The Swimwear Series: The Apple Shape

Last but not least in our swimwear series we're talking about the Apple shaped ladies. If you are Apple shaped, you're heavier up top (which means you usually have fab legs!) with broader shoulders, a bigger bust, narrower hips and a less defined waist. Therefore, with swimwear there are a few things that you need to focus on and we've picked out three swimsuits that will look great on Apple shaped ladies. 

- Thicker straps or halter necks for more support and to make your shoulders appear narrower.

- Underwired cups to also provided more support.

- Stomach control if you need it.

- Plain design on the top & patterned bottom if possible

- Dark, solid colours to create a lean silhouette

F&F Tummy Control Swimsuit - £15

Marks & Spencer Tummy Control Halterneck - £39.50

Marks & Spencer Tummy Control Navy Swimsuit - £29.50

The Swimwear Series: Straight up & down!

Last week we looked at swimwear for the gorgeous hourglass ladies out there. This week it's the turn of the athletic, straight up and down girls. Straight up & down ladies normally have minimal hips and not many in and out bits and they usually either like to add some curves in or just celebrate their athletic bodies. Either way, if this is you, we'll show you some fab swimwear which will complement you fabulously! 

A great celebrity example of a straight up and down girl in some great swimwear is Cameron Diaz. She always gets it right with her swimwear and looks effortless. Of course, you could say, that with a body like hers, you can wear anything, but that isn't strictly true. Even women like this have body hang-ups and she probably looks at J-Lo and Beyonce and wishes she had curves like theirs some days! 

These ladies can normally get away with a halter triangle bikini or the classic bandeau as they're normally in proportion with their chest to hip ratio and these look great. They can also pull the sporty look of really well. This Triangl bikini below is a great example, sporty thick fabric and a punchy print. 

If you want to add the illusion of curves then go for a detailing on the sides and the front of your bikini. Try ruffles as they're pretty, feminine and they really create the hourglass illusion. These two from ASOS are perfect for this.

The Swimwear Series: Pear Shapes

The summer can be a minefield for us ladies and our swimwear. We have to decide what to wear for the occasion, the location, the trends and not to mention our body shapes as well! So we've come up with a helpful guide, over a few weeks that will give you a helping hand in finding the perfect swimwear for you. You may think that your options are limited, but our job is to show you loads of things that will look fabulous on you that you never thought you could wear! First up in the series is the pear shape. You're a pear shape if you're heavier on the bottom than the top. This simply means that your legs and bum are wider than your top half and you've probably got smaller boobs in comparison to your legs and you're not totally in proportion. 

A fab celeb example of pear shape and swimwear comes in the lovely package of Beyonce. 

Beyonce was seen a month or so ago on holiday with her family wearing a lovely selection of high waisted bikinis. She's rocking a fab pink mix and match bikini below but she was also seen in a more tribal print rainbow number. These are great for pear shaped girls who feel that they need to cover their hips. Embrace your larger bottom half and wear a stripe or a bright bottom half like Beyonce! This creates a focal point and you'll shine with confidence. Get the look with this fab tropical print bikini from Topshop for only £34. 

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If you'd rather draw the attention to your top half, make sure that you have a more demure bottom half maybe in nude, black or tan and then chuck on a bright bikini top to draw the eye up. Don't be scared of mixing and matching bikini tops and bottoms. Make sure that you wear full coverage bikini bottoms such as high waisted or boy-shorts to make you feel more comfortable.

If you want to rock a one-piece, make sure that there is some detailing on the bust to again draw the eye towards the area that you want more attention. Try this black and cream retro style swimsuit which is also from Topshop. It's great because of the little scallop detailing on the bust and the fact that the bottom half is a dark colour! Another amazing swimsuit for pear shaped ladies is this Ted Baker striped number, it has clever vertical stripes over your heavier area and widening horizontal stripes over your smaller area so it should balance you out perfectly. It also comes with detachable straps so it can be bandeau or halter. Nifty. 

Accessories are also a great distraction away from your bottom half so why not try a hat, hair accessory or jewellery to create some interest?

How To Get That Beach Chic Look

Your exotic holiday is booked and the thought of stripping down to your swimsuit for glorious days on the golden beach is starting to give you the heebie jeebies!! However, sit down and relax as we have it covered!! Read on to discover how to get the chic beach look that everyone dreams about.

 

1. The geometric print swimsuit from Debenhams is glamorous and sophisticated. The contrasting band draws the eye to the slimmest part of the body and creates a smooth line over the stomach area. The halter neck shape will provide support for a smaller chest whereas a larger bust will need a more structured swimsuit. 

2. The floral, aztec two piece from Red Herring Debenhams is vibrant and fun. The retro inspired  bikini bottoms are perfect for creating a smooth line and covering an area that many feel conscious of. However, if you are pair shaped stick to a plain colour bottom such as black and mix with the printed to top to draw attention to you upper half. Most retailers sell the tops sepereately from the bottoms to allow for a stylish mix and match style. 

3. For larger busts opt for a bikini bra that has underwiring for the correct amount of lift and support. Many lingerie shops will design swimwear in the Summer months in pretty, feminine prints for the bigger cup size such as this playful red polka dot bikini from La Redoute. 

4. Tankini's are a great way of wearing a two piece without baring too much flesh. Some find tankini's a perfect alternative to swimsuits due to a more flexible approach as the fabric is not joined. For those who have a longer torso swimsuits can become uncomfortable as it may be difficult to find a costume that fits in length as well as the bust and derriere. 

5. Invest in a kaftan to protect from the sun, cover up in a chic way and to embrace the boho chic trend. The Marisota kaftan can create an effortlessly chic look in an instant!!

6. Also, a sarong is both versatile and practical as it can be draped around the waist, the bust or shoulders to complete your sophisticated Summer beach style!

Team with a pair of luxurious sunglasses, oversized sun hat and a pair of stylish sandals to embrace the Summer vibe!!

If you are stuggling to find the perfect swimsuit to suit your body shape - get in touch! There are so many styles on offer we will have you feeling body confident in no time. 

Swimsuit Style!

With the Summer holiday season rapidly approaching.....so is the dreaded swimsuit shopping trip. On my personal search for the perfect beach attire I stumbled across Black Milk who specialise in printed swimming costumes.

For those who feel much more comfortable in a one piece then Black Milk is the brand for you. The label offers quirky and fun prints, which work well on a swimsuit rather than a bikini. Swimsuits are perfect for skimming over the stomach area and providing body confidence. It was refreshing to see that the hip line is a lot lower than most on the High Street creating a more flattering shape.

Which one do you prefer? Blossom, Flamingos or Moustache?

For more help selecting the perfect swimming costume book a personal styling session catered specifically to you.

Cherry Blossom Swimsuit with cap sleeves and lower hip line.

Flamingo Swimsuit 

Moustache Swimsuit