How to look good and feel confident in a bikini

Posted on by Toni Carver

The modern bikini as we know it today, is thought to have been introduced on 5 July 1946 by Louis Réard, making it 78 years old this week.

Feeling your best in a bikini is about understanding what suits you. It’s easy to feel anxious, but do bare in mind that generally, people are more concerned with how they look and feel, rather than what you’re wearing!

Don’t let the fear of wearing swimwear stop you from wearing something you’ll look good in. Because, like any garment of clothing, understanding what fits and flatters is key to feeling confident.

There’s three things to consider when choosing a bikini. If you prefer a swimsuit, the same applies.

Colour

Anyone who feel subconscious in a bikini, may well opt for black. Unsurprisingly as a colour analysis consultant; black may not be the most flattering shade for you.

Dark colours (including black), are thought to be slimming, but it’s a visual trick. Dark colours absorb light, reducing their appearance and making them appear further away. This is why black is thought to be a slimming colour!

Due to this absorption of light (ie. sunlight), you’re much likely to feel hotter wearing dark colours. Opt for a complimentary colour which will improve your mood and your confidence instead!

Style

Are you a cut-out detail kinda gal, or more frills and flounces? If you’re a lover of print (I’ve talked about patterns here) or not, be sure to choose something that feels like you! Prints can add balance to your proportions, or draw attention to or from an area.

Wearing your style is key to feeling good in what you wear. Check what you’ve already got and how it makes you feel when you wear it. No point going for a neon, cut-out, brazilian cut bikini if you’re more of a polka dot one-piece kinda gal – you won’t feel comfortable or happy.

A beach cover-up like a kaftan, sarong or playsuit is an easy throw on to take you from beach to bar. Plus, it can ‘hide’ any bits you feel conscious of and accentuate your style.

Shape

There’s guides online to help you find the right swimwear for your shape, plus you can revisit my blogs here and here. Consider what fits you well. So, if you’re conscious of your tummy area, opt for shape-wear options, like tummy control or ruching. High cuts will add length to your leg area. Wired cups are better if you need more support.

Try not to feel daunted about shopping for a bikini and make sure you give yourself enough time to try them on. Bring them home if you prefer, but do keep the sticker on the briefs and return any which aren’t right for you before the return period expires.

Buy the right colour, right style and right shape for you which fits and flatters and you’ll feel much more confident in your choice.

Get in touch to book a colour analysis or style & shape consultation.

 

Tips on choosing swimwear

Posted on by Toni Carver

When it comes to choosing swimwear, here’s a few tips to help guide you just in time for your summer holiday.

Busts and Tummy

If you’re big busted, a good strap will give you a better shape and is far more comfortable to wear. Choosing one for your bra size will also ensure you have the support you need.

Are you conscious about your tummy? A double mesh panel will smooth out this area and give the appearance of a flatter stomach. A print will distract the eye and your tummy magically disappears! Much more flattering than a block colour. Go for a v neck or cross over style which can emphasise a bust and help detract attention away from your tummy area.

The swimsuit featured is from Pour Moi who have a great range of inclusive sizes.

Short legs & long bodies

If you want to elongate your legs, try and avoid shorts style and those that sit at the top of your thigh. Look for high cuts that will give you appearance of length in the leg. Be careful if you’re pear shaped as this can emphasise your wider hips.

Go for styles with detail on the top half to draw attention upwards. The stripes on the one featured are both confusing and interesting, so automatically the eye is drawn upwards.

If you’re longer in the body, you’ll already know that swimsuits can be uncomfortable. Opt for tankinis and bikinis. Make sure you have detail below the bust which will have the effect of lifting the natural waist line.

These are from Next who have a good range but feature more brands online.

 

Colour

Finally, opt for a flattering shade rather than black which can get very hot in the sun. Go for a cheerful and uplifting colour instead!

Try not to get daunted when shopping for swimwear. Shop by style personality, in colours and styles which flatter your features and you’ll be sure to make the right choices.

