- Big bust:<p> Petit Bateau Lydiane bandeau bikini, £44.50 available from <a href="http://www.style-passport.com/shop/petit-bateau-lydiane-bandeau-bikini-lucky-412-1-11" target="_blank">style-passport</a></p>
- Curvy build:<p> Go for a fabric that keeps your proportions in check – block colours and small prints work really well with curves.</p> <p> OndadeMar’s ‘Bamboo Waves’ bikini, with its fine, horizontal zigzags, is a great example of how you can make patterns work for you.</p> <p> If you’re curvy – but in proportion –don’t be shy, a string bikini can have real impact.</p> <p> OndadeMar Bamboo Waves bikini, available from Biondi Couture, call 020 7349 1111 for information</p>
- Curvy build:<p> Calvin Klein <a href="http://www.style-passport.com/shop/calvin-klein-swimwear-perfectly-fit-halter-bikini-top-black-391-1-11" target="_blank">Perfectly Fit halter bikini top</a>, £43 and <a href="http://www.style-passport.com/shop/calvin-klein-swimwear-perfectly-fit-halter-bikini-bottoms-black-392-1-11" target="_blank">Perfectly Fit halter bikini bottoms</a>, £34 both available from style-passport</p>
- Slim build:<p> If you’re a bit lacking in the curve department, fake it ‘til you make it. There are so many great padded bikini options out there and you can create the illusion of curves with ruching, ruffles and ties.</p> <p> JETS by Jessika Allen has a range of bustier-style bikinis with under wires <em>and</em> foam cups for maximum impact. The contrasting patterned fabric also helps create the illusion of curves.</p> <p> If you’re also small-busted, be happy - you can rock most bikini styles. Decisions, decisions…</p> <p> JETS by Jessika Allen denim prairie bikini, £195 available from <a href="http://www.beachcafe.com/womens/bikinis/denim-prarie-bikini" target="_blank">Beach Cafe</a></p>
- Slim build:<p> Milly Cabana Boca eyelet sailboats bikini, was £200 now £100 available from <a href="http://www.style-passport.com/shop/milly-cabana-boca-eyelet-sailboats-bikini-navy_white-413-1-11" target="_blank">style-passport</a></p>
- Pear shaped:<p> Use your bikini to attract the eye to the parts of your body you love (and distract attention from the parts you’re less enamored with). Dark shades and simple, classic cuts, like the Naelie ‘Rosy’ halterneck are a good way to go. Some detailing in the top half can also work, like a bandeaux top with a cute cutout or bow that draws the eye upwards. We say steer clear of boy shorts (they draw a straight line across your thighs – likely to be the widest part of your body) and instead try a low-cut 1950s-style bikini bottom. It’ll elongate your torso and draw the eye upwards to your fabulous bust and neckline.</p> <p> Naelie Rosy halterneck bikini, £175 available from <a href="http://www.beachcafe.com/womens/bikinis/rosy-bikini" target="_blank">Beach Cafe</a></p>
- Pear shaped:<p> Topshop yellow floral bandeau bikini, £26.50 available from <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2393588&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208534&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=20" target="_blank">Topshop</a></p>
- Athletic build:<p> If you’ve got a fabulously fit physique, go for a flirty, feminine style and cute detailing to soften your look. Brazilian-style briefs can look fab but steer away from bandeaux-style tops that will minimize your assets. The Topshop Purple Meadow bikini comes in fabulously bold colours, has just the right amount of froufrou to accentuate your curves, and the hipster bottoms help elongate your torso. </p> <p> Topshop Purple Meadow print bikini, £28 available from <a href="http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=0&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=2327087&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208534&parent_categoryId=203984&pageSize=20&refinements=category~[209809|208534]&noOfRefinements=1" target="_blank">Topshop</a></p>
- Athletic build:<p> Pistol Panties Penelope contrast leopard print bikini, £125 available from <a href="http://www.style-passport.com/shop/pistol-panties-penelope-contrast-leopard-print-bikini-lime_multi-374-e-e" target="_blank">style-passport</a></p>
- Big bust:<p> If you’re big-busted extra support in the bikini top department is a must. Underwire and balcony styles are great choices.</p> <p> The multiple tie options on the Anika 4-Ways bikini top mean anyone can style it to suit their frame (a halter neck is particularly flattering) and switching plain bottoms for print detail helps draw the eye away from the bust.</p> <p> Anika 4 way bikini in navy, £147 available from <a href="http://www.beachcafe.com/designers/anika-brazil" target="_blank">Beach Cafe</a></p>
Woooooow, the arrival of summer means we are probably going to be screaming with delight for cocktails on the beach and horror for that dreaded moment trying on a swimsuit post winter – Arrggghhhhhh!!!!!
Woooooow, the arrival of summer means we are probably going to be screaming with delight for cocktails on the beach and horror for that dreaded moment trying on a swimsuit post winter – Arrggghhhhhh!!!!!No matter what shape or size, we all have our mix of insecurities and bits we want to hide, as well as bits we are blessed with and want to show off.
As I am in the safety of winter in Australia, I wonder how I would be feeling preparing my holiday beach wardrobe 10 months post-baby and a few weeks post-appendix removal... the words 'one-piece' come to mind ;)
I've been chatting to my UK style consultant Angie Smith for her advice, and there really is a swimwear style to suit everybody – the trick is finding the one for you. The one you love.
Many high street stores will let you buy your bikini tops and bottoms as separates so you can mix and match block colours with patterns to customize a look that highlights your assets, and get the perfect fit. So don't be shy, grab your beach towel – the water's gonna be Uh-Mayzing...
And if all that fails and you're still not sure, I like to throw on a Kaftan and a huge hat while my self-tan develops!
Just enjoy these precious sunny days and let your inner Goddess out to play...
Dx
PS Please learn from my mistake and never try to surf in a bikini like I did years ago. I got dumped by a wave and ended up with the bikini top around my ankles facing a beach packed with sun worshippers! Eek!
And a tip from Tabs... the zip of a wetsuit goes at the back! She learned this her first time surfing and never got it wrong again.
For regular fashion tips and updates follow Angie on Twitter @ANGIESMITHSTYLE
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