Geri Halliwell, of the Spice Girls fame, has stripped off to a bikini for Hello magazine’s current issue. The article is accompanied with Geri commenting on her discomfort and self consciousness stating, ‘I haven’t been willingly photographed in a bikini for seven years – and I don’t think I’ll do it again.’

There is no doubt that Geri looks amazing in her bikini aged 36, putting women half her age in the shade. However, it wasn’t that long ago Geri was doing sterling work as a UN ambassador, in an attempt to be taken more seriously. It is also a concern that a woman who was so publicly open about her eating disorders, is verbally uncomfortable about the shoot.

What message does this send to the legion of old and now new spice girls fans regarding publicity. Whether you like it or not, you have to take your clothes off to sell pictures? Is this the girl power the Spice Girls so animatedly promote? Hello?

For tips on looking good in your own swimwear see, swimwear trends or swimwear styling for your individual shape;

• Tall
• Petite
• Large Bust
• Small Bust
• Large Bottom Half (hips/tums/bums)
• Small Bottom Half (straight and flat hips/tums/bums)

For those of you that like an all over tan, but aren’t quite nudist beach ready, you could try a tan through swimsuit this summer.

Solar tan - Green Snake Scoopneck

These costumes are made up of thousands of tiny mesh pores, that make the fabric both lightweight and breathable.In addition, the high percentage of spandex and close weave, allows the sunlight through, but also provides a low level sunscreen (between SPF 6 to 10). Because light can penetrate the costume, most people imagine that the suits will be transparent after swimming, however, they are such a fine composition that the appearance is opaque on the skin.

Available for both men and women, the only downside is the choice of styles. Most of them are in loud bright prints without any of the features most of us require, such as underwiring or slimming block colours. There are several companies to choose from, some now expanding their ranges to include tan through clothing and beach accessories such as umbrellas too.

Prices start from about £20 and can be found at Figleaves, by a company called Solar tan. Alternatively, if you prefer to shop from the UK, I’ve found a company called Safer-Suntan, but have to stress, I cannot be held responsible for the photographs they’ve used!

Chameleon Fridays

Miraclesuit - Oceanus

Want to look ‘10 pounds lighter in ten seconds‘?, hmmmm I’m sure a few million people that would sign up right up. It gets even better, this promise is for the beach, the one thing that strikes fear into hearts across the country as soon as the calendar hits May.

And so to The Miracle Suit, set to quel our insecurities and calm our beach frazzled nerves. It tightens, tones and reshapes your body, so that you look like someone has taken an airbrush to your outline. In lay mans terms, it’s support underwear (think old fashioned corsetry), disguised to look like swimwear. So far so good, even the cost hasn’t dampened sales at £100+ per costume. Figleaves has already sold out of about two thirds of its current stock, and, by most accounts the swim suit does look great on. So whats the catch?

What the miraclesuit website doesn’t tell you, is that it costs between £20 to £25 per wear. I’ve read review after review from unhappy customers saying that the actual costume is amazing, does exactly what it says on the tin. However, the construction is such poor quality that after 4 to 5 wears it just falls apart, the elastic failing being the main culprit.

So, if you have a spare £100 and absolutely want to look your best for a few beach strolls (no activities like scuba diving or lots of swimming) this is the costume for you. However if you’re going away for more than 5 days (from the reviews, 5 days is pushing it), you’ll need another costume. Maybe you could purchase two?!

Personally, unless it’s really, really important, I’d spend my cash elsewhere. Marks and Spencers have a great range of bodyshaper swimsuits that last a lot longer than 5 wears. Some just have ’secret support’ for uplifting breasts but most have ‘tummy support’ too i.e. stronger elastic to hold you in. These costumes start at £25 and go up to £35. Also, I can personally testify to these swimsuits, I’ve always used this range and have never had a problem. My actual swimsuit (as in, it goes to the chlorine swimming pool weekly) is still brilliant two years on, for my holiday I’ll be buying a slightly sexier style but still from this range. Add to this, the fact that they have a post surgery version (for women that have had mastectomies) and I know which company I want to give my money to. To be fair to Figleaves, who I also think are a great company, one of the review links is on their website. Can they really be blamed if reviews from customers (saying how disappointing the miracle suit is), are posted on their website, and yet they’ve still sold over 70% of the available stock?

