Ultimate Guide To Swimsuits - Part 1 Posted by Caitlin Stewart 10 December, 2009 - 4:03 PM

It’s hot in the City and time to slide into that swimsuit and head on down to the beach. Unlike our favourite celebs, we are fortunate not to have the paparazzi traipsing after us detailing our every move hoping for swimsuit malfunctions and – shudder! Cellulite.

Keep this guide in mind and with a little luck this should have you making a salute to the sun in no time. Ladies slap on some fake tan, shave those legs, take a deep breath and let’s hit those shops to find the perfect swimsuit.

Rectangle / Androgynous body shape
To accentuate curves in a straight up and down body similar to Cameron Diaz, look for a swimsuit with a high cut leg and a low, curve enhancing neckline. Seek an option that gathers around the neckline or a padded style with some ruffle. These gathers will make a boy shape seem much curvier. Avoid dark coloured, tank style swimsuits that draw attention away from the shape of your body and may make you appear a little rectangular and boxy. Look for detail, frills and ruffle to ensure a little volume at the bust and hips. 

(Seafolly Separates Bandeau Top $69.95 Hipster Pant $49.95, Cotton On Colin Sunnies $12.95, Sportscraft Cale Straw Trilby $59.95, Zu Ice Cube Sandal From $40.00, Just Jeans Emborided button Through Cotton Skirt $59.95)

Inverted Triangle Body Shape
The key word here is ‘balance’. If you are larger up top than at the hips like Renee Zellweger to ensure you do not feel overly ‘top heavy’ aim to draw focus to your hips to balance either the width in your shoulders or a fuller bust. Colourful, patterned bottoms with prints or little ties at the sides will work a treat when teamed with a block colour on the top. A little belt, sash or full leg will also add volume at the hip. A little box denim mini will add width to the hips to balance the top half. 

(Baku Sao Paulo Boyleg $70.00, Seafolly Matt Halter Top $94.95, Witchery Hayley Square Aviator $69.95, Witchery Irregular Resin Bangle $39.95, Just Jeans Bleach Denim Mini $59.95, Mollini Ontario Sandal $70.00)

Hourglass Body Shape
You are fortunate to have balanced shoulders and hips with a well defined waist like the sassy Kim Cattrall. You are lucky in this respect as many swimsuit styles will complement your well proportioned shape. Make it your duty this summer to pretty the beach wearing one of this season’s hottest little bikini styles as the majority of us do not have this versatility. Make those heads turn in a sexy low cut one piece. If you are game dare to reveal in a cut out style.

(Wahine Poppy Black Full Piece from Running Bare $69.95, Cotton On Melly Tiered Skirt $49.95, Alex Sandal Rubi Shoes $29.95, Samantha Wills Mahogany Bangle (birdsnest.com.au) $54.50)

Get Bikini Ready!

:: How NOT to Tan!
:: Summer Fashion Hitlist
:: Celeb Party Dresses

Next week I'll be helping you out with more swimsuit looks to suit to your shape. In the meantime, shoot me any questions you may have. I'm here to help!

Leave your comment

• Rachel says

  You have inspired me to get into shape and purchase my new summer swimmers!

  Posted Monday 14 December, 2009 2:06 PM
• Jack says

  California Girls you make me like!

  Posted Saturday 11 September, 2010 5:42 PM
• Augustine Horman says

  Sorry but all 3 bodies look very similar. I was hoping to find something to help me choose the right bikini but since I don't have the figure any of those ladies have I am no better off.

  Posted Friday 7 January, 2011 5:12 PM