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    Bathing Suits: Find Your Perfect Fit

    By | Fashion – Mon, May 21, 2012 9:43 AM EDT

    By Jessica Conway, GalTime.com

    Bathing suits for EVERY body type! Bathing suits for EVERY body type! It's that time of the year again, ladies - bathing suit season! Before heading to the fitting room, take a minute to review which suit will look best on you!

    We asked Marissa Rubin, Senior Market Editor of PEOPLE StyleWatch, how to find the perfect fit.

    If your body type is curvy or busty - Curvy, busty types look best in plainer suits-those with no padding or extra details-that can hold up the girls. Nothing is worse than sagging, so try on suits with plenty of support and coverage in halter, tank, or underwire shapes.

    Rubin suggests looking for medium-to-thick straps that tie together behind your neck. They offer more control, especially when you're swimming in the pool or at the beach.

    Bathing suit tops with underwire and hook-and-eye closures in the back are also a plus. They fit like a bra, and offer the most support. Both of these details can be found in bikini tops, as well as one-pieces.

    Related: 2012 Swimwear Trends

    Seafolly Seafolly



















    Seafolly Sophia Underwire Bra Top, $109

    PilyQPilyQ



















    PilyQ Barcelona Serpentine Banded Halter Top, $76

    If you have a smaller chest - Women with smaller busts have the advantage of wearing almost any style bathing suit. Rubin says most flattering option is a classic, string top with pretty details.

    If you want to amp up your bust line, go for touches that add volume up top. Look for swimsuits with ruffles (particularly tiered ruffles) or hidden padding, in both string and underwire styles. Ruched, fringed, and puckered fabrics will also do the trick, as well as graphics, bold prints, all-over florals, stripes, and polka dots.

    Related: Care for Your Swimwear to Get the Most Out of It!

    L Space L Space




















    L Space Fringe Dolly Bikini Top, $70

    Victoria's Secret Victoria's Secret


















    Victoria's Secret Abbie Pom-Pom Triangle Top, $32

    If your body is pear-shaped - The best suits for pear-shaped bodies are bikinis or one-pieces that widen the top half of your silhouette.

    Special details can bring the focal point upward to balance your shape, so Look for bathing suits with embellishments up top (think sequins, beading, and studs).

    And if you think curvy hips require more coverage, think again! The extra fabric can actually make you look wider. Rubin says clean, simple and smaller bottoms will flatter the hips, and solid colors are slimming, too. Try a basic brief or wide-tie string style on for size.

    Related: The Changing Shape of Women

    Michael Kors Michael Kors




















    MICHAEL Michael Kors Cayman Solids Tankini Top, $92

    Victoria's Secret Victoria's Secret


















    Victoria's Secret Abbie Beaded Paisley Triangle Top and Top/Side Ruched Hipkini Bottom, $40, $20

    When choosing a color, remember - Bright, bold colors with blue undertones are the most universally flattering. Cobalt, green, orange, red, and purple all fall into this category. These colors warm the skin and really make your tan pop! Rich jewel tones like navy, chocolate, pine, amethyst, and bordeaux will also help you shine this summer. If you have fair skin, avoid certain pastels and neutrals that could wash you out. Finally, remember to wear sunscreen. It's an accessory that's always in style!

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