Chameleon Fridays

This is very difficult to shorten as truly everyones shape and colouring are different, advice is best tailored to the individual. That said, here are some fast figure fixes for beach body confidence this summer;

Small bottom half (straight and flat hips/tums/bums) – assuming you want to create curves for these areas, the aim is create width. String bikinis actually work for you as they generally can rest just above your hip bone and not dig into the flesh. You can also carry lots of pattern, try floral patterns (key this season) to make the whole area less boyish. Ruffles are great, adding extra width to the body and shiny fabrics always increase size. Try halter neck top halves as they will create a curve lower down and try to keep straps and patterns in proportion, not so large they make you look smaller.

Most shops are suitable for you, but like advice for a smaller bust try Miss Selfridge and Top Shop as they normally carry more embellishment and fashion suits. This season most of the trends are available to you, try a mono-kini (following top half advice) or the metallic trend, gold being most fashion forward. Florals also work as they are feminine and nautical is great if you use horizontal stripes. Those who wish to keep their bottom half looking small, follow advice for large bottom half.

Chameleon Fridays

This is very difficult to shorten as truly everyones shape and colouring are different, advice is best tailored to the individual. That said, here are some fast figure fixes for beach body confidence this summer;

Large bottom half (hips/tums/bums) – assuming you want to distract from these areas, the idea is make the feature higher up. String bikinis are not your friend, avoid at all costs, very hard to tie without having bulges over the strings. You want to aim for thick banding if a bikini, and wider straps up top for both a bikini and one piece suit, to keep everything in proportion. If you are a classic pear, do not choose halter neck straps as they literally draw a pear outline on you (picture it)! Instead opt for wider straps to balance out the larger hips and create an hourglass.

Try a lighter colour on top making sure to adhere to the appropriate support if large busted. Keep lower half, dark and matt. You can shop almost anywhere, but if plus size see links for section below. Some of the best selections come from lingerie sections of department stores, you can also try M&S. This season, you can try nautical stripes on the top half, or go for patterns such as floral, but keep them in proportion (again only on top half), with for example, floral (key this season), using larger flowers. Those who wish to emphasise their curvy frame, see advice for small bottom half.

Chameleon Fridays

This is very difficult to shorten as truly everyones shape and colouring are different, advice is best tailored to the individual. That said, here are some fast figure fixes for beach body confidence this summer;

Petite – assuming you want to look taller, you need to lengthen the body as much as possible. Lighter and brighter colours are good on the top, drawing the eye upwards. Also vertical stripes work well. You want to avoid horizontal stripes anywhere other than the bust section, as it will widen the body when you are attempting to elongate. One piece swim suits are best as they are one long line, keep patterns in proportion (again only on top half), with for example, floral (key this season), using smaller flowers. Larger ones will swamp you.

Like the tall ladies, make sure the swimsuit actually fits, sometimes the suits can be too baggy on a smaller lady and I’ve been known to have swimsuits taken to the tailor for my more petite clients. I have struggled to find a great range of petite swimwear and so my best options are to go for adjustable straps (much cheaper than tailoring) and if still too long, try a childrens range. It sounds extreme but with rising obesity amongst children these collections are starting to make larger sizes. Try reputable departments stores such as John Lewis, M&S and Selfridges. The tie dye trend of this season works well for you, providing the darkest colour is at the bottom and the colours are blended and not too horizontally blocked. The 50’s trend works well too. Those who wish to emphasise their petite frame, see advice for tall.

Chameleon Fridays

This is very difficult to shorten as truly everyones shape and colouring are different, advice is best tailored to the individual. That said, here are some fast figure fixes for beach body confidence this summer;

Tall – assuming you want to look more curvy, you need to break up the body as much as you can, so a bikini is a good option for you (stomach permitting). Make sure that if you have a swimsuit it is actually long enough, sounds crazy, but lots of suits are not comfortable on a tall frame when you sit down. Some ranges do actually make ‘tall’ swimsuits, so look out for these, Long Tall Sally has a limited selection but M&S have a larger choice.

A different colour on the top and bottom half works well, as do patterns and ruffles. Taller ladies can also carry lots of embellishment like sequins, however make sure you have a break in the middle if wearing a one piece as block sections will just make you look straight. Paneling on a one piece suit, where the outside sections are darker and middle colour is lighter/brighter can make the longest body curve inward and is also great for women who are less confident about their midsection. The nautical trend of this season, working horizontal stripes is great for you, as they widen the body creating curves. Those who wish to look willowy, see advice for petite.

