Along with that golden faux tan and generous lashings of SPF 30, a must-have for the coming summer is cute swimwear, of course.
“This season the hottest shapes for women are bandeau tops,” says fashion stylist Afiya Francisco (thestylehouse.ca). “And cutouts. Again. Why they keep coming back I don’t know — worst tan lines, ever,” she adds.
Pattern and colour, colour, colour, particularly turquoise, are hot. “It’s definitely not at the forefront, but I’m not sure black will ever really be out,” comments Francisco, who shares style advice on shows such as Entertainment Tonight and Steven and Chris. “Regardless of trends, people seem to feel most comfortable in black.”
Swim-Fit Tips
Lingerie expert Liliana Mann, owner of Linea Intima (lineaintima.com), offers some key, figure-flattering advice for women.
- Look for a built-in bra for a secure, comfortable fit. You want people to admire your figure or your bathing suit, “not just follow the ‘bouncing girls.’”
- A properly fit bra-sized swimsuit slims by providing necessary lift and support. Strategic padding or push-up cups can enhance a less generous frame.
- Consider going down a size in the body, even the cup size. “Swimsuit fabric will give when it gets wet as well as from the heat of the sun and your body. The last thing you want is a suit that sags.”
- Make your selection based on good fit rather than what the label says. Remember that every manufacturer’s sizing fits differently, so try a variety. “Bra-sized swimwear is similar to bras, so if you’re a size 14/D-cup, you might also fit a 16/C or 12/E,” Mann explains. “Sizing generally runs from 6 to 18 in the body with B to F cups.”
