Swimwear Shopping To Leave You Smiling - Yes Really!
Swimwear shopping can be an absolute minefield that even the most body-confident of us can find tricky.
There are SO many options and with nowhere to hide when you're wearing it, it's more important than ever to get a style and fit that both flatters and makes you feel confident.
In this month's post I'm taking you through my top tips when shopping for swimwear which I hope will make the process as pain-free as possible.
Please remember; EVERY BODY IS A BIKINI BODY so focus on the positives and follow the guidelines below to achieve a flattering fit.
First things first, choose your moment.
I know there are certain times of the month when it just isn't wise for me to shop for anything, let alone swimwear. Try and pick a day when you can allow yourself plenty of time, you've had a chance to slap a bit of fake tan on and generally are in the right state of mind.
Personally, I do prefer ordering swimwear online and trying on at home - the mirrors and lighting in shop changing rooms are never particularly flattering after-all! Trying on at home takes the time pressure off too, allowing you to try on everything a couple of times before making a final decision.
Colour
Select the swimwear pieces that are in colours you LOVE and know work well for you. Taking this as your first step will immediately narrow the field and make the choice a little less overwhelming.
Shape
Shape, style and cut is everything when it comes to swimwear - getting it right will have a huge impact on how you look and feel.
FOCUS ON THE POSITIVES
Select swimwear as you would any other outfit, to enhance the areas you feel confident about and detract from areas you're not so keen on. For example, I’m not keen on my bottom and thighs, particularly when viewed from behind, so I will always choose a one-piece that has lots of back detail as I know this will draw the eye up and away from the area I’m not as confident about people seeing.
A flattering cut on the lower half of your bikini or swimsuit can make a big difference. Whilst a high rise might require a bit more bikini line 'maintenance' it will lengthen your legs & flatter a curvier bottom (rather than chopping it in half).
If you have flat hips/bottom then a lower rise can work well to create some curve in this area.
Cover Ups
An oversized linen shirt makes a super stylish cover-up teamed with a large hat and sunglasses, linen shorts with an elasticated waist band will offer comfort as well as coverage on the lower half if a shirt alone leaves you feeling too exposed.
The usual options of sarongs and kimonos are also still available in stores but my personal favourite is usually a loose-fitting dress in a breathable material that I can just chuck on and go!
Generally speaking I advise against white or very light colours for cover-ups as sun cream will quickly stain and ruin them. Instead, go for brighter colours in your palette wherever you can.
Ultimately, successful swimwear shopping comes down reminding yourself that your body is just fabulous, whatever you choose to wear. I hope these tips help with the process.
Until next time,
Anna xo
Anna Mewes - Personal Stylist was established in 2012 and has helped thousands of women with their personal style ever since. With a strong focus on using style as a form of self care Anna uses her expertise in colour and body shape to help her clients build a wardrobe of clothes that ensure they look fabulous for day-to-day life. A wife, mum of two and now with a new puppy in-tow, Anna caters for women with busy lives who want to feel their best whatever the occasion.
Alongside her successful career as a stylist, Anna is also a Fashion & Lifestyle writer with a Journalism diploma from London College of Style. Anna publishes articles weekly for her own blog as well as regularly contributing to fashion and lifestyle publications both in-print and online.
Visit Anna’s website here, read her blog here or follow her on social media here.
