Swimwear 2006 and Summer Fashion

It’s July and you are all asking for sexy swimwear looks and practical advice on swimwear 2006. I’ve picked five reader questions so we can discuss everything there is to know about women’s swimwear in time for you to compile a great holiday look.

Of course if yours wasn’t a swimwear 2006 question and you are interested in more summer fashion tips then look in ‘ask Caryn,’ your specific question may be answered there.

Question, “Dear Caryn, I’m curvy and proud of it and come this summer I want to uncover. But all the swimwear I see for larger sizes emphasises the support and tummy flattening aspects, which I don’t need. I just want to look like my mates in their sexy swimwear. Those triangle bikinis can’t just be for women with no shape – I could do it justice too; I’m fit and buff. What’s out there for me?” Deborah

Hi Deborah, women’s swimwear has come a long way and you my lovely can go to the beach looking just like your girlfriends with this triangular halterneck style from Bravissimo who specialise in designs for fuller cup sizes. I’m insisting you try these playful matching tie briefs too, (there are also standard bikini briefs) and with this floral design and sequinned embellishment you will be turning heads. Add some oversized bangles and a sarong and you will be the belle of the beach.

Caryn’s quick tips if you are big on top or top heavy

Underwire tops give you the best definition and support

Halter-top bikinis can be a good choice by offering support, while providing some sexy cleavage too – make sure straps are thick ties not thin, which will place too much strain on your neck. If you are choosing a two-piece wear a darker colour at the top.

Look for one-piece swimsuits with structure in the bust, such as soft foam cups or a shelf bra. Wide shoulder straps will also be much more flattering than thin, spaghetti straps.

Order your tops and bottoms in individual sizes for fit.

Want to know more about dressing for your body type, then down load one of my e-books written specifically for your individual shape.
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The FE60 triangle bikini top sizes 30 D-F to 38 D-F £30.00 from www.bravissimo.com customer services 01926 459 845

Question: “Hi Caryn I want a pair of sandals that would match my white swimsuit but would also work well with the rest of my holiday clothes. I don’t have much room to pack stuff so I want everything I buy to have several uses. I’m not into scuzzy old flip flops can you tell me what would be a good style this season for around £20?” Jessica

Yes Jessica, these gold gladiator sandals will do you proud because they are under £20.00 but they are also very on trend as we like to say in the trade and everyone from Patrick Cox to Chanel did similar gold flats while Givenchy and Alexander McQueen gave their gold strappy sandals a gladiator edge.

The fact is they will see you from beach to bar and back with no effort at all on your part. And as for evenings: just add these to your white flowing empire line dress and a few gold beads for a very chic look. It’s worth noting that this design with the toe loop and instep bar will be like a slipper to wear, so when teamed with your shorts, will be perfect for a bit of sight seeing too. What a result!

For the best insight you’ll ever have on dressing to flatter your body shape if you are slender down load an e-book written by me to suit your individual shape.
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Charm embroidered sandals product code TO23614 100% leather in sizes 3-8 £19.50 from www.MarksandSpencer.com

Question. “Hi Caryn I really enjoyed your maternity e-book thank you! I just have a question about swimwear for those of us with big round bumps (you could definitely add that to the book`) I would love to wear a tankini and obviously standard sizes are out of the question. Have you seen any on your travels? Rhea

Hi Rhea this one should be just the ticket then. In this season’s very chic white (I always think pattered maternity swimsuits can make you look like a beach ball) this design has a fully lined shelf bra for support but a deep v-shaped neckline which will elongate your neck and make a elegant shape around your shoulders and cleavage.

You are right to investigate a tankini and for maximum chic remember to tie your sarong under your stomach at hip level and not above, I’ve seen some horrors in my time.

Click here to download your maternity e-book with all the styling advice you need to see you through pregnancy and out the other side.

Angelica ruched tankini by Amoralia in sizes 10 – 14 or 32B – 38D £55.00 available www.figleaves.com  

Question. “I’ve seen some nice kaftans on the net that will work as a cover up after the beach but they all seem a bit shapeless to me. Having just lost some weight for the holiday (I’m size 16 and tall) I’m eager to show off my shape. I don’t want anything too short though my thighs are not my best feature. What you think would look good with my bikini? Jess

I like a Kaftan too after all there comes a time when you want to relax after a hard day on a beach bed. This mosaic print kaftan is so much more I think you’ll agree, with gentle shaping around the bust and a low v-neckline it is very flattering. I’m also a strong supporter of the longer length variety. This means you can move freely around the poolside without feeling you are revealing too much. It’s cut with small slashes at the side and will give a more flattering line across your thighs. Sometimes the width of a shorter kaftan can cut straight across the widest part of your hips and thigh. Something to be avoided at all costs.

Want to know more about dressing for your body type, then down load one of my e-books written specifically for your individual shape.
Find out more

Mosaic Print Kaftan product number 990 006 630 100% polyester sizes 6-22 £14.99 available from www.next.co.uk

Question. Hi Caryn, did I one read about a company that do grown up designs for AA cups? I have been looking everywhere for a style that will suit me. I would try a gel filled bikini top if I could find it. The only things I seem to come across are costumes with no shape at all. I like those triangle tops that are so trendy at the moment but I don’t know whether they would work for me. Suzanne.

Hi Suzanne. I have featured a great company before who specialise in a and aa cups only and having just looked at their site I can tell you that you will find moulded bikini tops with a gel filled feature in black, pink and turquoise for around £22. I’ve used this picture to illustrate the tri - top bikini (as they are known in the trade) this is also available on the site. It can work for your shape because it incorporates a great styling tool as part of the garment. This is the embellishment tool and as you can see the top has embroidery, beads and sequins around the bust, which will immediately add volume to the area.

Caryn’s quick tips if you are Small on Top

Ruffled or frilled tops will add volume.

Light colour or horizontal lines will also add volume.

Look for tops with a touch of padding, or an under wired style that makes the most of a beautiful, dainty, bust line.

A top with adjustable straps at the shoulders so you can tighten and adjust will give you a better fit. Avoid anything that looks loose on you.

Bandeau tops were made for you and are perfect because there is no strap mark to worry about.

Opt for separates, where you can choose your top and bottom separately.

Want to know more about dressing for your body type, then down load one of my e-books written specifically for your individual shape.
Find out more

Aguaclara: Pastel Sense two piece in sizes small, medium and large a and aa cup sizes only £58.70 from www.aalingerie.co.uk

That’s all for this month, why not try our shopping mall for companies to suit your specific body shape.

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