The Budget Fashionista’s Guide to Swimwear Part 2: What’s Hot and What’s Shot

Stop! Before you begin earmarking your fashion rags, realize that the cover
model’s hot look of the season might not be right for you. When you buy yourself
swimwear, it is for your body. You will not morph into Heidi Klum just because
you are wearing the same itsy bitsy bikini. (Keep in mind, Heidi is pictured
in that suit after she’s tried on dozens of other pieces and the photo editor
tossed at least half a dozen unflattering poses.) But, with so many amazing
fabrics and cuts and tricks out there, you’ll have no reason not to look your
sexiest if you carefully adhere to the following tips.

Psst… All are under $35!

Body Issue	Trick	Treat
If you’re boy-shaped (curveless)…	Create curves with padded and/or textured (e.g., ruffles, beading, embroidery, ruching) tops. Slip into a cutout or high-cut bottoms. If you’re modest, pull on belted boy shorts.	Newport News’ sporty halter tankini with an adjustable neck strap and contrasting diagonal white piping creates the illusion of curves in cotton/poly-blended jersey knit with figure-flattering spandex. Matching scoop bottoms offer just enough coverage but also just enough leg for a long, lean and feminine look ($19; Newport-news.com).
If you’re busty…	Give your chest support with cup-sized swimwear. If you prefer to not wear underwire, a halter top with wide straps, and fabric that covers the sides as well as the front, also does wonders. Stay away from strapless styles	Target Merona bra-sized Halter Swim Top features lined underwire halter top with light, removable padding, a tie back with adjustable neck closure for extra lift ($19; Target).
If you’re flat-chested…	Create curves with patterns, beading, ruffles or padding. Triangle tops and twisted bandeaus give the illusion of a larger chest.	From Tara Jarmon, the “Pink Chimes” ruffled triangle swim top offers light padded cups for added comfort, support and coverage with a cord that ties at the neck and back ($14.99; Target).
If you’re sagging…	If your problem is your backside, look for a flared skirt bathing suit bottom or swimdress. For the bustline, add instant lift with a cupped halter or balcony bra.	Newport News’ sexy halter swimdress slims all over with with power mesh, featuring a flirty A-line skirt to cover your derrière and a molded soft-cup bra with a tie behind the neck to lift saggy breasts ($29; Newport-news.com).
If you’re packing some extra baggage in your thighs…	Surprisingly, bigger thighs benefit from a bottom cut higher on the thigh; it elongates the leg and creates a leaner look.	Ballet’s “Tobago” high-leg control brief features a flattering high cut and acts like a body-shaper, cinching any lower body bulge. The contrasting embroidery along the waistline draws attention up and away from hips ($28; figLeaves.com).
If you’re a mommy to-be…	Accentuate and flatter the belly; wear convertible or low-cut bottom pieces that can expand and accommodate weigh gain, while offer lower back and belly support.	Show off a smooth, ballooning silhouette in an ebony keyhole-top, 2-piece tankini from Liz Lange for Target Maternity with a stretchy elastic waist to add support and lift (so your belly doesn’t droop and weight is more evenly distributed ($32.99; Target).
If you’re self-conscious…	Don’t just cover up; dress up: Pareos, caftans and the ubiquitous sarong are chic-er than ever this season	Wrap yourself in this sexy Voile sarong with accents of chocolate brown and cream to compliment the bold poppy print and trim from Lepel ($28; figLeaves.com).
If you’re carrying junk in your trunk…	Don’t cover a large derriere with lots of fabric; try a high cut brief in a solid dark shade. Bring eyes up and away with a contrasting colored top.	This Shape FX Bandeau one piece suit features a built-in shelf bra with rhinestone accents that draw the eye upwards. It also features a high-cut black briefs ($29; Newport-news.com).
If you’re plus-sized with curves…	Cinch your waist with a belt. Ruching or diagonal stripes create an optical illusion and slim your torso into an hourglass. Wear a bottom that cuts high on the leg to elongate.	The wrapped style on this MB Plus one piece creates diagonal lines that direct eyes away from fleshy shoulders and arms and accentuate curves. The slimming belt sports a side buckle, which draws attention away from your belly. In sizes 16w-24w ($19; Target)
If you’re plus-sized without curves…	Slip into solid colors for a smoother silhouette. Define your bustline with an empire waist accented with piping, hardware or embellishment. Balance with a high-cut or skirted brief.	Mossimo Women’s Plus-Size empire belted swim tankini accents a sexy décolletage and adds the illusion of curves with a strategically placed rhinestone buckle and triangular belted top ($19.99; Target).
If you’re triangle-shaped…	Look for swimsuits with a pattern or light color top with dark bottoms.	Color block out your less fab features and draw attention upward with a pretty ballerina top and a sheer “slice” strategically slashed diagonally for an overall trim, feminine look with Merona’s “Optic-Print” tank swimsuit ($22.49; Target).
If you’re an inverted-triangle shape…	Look for swimsuits that provide support and balance, drawing attention to your waist and/or legs	Go retro and leave some things to the imagination in this black-and-white-Swiss-dot-printed Shape FX maillot. Featuring double straps with a drawstring keyhole tie at the sweetheart neck, a shelf bra and side drawstrings you can tighten or loosen to accommodate weight gain or your own modesty ($19; Newport-news.com).
If you’re flabby in the belly…	Horizontal ruching or surface texture disguises rolls.	Newport News’ black or double espresso stretch crochet tankini is fully lined with nylon-spandex for shape retention with delicate merrow-stitched ruffles and soft supportive cups ($25; Newport-news.com).