Finding the right swimwear is tough, and it's easy to feel traumatized in the dressing room or appearing in public for the first time each summer. You've probably heard all of the conventional advice about how to shop for swimwear (like the aforementioned made-up face -- as if thick lashes will mask dimpled thighs -- and a fake bake.)

So here's a bit of unconventional advice for dealing with swimwear fears:

• Take a water aerobics class. You'll quickly get accustomed to parading around in swimwear.
• If you really feel uncomfortable showing your body, buy a sheer gauze tunic for a coverup. Pair with a huge straw floppy hat, great shades, sandals and then just lounge poolside.
• Finally, go to a pool filled with gorgeous young things because it works as a sort of camouflage: everybody's so busy looking at the hotties, that it's easy to slip by unnoticed.
  
  Need inspiration before you head off to the store to try on swimwear? View a photo gallery showing what designers sent down the runway this season, including swimwear from Gottex (featured in both photos), Rosa Cha, Carolina Herrera and more. (Photo Credit: © Cheryl Gorski Photography)