The Skinny On Swimsuits: Accentuate The Positive

My advice for women looking for flattering swimsuits is - more is less. Unless you’re as fit as a fiddle and as firm as a board, you’ll look slimmer and sexier in a one-piece bathing suit.

But I don’t want to ignore those who can carry off the itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bikinis that are back in fashion this summer.

A sensational-looking skimpy suit with a padded underwire bra and nearly to the middle bikini bottom is Kathy Ireland’s country gingham two-piece selling for $24.99 at Kmart.

If this suit is a little too little for your figure flaws, look for one that accentuates your positives and hides what’s less than perfect. That may require that you try on lots of different suits and styles. Take your time and keep these design characteristics in mind.

Higher-cut leg openings lengthen the appearance of your legs. Skirted suits hide heavy hips. Vertical lines lengthen and muted colors minimize. Horizontal lines, light bright colors and large prints will make you appear larger.

Suits with Lycra in the right places will trim the waistline, rear end or bust. Other designs are engineered to enhance or create cleavage. Ask a salesperson to guide you to suits with these special features.

Designer version

Black and white gingham bikini top from Choice Swimwear Separates, $38

Matching bottom, $32

Both by DeWeese.

Australian natural raffia hat, $120

Natural raffia tote bag, $68

Both items by Helen Kaminski

Total: $258

Dress For Less version

Navy and white gingham bikini by Kathy Ireland for Sirena at Kmart, $24.99

Natural raffia hat by Kathy Jeanne from Mark, Fore & Strike catalog, $45

Natural raffia tote bag by Esprit at major department stores, $16

Total: $85.99

MEMO: Dress For Less runs weekly on Choices. All bargains featured in this column are available in book form. Send $9.95 to Dress For Less, 177 Sound Beach Ave., Suite 6, Old Greenwich, CT 06870. For information about the sources mentioned here send a SASE to the same address.