So it is so nearly summer holidays and are you beach ready? I feel that with temperatures soaring in London, swimwear has almost been the clothing of choice here!! Mmmm, maybe not. I will stick to my summer dresses for now. But maybe you are planning ahead to your trip to the beach and thinking about that wonderful feeling of the sun on your back and sand under your toes, and you will definitely want to look your best on the beach.

Just as there are certain clothing styles that suit different shapes better, so there are different swimsuit styles which will flatter and fit some better than others. Don’t forget that whether you go for a 1 or 2-piece, it should be in a fab colour(s) from your palette to suit your skin tone.

Neat Hourglass (defined bust and waist, neat bottom and hips).

If you have a neat hourglass figure and you’re in proportion then you basically have your pick of swimsuit styles! If you’ve got it, flaunt it! Try a bikini in a fabulous colour to show off your figure.

Seafolly Block Party Denim, Coco Bay, £103

Eberjey bikini, The Outnet. Was £183 now £82

Full Hourglass (full bust, defined waist, rounded bottom and hips)

Support is essential for you so opt for a swimsuit or bikini that has underwriting or built-in support for maximum comfort. Opt for block colours and avoid horizontal stripes or details across the bust and hips.

Sea Folly Chilli red bikini, Coco Bay, £110

Lima underwired with tummy control, Figleaves, £40

Triangle (full hips and/or thighs, defined waist, shoulders that are narrower than your hips/smaller top half)

You want to draw all the attention upwards and emphasise your slim waist. A mix and match bikini is great (wear a colour on top and go for a dark colour on your bottom half). Patterns and details should be kept on your bust and beware of high-cut styles as you don’t want these to finish at your widest point.

Boden, reduced to £36

Boden Amalfi bandeau tankini top, £34.20

Boden Mix and Match bikini bottoms, £25

Inverted Triangle (straight shoulder line, little waist definition, flat hips/bottom, your bottom half may seem smaller than your top half)

Halter and square necklines work beautifully with your straight shoulder line. Have fun with details on the hips. It is usually easier to go for styles where you can buy your top and bottom half separately, this will give you the freedom to get a look that works best for you.

RipCurl Sun and Surf bikini top, Surfdome reduced to £15.99

RipCurl bikini bottoms, Surfdome, reduced to £13.99

Rectangle (straight shoulder line, hips and bottom, little waist definition, straight ribcage – you may also have a full bust)

A swimsuit with a central panel in a darker colour is a great option for you as it creates the illusion of curves and a slimmer shape. Geometric patterns look great with your body shape.

Boden Santorini reduced to £54.

Seafolly Castaway, £118

Oval (rounded shoulder line, curved back, fullness around the middle, flat-ish bottom)

A tankini will cover your middle and isn’t too figure-hugging. Details on your shoulders will draw attention upwards. Have fun with sarongs as chic, colourful cover-ups for whilst you’re relaxing by the pool.

Seafolly Riviera Stripe Trapeze Singlet Tankini Top - Chilli Red, Coco Bay reduced to £53

Fantasie Kuramathi sarong, Simply Be, £45

I hope this helps you find the perfect swimwear for you and that you look fabulous on the beach, wherever you are going. For me, it will be shorts and a fleece for my Scottish holiday. Although you never really know!!

Happy holidays

Jo

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Need some one-to-one guidance on how to dress for Summer? Get in touch with your local colour me beautiful personal stylist here.