Yesterday I went swimsuit shopping with my six-year-old daughter Noelle. She bought her first two-piece, a fun little hot pink number from Gap Kids. Exhilarated and confident, she put on the suit, dancing in front of the mirror and posing. Watching her joy made me think of one word: celebration. Her bikini-clad dance signified a celebration of her beautiful body and all it can do.
As a 35-year-old mom of two, I am well versed in the messages society has given us about how we “should” look and in the feeling of not always measuring up. You know what? It’s exhausting to think I must “do something” to wear a bathing suit, such as exercising more, eating less, or self-tanning.
The reality is that a summer body is the body you have when summer starts. And by the way, all you need to have a bikini body is a bikini and a body!
So I’m committing to a summer of bathing suit celebration, and I encourage you to do the same! I’m going to celebrate the parts of my body that I’m proud of by wearing a bathing suit that highlights what’s awesome about me. While most summer bathing suit articles focus on hiding your flaws, this post is about celebrating what you love.
I’ve rounded up a list of potential suits from some amazing retailers that will help you have the most confident summer ever!
Toned Arms
Want to celebrate your toned arms? Then the Sidestroke one-piece bathing suit from Summersalt is perfect for you! The one-shoulder detail brings the eye up to your arms and chest, showing off those toned arms! The Sidestroke also won top honors from stylish minds at Elle magazine for the #1 most wildly flattering one shoulder style!
Décolletage
Want to celebrate your beautiful décolletage? Look no further than this La Blanca Moroccan print off the shoulder midkini (top with coverage between a bikini and a tankini) bandeau top and bikini bottom. The richly detailed bohemian print frames your décolletage. Bonus, this swim top would look chic with some high waist pants.
Long Legs
Want to celebrate your long legs? Try this high leg cut out “Honey bow knot” suit from online retailer Cupshe. The high cut and dark color up to your natural waist highlight your legs and the smallest part of your waist. Plus, the cutout suit gives you the feel of a bikini with more coverage. At $23.80, you can buy one for each day of the week!
Stomach
Want to celebrate your stomach? This super strong part of your body created children and deserves to see the sun! This classic bikini top by Ted Baker London in vibrant pink has a plunging neckline and contrasting color band. This simple stunner is sure to make you feel gorgeous at the beach or the pool.
Hourglass Figure
Want to celebrate your hourglass shape? This High Neck Illusion Crochet one-piece swimsuit by Becca is a perfect choice. The strategic sheer crochet cutouts are a sexy and comfortable way to show off your shape.
Bust
Want to celebrate your chest? Try this Alacati cup size bikini top and bikini shorts by Boden. The built-in underwire and boning combined with the adjustable straps make this suit a great choice for C+ cups. The fun polka dot print is on trend and retro.
Curves
Ready to celebrate all your curves? Rock it out at the beach in this Madame Everglade Underwire bikini by Swimsuits for All. This leading online plus size swimsuit retailer carries a variety of swim styles ranging from sizes 4-32. This particular suit makes you the bombshell of the beach with a botanical print and flattering seams!
Simple & Easy
Want a suit that celebrates simplicity and ease while highlighting an hourglass shape? This one-piece bandeau by Profile by Gottex will have you looking great while playing in the sand with your kids. The sophisticated sweetheart neckline is a nod to old Hollywood. Bring on the glam!
Cover Up
To top it all off, throw on this effortless chic cover-up maxi dress with a deep v back. Add a bag, some metallic sandals to go straight from beach to dinner!
Whatever suit you choose, remember you don’t need to “do” anything to wear it. Find what you love, put it on, and get to the important work of enjoying your summer, your kids, and your life!