Holiday capsule wardrobe

If you need help shopping for a holiday capsule wardrobe, do get in touch. Look out for my new Holiday Capsule Wardrobe Workbook coming soon. Join the wait list and be the first to hear when it’s launched. Select ‘capsule wardrobe’ and register here.

swimwear blog

How to find the perfect swimsuit for your body shape

Posted on by Toni Carver

Continuing my summer theme, this time I’m focusing on swimsuits.

If the thought of wearing swimwear fills you with anxiety, be assured that many people feel the same. Most people really are more concerned with their own bodies rather than looking at yours!

Understanding how to dress your body shape is key to any garment so that you can feel confident and relaxed, especially on holiday.

Projecting confidence is infectious, and I give my clients the knowledge so that they can strut their stuff around the pool.

If you’ve tried to find a swimsuit and struggled to find the right fit, read on as I share some tips on choosing the right one for your shape.

Neat Hourglass

Many would consider you very lucky and most styles will work on your frame. Choose a style that emphasises your figure; particularly your waist. If you need support, opt for it (I know I prefer it and miss the Floozie range which Debenhams used to stock! Try Pour Moi, Fantasie, Freya via Next and Marks & Spencer or Boden). Choose a flattering colour from your colour palette to really finish the look..

Full Hourglass

Due to your amazing curves, support really is recommended. A spaghetti strap is unlikely to provide sufficient support and you’ll likely find that they will dig or pinch your shoulders and neck. Seek out a style with a cup size which matches your bra size and you’ll find the fit much much more comfortable and flattering. Boden have a good range or try Next or M&S.

Be aware of frills on your bottom half which can add bulk making you appear hiding on your bottom than you are. A belted style will help to highlight your waist too. A flattering all over colour will also flatter and finish your look.

Triangle

You want to take attention away from your bottom and thighs. Choose your brighter colours on your top half and go for plain deeper shades on your bottom. High cut legs can lengthen the leg and adding detail to your top half where possible. This could be padding, embellishment or pattern.

If you’re looking for a bikini, be sure to choose one wear you can pick two pieces in different sizes or you’ll always find one is bigger/smaller than the other half. An off the shoulder swimsuit or asymmetric detail will visually broaden your shoulder line.

Inverted Triangle

Aim to keep any detail on your top half to a minimum, the bottom half will be more flattering and will help to balance the proportion between your broader shoulders and hips. A halter neck style will draw the eye inwards. Boy short style bottoms and floaty short/skirts will build up your bottom half too. You’ll also benefit from brands that sell two pieces in different sizes.

Oval

A good fitted one piece can help to elongate your frame. Try and invest in one with good tummy control to provide you with some extra confidence. An all-over print will distract the eye though be aware of too big or bold which could highlight any areas you want to distract from. One colour will help to lengthen the body too and can create a slimming effect. Choose one with a bra cup support if you need it.

Tankinis are also a great alternative as they tend to float over the tummy area.

Rectangle

Try a style with side panels or cut outs which will give the illusion of shape to your straighter body. If you do carry weight around your tummy, look for swimsuits with a busy print and detailing on your bust and hips to help disguise the area. Boden do a style called Portofino which creates some great panels to give the illusion of a waist. Ann Summers and Boux Avenue like their cut out options too!

Fit

Not everyone is equal in their proportions.

You’ve got to try them on! If you’re shopping online, read the descriptions – particularly the sizing guides and measurements. If you frequently find that a swimsuit is bit baggy on the bottom area then it’s likely that you have a shorter body area. Knowing the measurements means you can check before you order and save time (and money) ordering something which won’t fit. You may need to switch to a different style to accommodate your shape and proportions.

If you’re bigger in the bust, choose  one with a proper fitted bra cup. Yes, they will be more expensive but they’ll be much more comfortable to wear and flatter your shape more.

Colour

I’ve touched a little bit on colour already but more colours really do exist than black. Many people want to hide behind black but simply choose a deeper shade which will be more flattering. If you know your colours, choose one from your swatches (which you get with a colour analysis consultation)

Want to feel confident in what you wear?

It’s all about knowledge! During my Style & Image consultation, we cover how to dress for your style, shape, the fit, your proportions and what material to go for!

Book now!