2007 swimsuit trends

With summer on the horizon, now’s the time to revamp your swimsuit wardrobe. This year it’s all about fresh colours, prints, details and textures.

Go for swimsuits with innovative corals, whites, yellows, limes and purples – or for a really different look, be bold enough for swimsuits in shades of grey. They’ll give you the perfect background canvas to show off this summer’s bright colours and prints.

Don’t forget to update your beachwear wardrobe with sundresses, beach blouses, pants, skirts, bags, shoes and jewellery. These are essential details for this summer’s style statement.

Cruising

In addition to looking stylish, comfort and ease of use are essential! Here are a few must-haves this summer when you’re at that gorgeous resort or on a cruise:

- Shorts, dresses and skirts - to show off that tan and gorgeous legs.

- Floral Prints – they’re feminine and flirty. Opt for larger prints for petite women and smaller prints for fuller figures.

- Shimmer - From silver flats, bronze beach bags to gold accents on your bikini, play with metallic this summer.

- Slides and Wedges - pick easy-to-wear styles that scream comfort!

- Oversized Accents - straw hats, totes and sunglasses will protect you and keep you trendy at the same time this summer.

Best shape for your shape

Small bust: Look for a suit that provides subtle enhancement – over padding will look obvious.

Large bust: Find a suit specifically designed for a long torso. The extra fabric will give you the coverage you need.

Thick middle: Opt for design elements such as diagonal stripes to make your waist appear narrower.

Midsection that needs concealing: Try stretch fabrics that will hold in your stomach or a shirred one-piece.

Pear shape: Select suits that conceal large hips, such as sarong, skirted or short-bottom styles.

Long torso: Look for high-cut bottoms to make your legs appear longer, taking the emphasis away from your middle.

Thick arms: Try halter-style suits. Swimsuits that are tied around the neck create a flattering silhouette at the shoulder line that takes attention away from your arms.

Swimsuit shopping

Always plan a shopping trip solely to select a swimsuit. If you find one quickly, move on to another department. If after an hour you’re having no luck, call it a day before you get overwhelmed and make buying mistakes.

Bag it
Once you select a suit, make sure you have a matching cover-up or short set. Also, planning the Summer “Getaway Bag” is a great way to be efficient this summer.

Store all your beach gear: swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, various cover-ups, flip flops, beach hat and sunning supplies so you’re always out the door in no time when you head to a beach or pool. Wash the frequently worn items and place them back in the bag – this way everything’s easy to locate.

Local stockists where you can get a similar look…

Swimwear: Tayyiba, Heatwaves, TopShop, Villa Moda, Burberry, Harvey Nichols, Saks Fifth Avenue, Praias (MOE –04 3411167), Oysho (MOE - 04 3414214), La Perla, Verdissima, Bellieamie Boutique, H&M, Splash.

Clothes: Bebe, Ted Baker, Tayyiba, New Look, Club Monaco, Le Chateau, Debenhams, AI Zone, Cocoon, After Shock, H&M, Reiss, Forever 21, Kimaya, Fae, Bershka, Stradivarius, Monsoon, Splash, River Island, Next, Oasis, Vero Moda, Zara, S*uce, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Top Shop, Sauce, Villa Moda (Emirates Towers).

Accessories: Club Monaco, Le Chateau, Tayyiba, Bebe, Kube, HyperPanda, Koton, River Island, Top Shop, H&M, Forever 21, S*uce, AI Zone, Aldo Accessories, Kimaya, Accessorize, Kenneth Cole, Splash, Peacock (at Lamcy & Ibn Battuta), Boom & Mellow, Beads Palace and Accessories, Eve Michelle, Al Washia.

Slippers/Flip flops: New Look, Vincci, Le Chateau, Reiss, Faith, Spring, River Island, Tayyiba, Top Shop, Pretty Fit, Milano, Vinnci, Heatwaves, Novo (Bur Juman & Ibn Battuta), Charles & Keith, Candella.

Handbags/ Totes: Monsoon, Club Monaco, Kube, HyperPanda, Candella, Sauce, Zara, Mango, Debenhams, Accessorize, Villa Moda, River Island, Top Shop, Kimaya, Spring, Tayyiba.

Website of the month:

Victoria’s Secret – Swim Section
http://www.victoriassecret.com

If you want to stand out this summer, with unique swimsuits and accessories, look no further than Victoria’s Secret. Irrespective of the color, style or look you are going for, you are bound to find something that will suit you and your budget!

WARNING: Once on the site you may be tempted to buy more than just one swimsuit!