(STATEPOINT) — Want to look your best this summer? Whether you’re hoping to slim down or you already have the ideal body, the right swimsuit and the right attitude can flaunt what you’ve got and leave you glowing, say fashion experts.
“Stand up straight, shoulders back, and walk with confidence — channel your inner supermodel,” says Diana Kelly, a fashion, fitness and health journalist based in New York.
For your most confident summer ever, get inspired by actress Soleil Moon Frye, who publicly rocked a bikini after losing 40 pounds with Nutrisystem — and consider these fashion tips from the experts.
Large Bust
Choose: A bra-style top with thick, adjustable straps that will ensure full coverage, says Pamela Pekerman, a TV style personality who offers tips at PiecesofPam.com.
“My trick is to make sure the fabric of your top is at least the length of the thickness of two of your fingers,” she says, a distance that should be about 1.5 inches.
Another trick: “Look for flat straps to be embellished,” says Donna Burke, a managing partner and personal shopper at AtlantaActivewear.com. “You’ll pull focus away from your chest and provide a lift to make your waist appear smaller.”
Pear-Shaped
Choose: A bottom that doesn’t add bulk, says Burke. “Look for string bikini bottoms if you’re comfortable in those, or bottoms with adjustable sliders that make the side of the suit thinner.”
Kelly suggests focusing on your upper body: “Consider a one-piece with a deep V-neck or halter style that adds interest to the top,” she says, and suggests pairing it with a black or dark-hued bottom.
Athletic/Square Shoulders
Choose: A suit that adds the illusion of curves. Pekerman suggests “one-pieces with thick, contrasting color bands that curve into the abs area to create that shapely, Coke-bottle body.”
For a two-piece, “stay away from tops that create the same square shape as your shoulders,” says Burke. “Thinner straps will work better for you and keep your shoulders looking slimmer.”
Stomach Coverage
Choose: A suit that draws attention upward, says Kelly. “Look for a halter-style top or one-shoulder or fancy straps,” she says. “Diagonal stripes on a one-piece or tankini can be flattering here, as well.”
Plunging V-necks can also draw the eye up, says Pekerman. “Also, a retro-style high-waisted bottom with built-in shapewear is truly a miracle creation,” she says. “Pair it with a polka dot print top to complete the 1950s vibe.”
Short Torso
Choose: An X-pattern to lengthen your middle, says Kelly. A low-rise bottom can help, too, says Burke. “If you’re self-conscious about your stomach, try a monokini with waist cut-outs that will hit lower than your natural waist, making your torso appear longer,” she says.
If you’re looking to shed some pounds for summer, there’s still time! Look for programs that jumpstart your weight loss, like Nutrisystem Fast 5, so you get that motivation you need right from the beginning! Visit www.nutrisystem.com for more details.
With the right fashion and a healthy weight loss plan, you can be your most confident self this swimsuit season.