What suits you best

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BY JENNIFER OLVERA

Virtually no one -- not even those with seemingly perfect bods -- enjoys swimsuit shopping. Every imperfection hidden throughout the winter months is exposed when we slink into one- and two-piece numbers. Fortunately, this summer's beach garb is wearer-friendly with details that hide -- rather than highlight -- every bulge, dimple and thunder thigh.

"Let's face it: Everyone dreads shopping for swimsuits," said Angie Fioretto, operations manager at Betty Schwartz's Intimate Boutique in Highland Park. "It's important to [bring someone with] that will give you an honest opinion."

In other words, not every suit suits every body, and it's best to know your strengths and limitations before buying and baring all. The good thing is that exhibitionists will have a field day this summer, while those cognizant of cover-ups need not look like grannies.

Make the right swimsuit move
No one seems to like swimsuit shopping. Fortunately, this summer's collections are wearer-friendly and help hide every bulge and dimple.

"Last year, swimsuits were all about bling with rhinestones and sequins," said Laura McDowell, fashion spokeswoman for TJ Maxx. "Now, everything is much more natural."

The colors

Soft color palettes, from chocolate brown to sand, will dominate, and many fabrics will shimmer, thanks to metallic weaving.

"These colors work so well against sun-kissed skin," said Melissa Ryan, trend correspondent for Marshall Field's. "Plus, they look great paired with an animal print sarong."

An alternative to earthy hues, bright colors -- like turquoise, melon or fruit punch -- also provide in-your-face glam. Patterns in swimwear have not disappeared either, so expect to see everything from bandana-inflected getups to stripes and subtle florals.

The styles

When it comes to styles, retro '50s-inspired bottom briefs in both one- and two-piece suits will make hipsters happy. Suits this season are embellished with accents of crochet, wood beads and metal rings, ramping up otherwise simplistic designs. Consequently, those looking to make a bolder fashion statement might opt for suits with a keyhole neckline or ones with cutout sides.

Skirted bottoms are hot, said Donna West, buyer for Londo Mondo on Dearborn. "They're short, so they're sexy and not at all frumpy."

For even more coverage, snag swim skirts, which are constructed of the same material as suits and can be worn in and out of water.

Tankinis continue to be popular, in part because they elongate the body, while surplus suits (those with an added "sash" of fabric from one shoulder to the hip) are making a comeback among those looking to hide their tummies.

Tricks of the trade

To look your best, remember a few rules of thumb. For example, suits with embellished or patterned tops draw the eye upward, away from problem areas down below. Consequently, halter tops both offer support and give the illusion of cleavage when padded.

"A lot of people think that if you're a C cup or above you need an underwire, but that's not true," West said. "Just look for a halter with banding under the breast."

We all tend to cover problem spots, but more is not always best.

"Everyone thinks that the more you need to cover, the more fabric you need," West noted. "Actually, doing this just draws the eye to the area." She suggests looking for a smaller bottom, which gives the illusion that you're smaller. "And tie-sides are great because they can be loosened."

On the side

While swimsuits always are the main attraction, your swim accessories play an important role. Cover-ups are key and flattering counterparts to swimwear, and they can dress up -- or down -- an ensemble. Top choices include soft sarongs, beaded tunics, caftans, gauchos and gauzy palazzo pants. Also, keep your eyes peeled for terry or cotton gauze strapless coverup dresses.

And if, by chance, you're thinking of sticking with last year's swimsuit to spare yourself the shopping experience, you might want to reconsider.

"Swimsuits do tend to lose their shape and elasticity," Ryan said. "That's an embarrassment waiting to happen, so be sure to try yours on again before going anywhere."

Jennifer Olvera is a local free-lance writer.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/lifestyles/cst-ftr-swim20.html

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