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Print Swimsuit Season Is Back!
by Kathy TanakaSummer is here and it’s a time to enjoy with your friends and family. However, many women tend to face the season with dread instead of excitement. This year I want to encourage you to approach summertime looking the best you can, not comparing yourself with airbrushed images of people in the media, and knowing that God loves you just as you are and wants you to enjoy the life He gave you. As the first step in helping you to feel confident and enjoying a fun-filled summer, here are a few guidelines to help you when shopping for a swimsuit.
- Think outside the box. There are many options this year with all the new sporty looks and cuts. Personally, I opt for the conservative swim skirt and halter top as I spend most of my time at the beach chasing my two boys. The swim skirt is nice because it’s like wearing a cover-up to the beach, but you can swim in it. Halter-tops are the trend for this summer. Colors range from traditional brights to muted tones, with pink and brown being especially popular this year. Prints include everything from hibiscus tropicals and batiks to dots and stripes. Remember to pick a print or solid design that flatters your skin tone.
- Try on a lot of swimsuits. When shopping, try to find a store that specializes in swimwear and offers knowledgeable and helpful sales staff. Sometimes it's hard to imagine how a suit looks when it is on the hanger. (That was the case for me when I bought a cute one-piece cut out suit.) A knowledgeable salesperson can help you with this. They can also help you get more suits when you are in the dressing room. Be prepared to try on a lot of suits, as it’s the only way to really find out what style best suits you.
- Find a store that carries separates. These stores allow you to think of swimwear in the same way you do when you put together a regular outfit. When shopping for separates, you can mix and match different tops and bottoms that vary in size, print and style. It's a great concept – kind of like designing your own suit. If you buy a triangle top and hipster in one print, and buy a coordinating solid in two other styles, say a swim skirt and tankini, you can get a lot of looks out of just two suits. The options are endless! This year I put a print halter tankini with a brown swim skirt and it turned out to be a really cute outfit. Tankinis are flexible – they can also be worn with jeans and skirts. What's even better is that they are made to support you as well as swim in, so you don't have to wear a bra with them.
I hope this gives you a few ideas when shopping for swimwear. Remember – the perfect suit is out there waiting for you. Wishing you all a wonderful summer!
Kathy Tanaka has been a swimwear designer in Los Angeles for over 18 years. She also has been involved in church as a worship leader and youth teacher. She lives by the beach with her husband and two sons.
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