Will you get into a swimsuit this summer? (2019 Swimsuit Edition)

Does being photographed (and sharing the photos) for the annual Styling You Swimsuit Edition get any easier? Yes and no.

No, because really getting around without much on brings to the surface ALL the body insecurities I’ve lived with since I was a kid.

Yes, because the older I get the fewer f$%ks I give. I’m alive. My body is not perfect and never will be.

So, why do I do it?

I do it because it makes me incredibly sad that women in this community (and beyond) will still sit on the sidelines this summer. They’ll still sit on the sand or beside the pool, sweating up a storm while their family and/or friends swim laps, catch waves or just float around embracing the joy that comes from being in water.

On the day of this shoot, I posted the key points of this annual sermon on my Insta Story. The DMs flowed in. Most were of the hear, hear variety but sadly, many were also of the inner critic variety.

“I hate my legs.”

“I need my tummy covered.”

“I don’t like the way my arms wobble.”

You guys. ENOUGH You are enough. Enough of the negative self chatter.

How much would you hate your legs if you suddenly you couldn’t walk?

How much would you hate your stomach if suddenly you could no longer digest food properly?

How much would you hate your arms if suddenly you didn’t have them to wrap them around somebody?

Tough love, I know but if I can get one more woman in the water this summer, then this blog post would have been worth it.

The Styling You Swimsuit Mantra

Every body is always beach and pool ready. You don’t need to lose 5 or 50kg. It’s about now.

Life’s too short to sit on the side of the pool or on the sand and not make a splash.

There is a swimsuit out there for you. Find it and wear it often.

Swimsuits for all

Like all the Swimsuit Editions that have come before it, I’ve tracked down and chosen a range of styles to feature, including bikinis, one-pieces, tankinis, sunsafe options and cover-ups. Not all might be your cup of tea but they might lead you down the path of checking out one or two of the independent labels I’ve featured here.

I’m wearing size 16 in all pieces unless otherwise indicated.

Not surprisingly Australia makes great swimwear. We’re largely a nation living on the coast and many of us spend a lot of time at the beach.

Bikinis

I love a bikini, especially for home when I don’t want to wrangle myself into a full piece for a quick 15 minute dip. At the beach, I’ll add a rashie and I love a bikini for the beach because it’s easy for going to the loo.

Curvy by Capriosca

This bikini is genius as the shelf-bra top flutters low and the high pants almost meet the top … so it’s practically a tankini! Curvy by Capriosca offers swimwear in sizes 14-26. Coming soon but similar HERE. 

Sea Level Australia

This “new to me” swimwear brand offers bikinis and one pieces in luxe fabrications that have been created to fit and flatter. Shop the top HERE and bottoms HERE. Sizes 8-18.

… add a fabulous cover up (love the tie detail of this design below – I’m in L).

Bohemian Traders

One of my fave clothing brands has released a fabulous new swimwear line. How cute is this chartreuse spot print? I’m in this top and these bottoms. Available in sizes XXS-4XL.

Tankini

Want the connivence of a bikini but the coverage of a one-piece? A tankini is here for you. 

Capriosca

How amazing is the rust colour of this Capriosca tankini? And the tiered ruffles flatter and float over the tummy and hips. A built-in shelf bra offers bust support. Available in sizes 10-22.

One-piece

A one-piece will always be a classic addition to your swimsuit wardrobe. It is always there for you. Yes, it might take a little more wrangling to go to the toilet but you’ll always feel put together.

Sunsoaked

The lace detail on this classic black racer back swimsuit sets it apart. It’s a little bit sexy but still a style you could wear for a swim in the surf. Available in sizes 10-16. Add this stunning animal print duster and you’ll skip the surf and go straight to the bar.

Sunsafe options

You know my thoughts about staying out the sun and only faking your tan? It’s the only way. Our sun is way too strong for messing around with. Thankfully being sunsafe doesn’t mean sacrificing style.

Shadeswim

Shadeswim got a special mention in the 2018 Swimsuit Edition and this year I’m featuring one of its leopard print designs which features the label’s special Smooth Firm Tighten (SFT) technology. I can confirm that the technology very much works, sucking you in, but not in an uncomfortable way. The shelf bra has bust support for A to G cups. The long zip at the back makes for easy access. Add a wrap and you’re good to go. Available in size 8-18. I’ve sized up to an 18 as suggested.

Ellenny Swim

Say hello to this year’s new kid-on-the-swimwear block. How amazing is this exclusive print in Ellenny’s first collection? There’s that animal print trend again but with a floral and paisley mash up. The one-piece includes tummy control mesh and a shelf bra suitable for busts up to F cup. Add a cute wrap (that would also double as a scarf for sun protection across the chest). Available in sizes 8-18. Special offer: enter NIKKITEN to save $10 off your order.

The long-sleeve rashie has a built in shelf bra too – so you don’t need to wear a bikini top underneath. And the mid-rise briefs are reversible! They’re deep blue on the reverse of this print. Available in sizes 8-18. Special offer: enter NIKKITEN to save $10 off your order.

So, tell me … is this the summer you make the decision to get in the water? What’s your swimsuit of choice?

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Photos: @thephotopitch | hair and makeup: @hairbeautyguru