Chameleon Fridays

This is very difficult to shorten as truly everyones shape and colouring are different, advice is best tailored to the individual. That said, here are some fast figure fixes for beach body confidence this summer;

Large bust – assuming you want to tone them down slightly, always, always get yourself some support. Investing in a top half (if it is a bikini) that actually fits is well worth the investment, ditto for a swimsuit. Many companies now sell bottom halves in dress sizes and top halves in bra sizes, so that you can get the perfect fit. Rarely are women an exact dress size top and bottom and the swimwear companies are gradually starting to wise up to this, selling bikinis as separates. Bravissimo and Figleaves do a great range as do, storm in a D cup, triumph are oldies, but goodies and Kelly Brooks range for New look as also worth trying.

Keep the top half in dark colours, limit pattern/embellishment/ruffles and try to make the material matt. A V-shape or rounded neckline is essential as the higher it is to your chin, the more matronly and sausage shaped you breasts will look. Cleavage is not bad, but a little goes a long way. The 50’s style of swimsuit, a key trend this season is perfect for you. Those looking for bust enhancement, see small bust and ensure you have adequate support.

Chameleon Fridays

This is very difficult to shorten as truly everyones shape and colouring are different, advice is best tailored to the individual. That said, here are some fast figure fixes for beach body confidence this summer;

Small bust – assuming you want to make them look bigger, make sure you invest in a swimsuit or bikini that kits. Underwiring, if used correctly can be flattering. Lots of bikinis and swimsuits have padded options and many now have the enhancement capabilities of a wonderbra. If this is your thing, great, although personally I think enhancing what you’ve got rather than pretending you are 2 cup sizes bigger is best. If you choose not to pad, here you can really have some fun. All of the sequins, ruffles and horizontal/nautical stripes are for you. Most of the key fashions for the season are targeted at the small of bust as they need to fit smaller busted catwalk models. You can wear strapless and not look like you have a sausage on your front, you can wear slash front (provided your stomach can take it), you can wear ruching and bows at the bustline, you can also wear a high neckline.

To be fair, you can shop anywhere, but Miss Selfridge do a good range and top shop are always a great bet, dainty lady are specialists only available online. To really make your breasts a feature, you can wear a plainer and darker bottom half, be that bikini or lower part of the swimsuit. The floral trend for this season is great for you, feminine and lots of pattern to enhance the bust. To be fair most of the trends will work. You can also try a mono-kini (following top half advice) or the metallic trend, gold being most fashion forward. Those not looking for enhancement, see large bust.

Chameleon Fridays

Swim Suit Basics.

It’s swim suit season again and while the thought may send some women screaming and running for the hills there is hope in finding the perfect swimsuit to show off your best assets.

While the right swimsuit is a vital staple in your wardrobe, it is important to remember that swimsuits are not sized like most clothing. In fact, you should try one to two sizes larger than your normal clothing size.

Even if you are hesitant to go up a size, don’t get caught up in the number. The right fit is what counts. When you find a suit that you like, lift your arms, bend over, sit down, and walk around to make sure it is not going to gather or ride up.

With so many styles of swimsuits on the market, it is important to take note of what works for your body and what does not. For example, when shopping for a tankini, make sure the stomach portion of the suit lies flat against your stomach but is not too tight. If it is too tight, your stomach will bulge causing an unsightly tyre.

And when choosing patterns, remember that vertical stripes are more slimming and horizontal stripes are widening. If you have a small bust, horizontal stripes would make you look more curvy whereas if you want to distract from an area, avoid pattern and stick to darker colours.

Bottom halves.

When trying on a swimsuit bottom, make sure your skin is not bulging from the waist or leg area. If it does, again, try going up a size. If the problem is still there, consider a different style bottom. In general, a bottom with a leg opening an inch below the hip bone is the most flattering.

Remember, bottoms stretch when they get wet. It’s a fine line, you need to not have bulges when wearing it, but also not make it so loose is falls off when wet!

The top show.

If you are looking for a top with an underwiring, it should fit like your best fitting bra. The underwire should lie flat against your skin without any breast sneaking out of the bottom.

For most ladies, side cleavage is an issue. Starting at your underarm, ¾ of the breast should be covered. And for large busts, a halter top or an underwire top provides the best support and coverage. Halter tops with a wider band provide the most support.

When it comes to swimsuits, cleavage isn’t everything. Most women like to emphasize their bust, but over-padding is not the answer. Steer clear of large, push-up pads. The foam holds water like a sponge and tends to pull the top down resulting in a saggy look that is not attractive.

If you want to add a little extra padding to your top, choose a thin pad that looks natural. Most pads can be cut to fit any style top. To prevent the pad from slipping, insert the pads into the lining of the top or sew the pads into the top. It will also stop your nipples from showing through!

Chameleon Fridays