We have an awesome guest post today from Laurie of LaurieBStyle!  As an image consultant, stylist and fab fashionista, Laurie shares her expertise and shows us how to look amazing on the beach this season… Enjoy!

What is it about swimsuit season that always makes us cringe?  Oh right… it’s the thought of having to face your self and your body in the mirror and put on an actual swimsuit.  As a stylist this is the most common issue my clients run into: finding confidence in their bodies.  But I also find that once we are educated in the best ways to fit and flatter our bodies, the possibilities are endless.  With springtime officially here and swimsuit season abound, it’s time face the mirror and say: “I’m going to look hot in my swimsuit!”  And here’s how you do it!

The first lesson in understanding how to work with you body shape is all about balance and proportion.  Right in the center of the spectrum is the hourglass shape.  This is where the hips and the shoulders are equal in their width and with a distinctive waist.  Keep in mind that an hourglass can be a size 4 and it can also be a size 14.  So let’s say you have a little more on the bottom.  Always think to the hourglass as your “most balanced shape” and do something to emphasize your shoulders.  Or if you have a little more on top, again go back to the hourglass reference and emphasize your hips.  If you have a little more around the middle, to create the hourglass you must emphasize your waistline.  And lastly if you are athletic shaped and more column like, you also want to define your waist by creating curves to help give off the look of the hourglass.  Remember it’s all about balance.

Let’s now break down the body shapes with the perfect suits:

Safari by Seafolly (perfect for hourglass body shapes)

Hourglass: Not only perfect for the hourglass body shape, but right on trend as well, this Seafolly bikini is a spring must have.  Being that the hourglass shape is the most balanced, a bikini that is medium in width is the way to go.  The Seafolly Safari doesn’t cover too much, nor cover too little.  It’s balanced in itself and is flattering to an hourglass.  Plus the sweetheart strapless bra gives a touch of femininity which is always a great thing to have when sporting your suit.

South Beach by L*SPACE (great combo for ladies with bigger busts)

A little more on top: With a little more on top, minimizing your bust and drawing the attention to your hips is the best rule of thumb to work with.  What’s fabulous and functional about the South Beach style by L Space is that with a tropical patterned bottom, the eyes go directly to your hip line.  You can also look for something that has thick ties on the side as well.  For the bust, stick to dark solid colors on your bust as well as wider straps.  The wider the strap, the smaller your shoulders look.

Mozambique by Vitamin A (perfect for ladies looking to de-emphasize your bottom)

Little more down below: Black is our best friend; it’s instantly slimming to the wider areas of our bodies.  With a little more down below, wearing a bikini with a black bottom and a contrast bold top is the perfect way to de-emphasize your hips and keep the attention up to your bust line.  The bold pattern of the Mozambique Bikini by Vitamin A not only draws the eyes up but the pattern itself gives the illusion of added width to your bust.  Want some extra umph? Go for a bikini with padding too.

Fringe Benefits White by L*SPACE (perfect for athletic shapes looking to create curves)

Athletic/column: The key to working with the column shape is to create curves for the body.  The monokini is the ultimate solution.  Creating a curvature at the waist, the monokini gives off the illusion of the hourglass.  I love this Fringe Benefits monokini. The fringe detail as well as the cut are both sexy and daring.  It’s the perfect suit to add some spice to your body and on the beach.

Let's Twist by Gottex Profile (perfect for minimizing your torso area)

Little more around the middle: Colorblocking is a huge trend for Spring 2012 and it is also a girl’s best friend.  With a little more around the middle we want to create the illusion of a waist.  This Let’s Twist style by Gottex Profile, not only minimizes the middle with the dark navy torso, but the hot pink band draws attention to the waist and the turquoise bust draws the eyes up and to your face.  A very stylish distraction, if I don’t say so myself.

So no matter what your body shape and insecurities are, treat yourself and go invest in a new suit this season.  Find something that makes you confident and radiant on the beach.  You’ll glow brighter than the sun if you feel good in your suit and in your skin.

Laurie Brucker is a certified Image Consultant and style expert based in Los Angeles.  Read more about her and see her work at http://www.lauriebstyle.com/