Swimsuits: One piece for every body shape

The one-piece swimsuit wins back its place in your wardrobe this season shoving back string bikini’s reign. Though there are some generously cut retro 1950s styles to offer, 2008′s one-piece swimsuits are unashamedly sexy, with racy prints and cutaway styles that make them a way more daring choice than the average bikini.

There’s at least one thing we can’t deny, the swimsuit has an elegance that a bikini can never get.

One-pieces have an allure simply because they are less obvious – covering up a little can be very sexy,”

says Melissa Odabash, a swimwear designer.

According to her, the secret to wearing a one-piece well is all about a careful choice of cut for your body and adding good accessories.

Asymmetric

It’s great on athletic bodies with defined shoulders. Asymmetric Greek-goddess-like necklines on dresses are all over the catwalks this season.

Gucci was among the first to extend the look to swimwear. This style can be accessorised according to your taste: look classically glamorous with gold jewelry or futuristic with a sporty visor; you can also add some bright nail polish if your one-piece is monochrome.

Cutaway

Symmetrical cutaway panels create the illusion of a slimmer waist, although if you are going to accentuate a particular area of flesh in this way, it needs to be fairly toned. You need to add earthy accessories to ensure you don’t look a way too tarty. You can wear a headscarf, for example, to add a touch of glam and chic.

Print

If brights aren’t your thing, opt for an animal print on your one-piece. You can also either opt for Emilio Pucci’s classic swirly prints, or for Matthew Williamson’s trademark vivid color prints. Add plain accessories to keep things balanced.

Fifties

Michael Kors says more covered-up styles are “unexpected and special on a younger woman.” The lither the physique, the more fabric you can get away with but still look fashionable. Designers are getting inspired by the 1950s style nowadays. Try a sweet polka-dot or simple black color with Hepburn-worthy soft ballet pumps and a wide-brimmed hat.

Riviera

Riviera chic is a trend you can rely upon every summer but still look fresh and trendy. It’s somewhere between movie-star glamour and the more wholesome nautical look. For a more relaxed look take a good old-fashioned woven bag, add Ralph Lauren sunglasses to look chic and posh.

• swimsuit
• swimsuits
• swimsuit one piece
• one piece swimsuit
• one piece swimsuits
• black swimsuit
• swimwear one piece
• bikini one piece
• one piece Bikini
• one piece bathing suits