How to Create Your Own Mix & Match Swimsuit
For decades, perfectly matched swimwear pieces were a fashion must. However, in the past few seasons, we've started to see celebrities and trendsetters mixing and matching pieces. Mixing and matching makes it infinitely easier to find the perfect swimsuit for your body. Rather than searching endlessly for the right two-piece, you can create it. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Plan Your Mix and Match Strategy.
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Put on your swimsuit(s) from last summer and take a realistic look at your body. Look to see which parts of your old suit, if any, are flattering to your body. For example, you might love your bikini top. Next, identify pieces that you don't like and determine why. For example, you might hate your "boy short bottoms" because they make you look like you have a "muffin top," but the reason why they create an unflattering look is because they are too tight or the cut is wrong. Save any pieces you like and ditch the unflattering ones.
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Determine which body type you most closely resemble. You will use this determination to find pieces that are made to work with and flatter your body. The four main types are: the "hourglass," "rectangle," "triangle," and "inverted-triangle." The easiest way to determine which shape you are is to use a measuring tape to measure your bust, waist and hips. If you bust and hips are nearly equal or within an inch or so of one another, and your waist measurement was considerably smaller, you are an "hourglass." If all three measurements were about the same, you are a "rectangle." If your hip measurement was several inches larger than your bust, you are a "triangle." Finally, if your bust measurement was several inches larger than your hips, you are an "inverted- triangle."
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Try on pieces that work with your body type. "Hourglass" shapes can usually pull off most types of swimwear since they are more evenly proportioned. However, in order to keep your proportioned look, you should only mix and match pieces that are the same color. "Triangles" need to emphasize smaller chests and minimize larger behinds. Strapless bandeau and padded bikini tops will emphasize your top while boy short bottoms will give you the added coverage that you need. Also, match brightly colored and vibrant patterned tops with dark, solid bottoms to create the perception of a more even proportion. "Inverted-triangles" should look for exact opposite of "triangle" pieces. You need more support up top and you want to draw more attention to your bottom half. Halter-tops with classic or string bikini bottoms are the most flattering option for this body type. Also, wearing bright-colored bottoms will help give the perception of a more evenly proportioned body. "Rectangles" tend to either be extremely athletic or a bit overweight. If you have "tummy issues" you might be more comfortable in a tankini that shows just a peek of midriff rather than a full fledged two piece. If you are very athletic or slender, use vibrant patterns and colors to your advantage. Wearing bright and busy colors on both the top and the bottom will draw attention to both at the same time and help create the illusion of curves.
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The "body type" descriptions are not rules etched in stone. They are merely meant to get you started and to consider options that you may not have considered in the past. Try on a variety of pieces in every color imaginable until you come up with several combinations that look great on your body.
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Tips & Warnings
Never buy pieces that are too big or too small, especially when it comes to bottoms. Bottoms that are too small will cause your skin to "bulge" making you look chubby. Bottoms that are too large create a "diaper phenomena" especially when they get wet.
References
- Photo Credit modern bathing suit image by terex from Fotolia.com
