Are you counting down the days to spring break yet? We are! One of our favorite things about this time of year is making some major spring wardrobe updates. Hopefully you’ve made some awesome plans to hit the beach with friends or family and take a well-deserved break. There’s nothing like a week of lounging on the beach and barhopping to rev you up for the rest of the semester! If you’re worried about showing off your beach bod for the first time in months, don’t worry. We have you covered with the most flattering styles for your body type!
Apple
Left: DKNY Ruched Halter One-Piece Swimsuit, Macy’s, $90
Top middle: ASOS Mix and Match D+ Plunge Halter Fuller Bust Bikini Top, ASOS, $25.93
Bottom Middle: Glam Suite Cheeky Bikini Bottom, Forever 21, $12.80
Top right: Body Glove Smoothies Betty Top, 6pm.com, $19.99
Bottom right: Body Glove Smoothies Contempo Belted Bottom, 6pm.com, $16.99
For collegiettes who are a little fuller on top or in the middle, finding the right swimsuit is all about filling out your hips and slimming your upper body. We love this DKNY one-piece because it breaks up your body in just the right way; the deep V-neck and the way it’s cut just under the bust pull the eye up and help balance your top and bottom. The ruching will help to smooth out your middle.
Another great option is an embellished bottom to fill out your hips paired with an underwire top to give you plenty of support. Try this ASOS halter top with a floral, ruffled bottom from Forever 21. We also love this classic Body Glove top paired with bright pink bottoms; a little detailing will add some shape to your hips.
Straight
Left: Favorite Flounced Bandeau, Forever 21, $14.80
Ruched Bikini Bottom, Forever 21, $10.80
Middle: Dot Underwire Tank, J.Crew, $115-117
Right: AE Printed Corset Bikini Top, American Eagle, $39.95
AE Printed Bikini Bottom, American Eagle, $24.95
If you have a straight, narrow figure, you’ll want something that emphasizes your bust and hips. Opt for a swimsuit with an embellished top to give your bust a little more to work with. We love this bikini from Forever 21; the ruffles add a little volume to your bust. Plus, the color is fun and flirty! Or, try this patterned corset bikini from American Eagle. The pattern and contrasting colors add dimension. If you prefer a one-piece, try a bustier-style one, like this polka-dot suit from J.Crew. The high-cut bottom will give your legs length, and the top is slightly padded for a fuller effect.
Hourglass
Left: Italian Matte Colorblock Tank, J.Crew, $118
Middle: ASOS Stripe Belted Swimsuit, ASOS, $55.56
Top right: Xhilaration Juniors Mix and Match Push Up Swim Top, Target, $17.99
Bottom right: Lime High Waisted Bikini Pants, Topshop, $20
For an hourglass shape, you’ll definitely want to put the emphasis on your waist. Anything that draws attention to the slimmest part of your body will be flattering. We’re crazy about this colorblocked one-piece from J.Crew. The strategically-placed colorblocking not only draws attention to your waist, but the darker side panels add the illusion of an overall slimmer figure. Another great choice is this black-and-white beauty from ASOS. The belt calls immediate attention to your itty-bitty waist. For a bikini, a high waist once again draws the eye to the smallest part of your figure, while an underwire top gives you the support you need. Try mixing and matching pieces, like these fun yellow bottoms from Topshop and this simple black top from Target.
Athletic
Left: Bikini Top, H&M, $24.95
Bikini Bottoms, H&M, $14.95
Middle: Padded Baroque Print Bikini Top, Forever 21, $12.80
Cutout Baroque Print Bikini Bottom, Forever 21, $12.80
Right: 6 Shore Road Santa Cruz Swimsuit, Nasty Gal, $138
If you have an athletic body, you’ll want to find the perfect suit to show it off while enhancing your smaller bust and hips. This H&M bikini should do the trick; the embellished top adds some sparkle and emphasizes your bust. The bottoms also have side embellishments, adding the same effect to your hips. We also love this Forever 21 bikini; the sports-bra-style top will make a sporty collegiette feel right at home, and it’s padded to give you a little boost up top. The straps on the bottom will show off your toned bod and help to fill out your hips. Another option? This cutout one-piece from Nasty Gal. The cutout sides will help you fake a more curvaceous figure as well as show off your gorgeous abs.
Pear
Left: Shape Swimsuit, H&M, $34.95
Middle: Black Embroidered Rose Shelf Bikini, Topshop, $68
Top right: AE Paisley Printed Triangle Bikini Top, American Eagle, 24.95
Bottom right: AE Hipster Bikini Bottom, American Eagle, $24.95
If you’re curvier on the bottom than on top, you’ll want to balance out your figure. Ruching can be a pear-shaped collegiette’s BFF because it flatters your stomach and waist. We love this H&M one-piece; it’s simple but gorgeous. The strategically placed ruching will slim your bottom half, while the plunging neckline and wrap effect will give your upper half a little extra something. This Topshop bikini has a slightly retro feel with its floral embroidery. Its flowing top will balance out your bust, and the bottom will hit at your hips to show off those curves. Or, try a fun, printed top paired with a simple bottom to enhance your bust and work your hips. This mix-and-match bikini from American Eagle should do the trick!
Curvy
Left: ASOS CURVE Bikini Top In Ombre Print, ASOS, $29.63
ASOS CURVE Bikini Pant In Ombre Print, ASOS, $25.93
Middle: Retro Glam Bikini Top, Forever 21, $12.80
Retro Glam Bikini Bottom, Forever 21, $11.80
Right: Mixed Print Maillot with Built-In Balconette Bra, Lane Bryant, $119.95
Swimsuit shopping can be especially difficult for plus-sized collegiettes; sometimes it seems like designers just don’t get you. Fortunately, there are plenty of plus-friendly brands out there! ASOS CURVE makes gorgeous swimsuits in sizes 14 to 24 that will flatter and support your fuller figure. We love this ombre, high-waisted bikini! The underwire top provides plenty of lift, while the high-waisted bottom has flattering black side paneling. This two-piece from Forever 21 provides great coverage on top, and the dark color is flattering on everyone. The sweetheart neckline and halter will flatter your bust, too. Or, mix it up with this mixed-print one-piece from Lane Bryant. The striped waist and balconette top will show off your gorgeous curves!
Swimsuit shopping can be hard for everyone, but don’t fret! No matter your shape, there’s a swimsuit out there that’s perfect for you. Now hit the beach, collegiettes!