Swim Dresses

"Chic, Cute yet Modest Bathing Suit Alternative: The Swim Dress"

Courtesy of ASOS

Swim dresses can also be the perfect match if you have Inverted Triangle body shape (wide shoulders and narrow hips) depending on the shape of the bottom skirt. If the skirt is flowy and A-line shaped you'll notice how the flare will balance out your frame - creating curves around the hips and making it look like you have a proportional body shape.

And of course, along with tankinis, if you're a plus size or have a round torso (like an Apple body shape), it will give you the support and coverage you need to feel comfortable on the beach.

How to Look Good in a Swim Dress

Wear a bathing suit that flatters your body shape

It's like shopping for dresses - you want to select a style that complements your body figure so that your silhouette will look more proportional (think Hourglass), giving you curves on all of the right places!

Basic guidelines for the 5 main body shapes:

Pear body (prominent hips/butt/thighs): You need to draw attention away from your curvy bottom by wearing a swimsuit with minimal details around the bottom and interest on top (waist and up). You'll also benefit from rounder necklines and strapless bathing suits.

Inverted Triangle body (prominent shoulders): You'll look best in wide straps - because thin straps will only make your wide shoulder look bigger in comparison. Your body figure will also benefit from swim dresses with interest around the hips such as ruffles or print.

Apple body (prominent chest and mid-riff): Since your bust, chest and mid-riff are the most prominent, you need bathing suits that draw attention away from this area add more curves around the hips.

You and inverted triangle body shape share some of the clothing guidelines - but your widest body point is lower on your body shape, which means you need swimsuit that adds interest lower on your body figure. Or simply opt for a swimming suit that tuck in your waist such as a Miraclesuit or details that camouflage your waist (eg. ruching) and keep your girls up (think bust support).

Rectangle body (little or no waist definition): You need more curves on top and bottom so that you waist looks slimmer. Think ruffles, pleats, prints - any frilly details will do. Just make sure to keep the details on your waistline minimal or opt for details that help slim this area down.

Hourglass body (slim waist, proportional upper and lower body): Since you have the ideal body shape with good body proportions, you're more free to experiment with various swim dress styles. But it completely depends on the "problem areas" you're self-conscious about - and if you want to accentuate your slim waist or slim down on your hourglass body figure. I think belted and v-neck swim dresses look amazing on you :-)

Want more curves?

Then I recommend you to try swimsuit styles that give you curves on the right places - bust and hip-area.

For example a belted dress style or/and flowy A-line bottom skirt - it's a fabulous way to fake yourself to an Hourglass silhouette, making your waist narrower, hips and bust curvier. A push up top will also help plump up your breasts which helps make your waist slimmer.

If this is your first time buying a one-piece dress swimsuit

You can never go wrong with dark, solid-colored pieces as they go with absolutely everything and slim down on your body parts with extra flab. However, you should also take your body shape into consideration because the right style for your body type is crucial to looking your best.

More fashion advice on Swimwear:

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Shop Swimdress Swimsuits Online

Shopping tip for international readers: Expensive worldwide shipping? US store doesn't ship to your country? Save up to 50% off retail price in your home country and gain access to the goodies. Try a mail forwarding service!

One of the best stores online to buy these cute bathing suits is SwimsuitsForAll.com. They offer a wide selection of all kinds of gorgeous womens swim wear for size 8 and up.

If you want a great bargain I think you'll like eBay. You can find hundreds of swim dresses at discount prices there. From the Miraclesuit (slims down trouble-areas like tummy and hips) to the on-trend Juicy Couture ruffle swimdress.

If you're looking for simple, slightly modest yet affordable swim dresses I recommend eBay shop Gulf Coast Swim and Surf Shop

Now here are some recommendations from around the internet:

swim dress women at Bizrate

swimdress at Bizrate

More Shopping & Chic Inspiration at the TCF Blog: Also check out the Style Makeover Shop!

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