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The 5 most flattering bathing suits
By Alice Lesch Kelly | 8/8/2003

If you're like many women, you're still wearing the same kind of swimsuit you've worn for years. The tried and true may feel comfortable, but it's a good idea to take a fresh look at what style is most flattering for your current shape, especially if you've lost weight recently.

"There is no universal swimsuit style that is right for everyone," says Sharon Haver, founder and style director of Focus On Style, an online magazine. That's because everyone has different features that they want to flaunt (or minimize). "You want to make the most of what you have," Haver says. "Find the feature you're most comfortable with, and accent that."

Here are five flattering swimsuit styles that you might want to consider:

Color blocks: Suits designed with blocks of color help draw attention toward the body part you're most proud of (and away from areas you're not). For example, a suit with a bold strip of magenta across the chest highlights a lovely bustline, and a block of darker color around the hips diverts attention away from that area. Or, if you want to draw attention to your toned legs, choose a suit with a bright block of tangerine or cobalt on the lower part of the suit and a darker shade above.

A neckline that suits you: Your body type should determine the neckline you choose. For example, swimsuits with a V neck draw the eye upward to your face, according to Tanya Thorson, women's swimwear product developer at Lands' End. It also lengthens the torso. If you have broad shoulders, a U neck suit softens them. If you have beautiful shoulders that you'd like to highlight, choose a halter-top swimsuit.

Bold prints: With all the gorgeous swimsuit colors available, it's a shame to hide behind basic black. True, black conceals. But if you like bold summertime florals, go ahead—as long as the flowers aren't bigger than your fist, they'll look great, Thorson says.

Shirring. A suit with gathered fabric across the waistline can create the illusion of an hourglass figure in a woman who would like to look curvier. Also, shirred fabric can hide bulges.

Two-piece suits with style. If you'd love to wear a two-piece but wouldn't feel comfortable in a bikini, try a tankini — a tank top that brushes the hips and a fitted bottom that comes up to the navel or above — or an Esther Williams-type two-piece with a high-waisted bottom and a full-coverage top.

No matter what you choose, you can tie your outfit together with a beautiful sarong. Choose a color or pattern that either matches or complements your suit. It will make you look even prettier as you relax by the pool or at the beach this summer.

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