Cover Girl

Bikini season is officially in full force, and along with your vintage inspired swimsuit you’ll also need a stylish cover up for when you’re strutting pass the oh-so-cute cabana boy to the bar.  There are a lot of great options available that will not only enhance your ASS-ets, but will also play down the wobbly bits we’d rather not mention.  Here are 5 essential swimsuit cover ups that will flatter your body type and instantly transform your summer ensemble.

1. Caftan: Resort wear caftans are typically made from lighter, sheer and sexy materials. They are oversized, have wide sleeves that drape down to the sides, and tend to be calf or ankle-length. Caftans are an ideal choice for plus sized women or apple-shaped figures because the free-flowing fabric does not cling to the body. A little too much extra material? No worries, to slenderize the look add a belt and cinch the dress in at the waist.

2. Tunic: Tunics are like the kid sister of the caftan. Tunics are oversized tops made of light sheer material, but unlike the Caftan, tunics typically fall just below your waist or to mid-thigh. Feeling a little conscious about your arms, but you’ve got a killer set of gams? Then try the long-sleeved tunic. You’ll be able to subtly cover the arms, but still show off your rockin stems. (We don’t go to the gym for nothing ladies!)  Tunics are great for all body types, especially if you have an athletic build.

3. Pareos: Pareos are wraparound skirts that originated in Tahiti and are now considered a resort wear fav because of their versatility. Ideal for the pear shape, try wearing around the narrowest part of your waist to create the illusion of a slimmer waistline and disguise hips and thighs. Coke bottles have nothing on you girl!

4. Sarongs: There is an endless amount of ways to rock a sarong so you look so-right! Not only can you wrap it around your waist, but also around your torso like a halter dress, or even tie it around your neck like a scarf. When worn around the waist, it will provide a slimming effect that both pear- and apple-shaped women will benefit from. The halter style is ideal for big-busted women, because it downplays their chest while still revealing the perfect amount of cleavage - making their overall figure appear more balanced. Wrapping it around your neck will draw the eye upwards and highlight your svelte shoulders.

5. Wrap Dress: Make sure you choose a dress that is constructed of pure cotton or another light material that breathes well. Remember, you’re at the beach so you still want a look that is casual and playful. Wrap dresses are very flattering for women with big busts. They create lines and curves that downplay bulk in the torso and at the same time give the bust line ample support. Opt for rich colors or vertical stripes to slim and elongate your figure, and steer clear of those dreadful horizontal stripes.