Look chic at the pool

Fretting the pool because you’re a new mom or expecting? Don’t. Here are fashion designer Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss’ best tips to look chic at the pool.

Summer — and plenty of pool time — is still upon us. Not sure how to look chic in a swimsuit? Fashion designer and fellow mom Shoshanna Lonstein Gruss reveals her best tips for looking chic at the pool — and also explains what not to forget. (Hint: accessories.) So even if you’ve been throwing your look together all summer and you haven’t been paying attention to style, there’s no time like the present to reassess your pool ensemble.

Shape

First, ignore the trends. “Know what works for you body. It’s so important to choose swimwear that you’re comfortable in and works for your specific shape,” Gruss says. This means, if you’re big-busted, look for halters which offer the most support and look for boning and underwire which will act like a bra and securely hold you in place, she says. If you’re curvy, “try a ruched one-piece suit to slim your midsection, a tunic to cover up your arms, or a sarong to help minimize your hips,” she suggests.

Then, accept that sizes vary — even from the same brand, and don’t get hung up on the number. The focus should be the fit.

Cleavage

Consider the “Bust Coverage Test.” In other words, “three-fourths of the bust should be covered, leaving only a swath of cleavage,” Gruss says. How do you achieve this? “The thicker the strap that attaches the bust to the rest of the suit, the more likely it’ll stay in place as the day goes on. If you opt for a bandeau top, which is often strapless, nothing should be squeezing out the top or the bottom,” she says. In addition, “boy shorts offer great coverage on the bottom if you’re active, but they’re far from being a universally flattering style.”

Material

Next, avoid cotton bathing suits. Why? “They are more for show — they will take a long time to dry compared to a polyester/Spandex blend.”

Accessories

Don’t forget the accessories — even at the pool. “Don’t be afraid to accessorize your swimwear. Try adding statement earrings, necklaces or bracelets such as turquoise double drop earrings from my QVC jewelry collection for a playful and chic pop of color when lounging poolside,” says Gruss, who also loves a fabulous, big pair of sunglasses while lounging.

Cover-up

Finally, think about life beyond the pool for the ultimate in versatile, chic dressing. “Find a versatile cover up that can take your bikini beach look from day to night such as a crochet cover-up with three-quarter sleeves. It’s great because you can throw it over a bikini with cute shorts or jeans and be ready for a night out,” Gruss says.

Hair how-to

How to wear your hair at the pool or beach

Love going to the beach or pool but don’t know what to do with your hair? Here are a few quick hairstyle ideas for beach days and pool parties.

More summer beauty tips

30 Swimsuits to flatter your body type
Chic and flattering swimsuits
Sizzling makeup for summer nights