How to rock a one-piece swimsuit

If they were good enough for Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn — two ultimate style icons — then one-piece bathing suits are absolutely good enough for you. Here’s some advice on how to wear the trend stylishly this summer.

Know your body shape

One of the main reasons women avoid donning a one-piece bathing suit is that they think it won’t show off or highlight their body in all the right ways, but that’s totally untrue. The key is to find a one-piece that flatters your figure. If you’re pear shaped and would like to “hide” your hips, then wear a suit with a skirted bottom. If you’re more of an apple shape and want to cover up your belly, then reach for a style that has ruching. Curves can be accentuated with bold patterns, and washboard abs can be highlighted with strategically placed cut-outs.

Treat your one-piece like a bodysuit

Bodysuits are all the rage right now, which makes donning a one-piece swimsuit all the more trendy and versatile. Not only can you take this staple to the beach, but you can also pair it with maxi skirts or overalls for a night on the town. It’s a totally retro, ’80s look that will knock anyone’s socks off.

Try on trends

Believe it or not, most of Hollywood is now embracing the one-piece over the bikini. Cue the siren call for designers to craft this formerly passé outfit into something that looks good. Today you can find this swimsuit style in a variety of colours and prints, including this season’s of-the-moment neons and patterns. Even the fabric of a one-piece bathing suit has been played with — spandex is no longer the only go-to textile option. Leather, crochet and even lace detailing are being added to swimsuits to give them dimension and structure.

It is possible: Here’s how to find the perfect bathing suit for your shape>>

Hit the mall at the right time

There’s a common myth out there that shopping for a bathing suit is a horrible and unpleasant experience, but it doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of ways to make it more enjoyable:

• Take a friend with you. He or she will be able to give you honest feedback on whether a style suits your figure.
• Shop in the morning. It’s a well-known fact that our muscles swell throughout the day thanks to eating, drinking and exercising. To tackle this task when your body’s at its actual weight, hit up the mall in the a.m.
• Strike a pose in natural light. Fluorescent lighting in the dressing room is one of the worst human inventions; it makes everyone (even A-listers) look slightly off. To get a true impression of how a one-piece will look when you’re actually wearing it outdoors, head to a store that has more realistic lighting.

Let’s shop!

We’ve scoured some of our favourite sites to find on-trend and super-sexy one-piece swimsuits to suit every body type. Check out some of our picks:

If you’re curvy and want to flaunt what you’ve got…
This bathing suit is a dream for anyone who wants to showcase what her mama gave her. The darts on the sides will add dimension to curves, and the strategic striping will highlight a lady’s assets. (jcrew.com, $120)

If you want curves…
The best way to add some width to a tiny frame is to don something with horizontal stripes, à la this swimsuit. (victoriassecret.com, $83)

If you want large breasts…
The best way to amp up cleavage in a one-piece is to add layers to the top of the suit. This super-sexy option will add lift in all the right places. (Anthropologie, $160)

If you have a tummy…
We love everything about this one-piece — the pattern, the cut, the ruching that will hide love handles… It’s a winner in every respect. (Anthropologie, $148)

If you have washboard abs…
Cut-outs, cut-outs, cut-outs! Is there — and has there ever been — a better way to highlight sculpted abs? We think not. This gorgeous one-piece also plays well to another summer trend: wearing all white. (roxy.com, $80)

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