Ah, bathing suit season.  Every year women the world over have angst over buying the best suit for their body.  The decision to even wear a bathing suit can be a daunting one-especially as gravity takes hold and the body contorts itself into unrecognizable shapes.  To help you take some of that fear and angst before you go into the shops this season, why not consider looking for suits that will give your assets their best advantage.

Remember it is all about balance and drawing the eye to your best features.  If all else fails, spend good money on a beautiful sheer tunic and a wonderful pair of pool shoes!  The shadows and illusions it creates will be a style statement that cannot be missed! 

P.S. Don’t forget the sunscreen!

Balance and Maximize a Small Bust

• Wearing ruffles, shirring, padding and boning on top will give you visual weight
• Wear patterns (polka dots, paisley) and embellishments on top
• Wear bolder colors on top and darker on bottom

Balance and Minimize a Large Bust

• Be sure that you do not go too small. Spilling out of your top will actually make you look larger.
• Bathing suits generally run 2 sizes smaller than other clothing
• Select a top with underwire and support (some suits are sized by cup size)
• Your straps should not act as the ‘support’ for your upper body just prevent you from sagging
• Do Not wear the following: strapeless, string bikini, demi-bras, and key hole type

   Balance and Minimize a Larger Tummy

• Criss-cross under the bustline minimizes the waist
• Wear a busy print
• Use a bold pattern and detail at the waist
• Built in tummy control
• Wearing a tankini will be better for you than a bikini
• Be wary of the ‘muffin top’ if you have separate bottoms

Balance and Minimize Wider Hips 

• Boy shorts are NOT for you
• Pass on prints and ruffles below the waist
• High cut leg will narrow wider thighs
• Empire waist draws eye up
• Mix and match brighter top to darker bottom

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Posted by: Karen Hughes, Founder of Image Assets, an Image Consulting Firm serving the Alpharetta and Metro Atlanta areas. As a seasoned certified image consultant, Karen follows a simple philosophy: educate, empower, and enrich the lives of her clients. Her philosophy is enmeshed throughout her practice and can be observed in her workshops, clinics, and one-on-one consultations. Her energetic and interactive style makes her a sought-after training resource for organizations and individuals alike. Even the most difficult topics seem effortless for Karen as she tackles such challenges as professional etiquette, business dress personal image and body shape.

Posted by Karen Hughes on May 1st, 2009 in Articles, How To, Swimsuit