Staying Fit
Left to right: Soma Swim One-Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit in Paradise Palms M Ivory; Mynah Desert Spa Women’s Textured One-Piece in Cloisonne Blue; Unique Vintage Leopard Print Plunge One Piece Swimsuit in Brown, Leopard
Soma; JCPenney; Dia & Co.
After decades hiding out in black control suits that vacuum-packed every bump, bulge and jiggle into submission, women are celebrating their shape with self-love swimsuits that highlight their assets. Spurred on by the body-positive trend, lifestyle icon Martha Stewart posed on the cover of Sports Illustrated and not-exactly-shy celebs like Salma Hayek and Jennifer Lopez are proudly posting swimsuit snaps ... all of them kicking so-called age-appropriate suits to the curb. Strike a pose! Here are the best body-boasters for 2023. If you want to:
Left to right: Soma Swim One-Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit in Paradise Palms M Ivory; Eloquii One Shoulder Cascade Ruffle Swimsuit in Mystique Floral; Holipick One Shoulder One Piece Swimsuit for Women in Hot Pink
Soma; Dia & Co.; Amazon
1. Show off your shoulders.
If off-the-shoulder, cold-shoulder and one-shoulder tops are your go-tos, take the hint! Displaying fabulous shoulders with a one-shoulder suit is not only on-trend but loaded with benefits. The asymmetric neckline creates the illusion of a longer neck and torso (excellent for those with a large chest who prefer coverage and are bothered by the midriff crunch), and unlike strapless suits, a one-shoulder stays up in the water and lets you move and swim freely with no tug-ups. Try the sleek one-pieces like the Soma Swim One-Shoulder One-Piece Swimsuit in Paradise Palms M Ivory ($42, soma.com); the Holipick One Shoulder One Piece Swimsuit for Women in Hot Pink or Pink ($35, amazon.com); and for lots of glam and poolside drama the Eloquii One Shoulder Cascade Ruffle Swimsuit in Mystique Floral ($160, eloquii.com).
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Left to right: J.Crew Ruffle V-Neck Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit for Women in Radiant Fuchsia; Unique Vintage Leopard Print Plunge One Piece Swimsuit in Brown, Leopard; Swimsuits for All Lace Up One Piece Swimsuit in Very Fuchsia
J.Crew; Dia & Co.; Target
2. Highlight a beautiful bust.
If you prefer open V-neck everything from T-shirts to blouses, it’s because the inverted triangle is a big bosom’s best friend, creating separation and shape while balancing width at the hips, thighs and backside. How much of a V-neck plunge is up to you — though the beach is one place a little daytime cleavage doesn’t feel out of place. Try the trend for deep wide Vs embellished with a ruffle frame, like the J.Crew Ruffle V-Neck Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit for Women in Radiant Fuchsia ($118, jcrew.com), or shoulder ties like the Unique Vintage Leopard Print Plunge One Piece Swimsuit in Brown, Leopard ($88, shop.dia.com). For extra lift, opt for Vs with adjustable cross-back straps like the Swimsuits for All Lace Up One Piece Swimsuit in Very Fuchsia ($79, target.com). All are chic, comfy and wire-free — unlike the overly rigid and structured suits of past summers.
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