How to Choose The Right Bikini.

In this month’s Aspire, my fashion column is about choosing the right bikini and finding the perfect beach cover up so I thought I’d share a different version of the article here on my blog…

A summer holiday is often the most anticipated event in the calendar, but shopping for swimsuits and bikinis can be daunting.

Follow these six steps and get ready to shine.

1. Be prepared to try on lots of different styles and colours and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. You may just find the perfect silhouette.

2. If
you’re between sizes, opt for the smaller. Bikinis and swimsuits expand when
wet.

3. Make
use of ties and straps. Go tighter than you think, lean forward and keep
adjusting until the bust is covered and you feel confident and secure.

4. More
fabric does not necessarily mean more flattering coverage. The extra fabric
will draw attention to the area you wish to conceal. Try something less demure,
especially with bikini bottoms.

5. Choose
a cover-up that is both stylish and functional.

A sarong is a simple wrap that ties at the waist and covers the
thighs and tummy. It can be draped around the shoulders if the sea breeze takes
hold and folded up to use as a pillow if the Sea-Breeze of the alcoholic
variety takes hold…

Tunics and kaftans are
collarless long sleeved tops usually made of lightweight fabric. They are often
brightly coloured, patterned and embellished and can be dressed up with strappy
sandals and jewellery to move effortlessly from beach to bar.

Slip Dresses do just that- slip easily
over the head. From mini to maxi, anything goes. Halterneck, strapless and empire
line are the most common styles. Many can multi task and be worn in the evening
or for sightseeing.

Board shorts or cropped trousers are usually loose fitting with a
drawstring waist for comfort and ease of dressing. A practical and simple
option especially if running after children or participating in sports

6. Accessorise
with a great pair of sunglasses, a bright pedicure, oodles of confidence and a smile.

I’m always thrilled with how my column looks once our graphic designer has worked his magic…

Continuing with the theme of bikinis, the blog post in which I styled a nautical bikini a week or so ago was one I debated about doing. I’m very happy to wear a bikini on a beach with my family, but putting it on a blog post is something else. After all, I’m 41 years old and have had two children. But, it’s a gamble I’m glad I took because it has become one of my most read posts.

And just last week, professional blogger and all round gorgeous mama, Vicki from Honest Mum, put one of her holiday snaps online. In it she was wearing a red bikini and the response she had was quite incredible, because to date, the image has reached over 40,000 people. It led her to write a blog post titled “Proud in my Bikini” It is a brilliant post and one well worth reading as she talks about body image and body confidence and I think it confirms what I suggest in point number 6 above…