The Stress-Free Way To Buy A Swimsuit

By Lois Joy Johnson

Don't pay attention to all the media hype about how hard it is to buy and wear a swimsuit. It's a carefully crafted rumor that sells magazines and creates anxiety. After 40, certainly after 50, we all need to stop whining about swimsuits and use our experience and attitude to our advantage.

First, stop competing with unrealistic movie star images, models, and your best friend who lives at the gym and has had a tummy tuck. You have more important things to think about than flawless abs. Instead, start celebrating at how strong, healthy and confident-looking your body is. and stop focusing on your belly, cellulite, flabby inner thighs and droopy tush. We ALL have these four things to some degree whether we're a size 4 or 14.

Here's what to focus on instead: .

Make A One-Shoulder Piece Your First Choice A one-shoulder look is sexy as hell and camouflages a sun-damaged, crepe-y, wrinkly chest while showing off a shapely bosom under wraps. A one-shoulder suit (like a one-shoulder evening gown) creates an elongated lean-looking torso. The Magicsuit Prism Goddess One- Shoulder swimsuit ( $170, bloomingdales.com) is a modern abstract print and one shoulder styling make this a trendista choice for those who want more fashion.

Show Off A Great Bosom With A Halter Or Wide V Neck Be sure to choose styles that completely hold your breasts with no spillage at the sides and not too much cleavage crack or push-up. We don't want to look like aging porn stars! Skip any with cutouts at the sides and tricky keyhole necklines, too. This Lands' End Beach Living Floral V-neck Halter ( $70, landsend.com) ties at the neck for adjustable lift at the bust.

Suck It In If You Want, But Don't Give An Inch On Fashion Compression swimsuits designed to securely hold jiggles and smooth have improved vastly since they first appeared on the market over twenty years ago. They don't leave you feeling squeezed, stiff or unable to breathe anymore. You can actually do laps in the pool, chase your grandkids or flirt without feeling like everyone knows you're wearing a power suit. The Miraclesuit One-Piece Print Ruched Suit ($146, macys.com) has a black and white swirly print that will make die-hard fans of neutrals look hot and happy.

Go For Color This summer's swimsuit should show some indie spirit. Warm up your skin tone with a fresh makeup-like hue or a clear complementary color. Pinks, corals, reds, oranges, turquoise, violet and aqua add youthful energy. The Gottex Beach Goddess Surplice One-Piece ( $178, bloomingdales.com) has gorgeous turquoise color, a deep V neck, plus draping and ruching in all the right spots.

Make Like A Showgirl With Big Wedges Wear wedges instead of flat sandals to saunter to the snack stand or cabana. Congratulations you just added six inches to your legs and stretched your body. Lucky Brand Slides Havana Wedge ($ 89, bloomingdales.com) work with capris, too.

Add Statement Sunglasses Pull your hair back in a ponytail at the nape or a knot or wear it sleek behind your ears. Then add big sparkly hoops and statment sunglasses like Tory Burch Polarized Round Cat-Eyes ($149, nordstrom.com). They give us big smoky defined eyes and 100 % UV protection in two seconds.

About The Author

Lois Joy Johnson is a beauty and fashion blogger and the author of "The Makeup Wakeup," available at amazon.com.