One love: as fashion throws us a lifeline, here's how to embrace the one-piece
For some the beach-body prep is traumatic enough without the annual bikini squeeze - high-waisted briefs or not.
So when fashion throws a lifeline in the form of a one-piece it’s best to embrace it while it’s en vogue.
An antidote to complex tan lines, bulging waistlines and any number of body hang-ups, there’s a plethora of designs worthy of investment.
The tan-line dispute
Often overlooked next to its skimpier sibling, the swimsuit receives bad press from sun-worshippers. But I have news for you. Eliminating tan tracks is hard work and not the sort
I care to contend with. Plus having to bare my midriff does not have the same appeal as it did, especially post-baby. Err on the side of caution and decent exposure with a bandeau one-piece. It will produce optimal results, smoothing and blending unsightly bulges while minimising tan lines.
A win-win situation.
Body beautiful
At present it is impossible to ignore the whole slew of bikini-body features. Thankfully innovative designs, such as colour blocking and strategic cut-outs, as well as body-sculpting fabrics such as neoprene are alleviating my fears (mainly of having to survive on crudités). That said, I’m a firm believer that if you feel comfortable in your swimwear you are likely to take the plunge more often, upping the number of lengths or water-aerobic classes so those pounds drop off by default!
Costume drama
The one-piece is no longer just a byword for practical. Yes, it serves a purpose. Swimming, obvs. But it also makes for a viable separate on dry land. Ever thought about wearing a cossie with a pair of high-waisted embroidered shorts? Or even diluting the sassiness of a mesh costume with a pair of silk joggers? Waterproof Lycra should read ‘festival uniform’ on Wikipedia.
Back cleavage
Conventional cleavage is overrated. What really sets pulses racing is the glimpse of a shoulder or a flash of backbone. Swerve plunging necklines and try a simple block-colour swimsuit in khaki or navy with a racing-back fastening or a sexy one-shoulder style against a bronzed torso. There’s a whole lotta love for the one-piece.
Photographer: David Newby
Styling: Lara Myall
Hair and make-up: Lan Nguyen-Grealis at Eighteen Management using Bumble and Bumble and Guerlain
Model: Lucinda at Milk
ArticleAs fashion throws us a lifeline, here's how to embrace the one-pieceSwimwearSwimming attire - in pictures
Swimming attire - in pictures
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1/6 Swimming attire
Bauble earrings, £18, Dose of Rose (doseofrose.com); leopard-print, one-shoulder swimsuit, £210, Adriana Degreas at Harrods (harrods.com); ballet pumps (slung over shoulder), £35.99, Zara (zara.com); sunglasses, £89, Terni Sun (specsavers.co.uk)
David Newby
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2/6 Swimming attire
Cap, £29, COS (cosstores.com); wrap bolt earrings, £485, Meadowlark (meadowlark jewellery.co.uk); swimming costume, £35, COS (cosstores.com); tortoiseshell glasses with blue arms, £125, Roxy (specsavers.co.uk)
David Newby
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3/6 Swimming attire
Drop earrings, £18, and cuff, £16, both Dose of Rose (doseofrose.com); Delta Noir arrow ring, £168, Mayayuen (mayayuen.com); bandeau colour- block swimsuit, £135, Zeus+Dione (zeusndione.com); Davina high-top trainers, £290, Jérôme Dreyfuss (jerome-dreyfuss.com); tortoiseshell Angelou frames, £89, (specsavers.co.uk).
David Newby
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4/6 Swimming attire
Earrings, £18, Dose of Rose (doseofrose.com); Sardinia swimsuit, £216, Prism (prismlondon.co.uk); zip-up track top, £135, Champion (asos.com); socks, £12.95, adidas (adidas.co.uk); trainers, £75, Clementine Henrion x Le Coq Sportif (lecoqsportif.co.uk); tortoiseshell sunglasses, £125, Twiggy for Aurora (specsavers.co.uk)
David Newby
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5/6 Swimming attire
Cap, £29, COS (cosstores.com); swimsuit, £240, Stella McCartney at Harvey Nichols (harveynichols.com); socks, £12.95, adidas (adidas.co.uk); striped trainers, £200, Filling Pieces (fillingpieces.com); pyramid ring, £110, gold-plated ring, £130, both Sally Lane (sallylane jewellery.com); tortoiseshell Athena frames, £69, (specsavers.co.uk)
David Newby
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6/6 Swimming attire
Striped neoprene swimsuit, £130, Duskii (duskii.com); socks, £12.95, adidas (adidas.co.uk); trainers, £75, Clementine Henrion x Le Coq Sportif (lecoqsportif.co.uk); sunglasses, £125, Love Moschino (specsavers.co.uk)
David Newby
Swimming attire is an uncomplicated affair this holiday season, but how to select a suit with splash appeal? Lara Myall embarks on a solo mission
One love: as fashion throws us a lifeline, here's how to embrace the one-pieceGalleryPublishedMedium width2Tuesday, August 2, 2016 - 16:47OnIn association withEnable video endboarddefaultSponsored