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Discussion |
"I'm very short-waisted, so I
need a string bottom, so it can sit really low and elongate my torso. And I need
something on the top that can really lift me up and together. "
GOODGIRL101 |
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You just have to find a
gorgeous swimsuit for a great summer of sun and swimming! The key is to find one that
flatters your bod and is really funky.
Trends
Here are a few swimwear trends to keep in mind when shopping for a new suit this year:
- Remember that bright, bold colors are much more fun than plain, simple neutrals. Flirty
florals and retro prints are fab, and also look for adorable stripes and fruit patterns.
Don't write black off completely though - it is totally chic and very slimming!
- Classic bikinis and maillots always work, but why not try a more interesting shape like
a monokini (see the Swimwear Dictionary for details),
tankini (a midriff-covering look is extra cool), tubini, or a one-shouldered style.
- Funky details are always a plus. This spring, you can find ruffles, rhinestones,
lace, and pretty beading.
- Coordinating cover-ups are so fab! Matching minis, tank dresses, or sarongs are all
great cover-ups that can take you from the beach to the country club to the pool.
Photo, left,
Candies.
Swimwear Dictionary
Not sure what to call what you're looking for? Here's a primer:
Maillot - A one-piece suit
Monokini - A tank suit with cutouts on the sides and/or
front.
Tankini - A two-piece suit that's in between a bikini and a
basic one piece. The length of the top could show a little, a lot, or no skin.
Tubini - A bikini with a small tube top, also known as a
bandini
Photo, right, Billabong Buy
Billabong 
Tips
- If you wear a different size top than bottom, look for bikini separates.
- Remember what you're going to use the suit for: if you enjoy playing volleyball in the
beach or swimming you need to rethink flimsy strings and suits that need lots of
pulling and tugging to keep in place. swimwear.
- Make your legs look longer by choosing a suit with high-cut legs (also makes your bottom
look trimmer from the back!)
- Slim a heavy torso with strong vertical elements (a zip front, vertical stripes).
- Minimize a pear shape with bust-enhancing details (piping, embroidery, asymetrical
straps).
- Balance out a top-heavy figure by choosing dark colors on top and avoiding frills or
other embellishments on top.
- Maximize a small bust with push-up bra tops, prints on top, and "extras" like
ruffles or gathers.
- Hide a tummy with suits that offer built-in control panels, and two-piece bottoms with
more coverage (tankinis are great).
All photos
copyright © 2002 Cynthia Nellis
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