Ah, yes, the time has come.  The official start of summer is just a few days away, so if we’re ever going to do it, this is the time.  We must confront the dreaded (for some) matter of the bathing suit.

I remember one year on her birthday, my sister received a coffee mug with a Cathy cartoon on it.  There stood poor Cathy, her hair forever standing on end with that trademark grimace on her face saying, “Cheer up.  Things could be worse.  We could be trying on bathing suits!”  Lots of women over 50 (or any age for that matter) can relate to that sentiment. 

Wearing a bathing suit puts it all out there – good and bad; not much left to the imagination.  As a result, lots of mature women have abandoned the bathing suit and along with it, one of the real delights of summer.  Giving up bathing suits means giving up the feel of the pounding surf, the cool crisp relief of the pool on a hot day and the  view of a beautiful blue sky as you float effortlessly on your back in your favorite lake.  Why should we give that all up just because we may have gained a few pounds, added a little cellulite, or lost that firm taut skin of our youth?  Let’s not let our self-conciousness keep us from enjoying the pleasures of the season.  We must reclaim our right to the beach and the diving board.

So how do we do this and still feel ok about it?  No reason not to make some concessions to our changing figures and appearance.  Like everything else in fashion, there are tips and tricks that can help you look your best.  You may not have the figure you had at 18 (and those of you who do, we don’t want to hear about it!) but you can find a bathing suit that works for you and makes you feel comfortable as you enjoy the opportunity to sunbathe (with plenty of sunscreen of course) and make a splash. 

If you’re wondering about this year’s trends,  the stylistas are talking about one-shoulder styles, retro looks and suits with lots of ruching (shirring).  But don’t worry about the trends, look for a suit that works for you.

Some tips along those lines: 

• If you want to draw attention away from your bottom half, wear a dark color on the bottom and a vibrant tone or pattern on top.
• If you feel that your mid-section is a problem area,  go for suits with patterns and shirring or ruching around the middle.  Avoid belts and color contrast at the waist.  Also, try the stretch panels for extra control. 
• If you’re a plus-size, wear the same color or pattern on top and bottom to give a slenderizing effect.
• If your bustline is small, look for prints, bright colors, ruffles or gathered fabric on top.  This will give the illusion of a larger top.  Also, halter tops and a padded built-in bra always help.
• To disguise large hips or thighs, try skirts, shorts and skorts. 
• If you want to mimimize your bustline, avoid patterns and embellishments on top.  Look for a higher neck suit and color to draw the eye up.  Wide straps and racer-back styles also work well for women who want to minimize. 

More later on where and how to buy suits.  This is a lot to think about for now.  But do think about it, especially if you are one of those women who have sworn off bathing suits. Bathing suit sales will soon be here.  Opportunity knocks!   There are lots of styles to choose from and you can find one that will not only make you feel comfortable but stylish to boot!