The 2025 Styling You Annual Swimsuit Edition is here. If you’re new, my annual campaign which started in 2013 is at the core of everything I subscribe to on my social media platforms and in my business. I simply want to see more woman of all ages, shapes, sizes, colour and abilities wearing fashion so that more women can visualise themselves in clothes and, in this case, swimwear. I curate my social media feed by following a diverse range of women and I suggest you do too. There absolutely isn’t just one standard of beauty and the more you intentionally celebrate that, the more you are less likely to dial into your own inner critic.
And, boy oh boy, that inner critic can be VERY loud, particularly when it comes to putting on a swimsuit. There’s a definite and understandable vulnerability that comes from being as near to naked as legally allowed when stepping outside the house. Over many years, I’ve done the internal work to be ok with being at the beach or swimming publicly in a pool. And at 58, it honestly helps that the older I get I give less f&$ks about what anyone thinks about how I look. They’re not looking anyway!
But don’t be fooled by the photos and videos of me in swimsuits on social media each summer. There is greater level of self empathy required to silence my inner critic when I’m editing photos and creating videos of me in swimsuits for for a brand campaign. I “see” everything. I “see” things no-one else would see. And I “see” all the negative things I’ve ever been told about my body.
When you’ve had a lifetime of these thoughts swirling around your head, you’re kidding yourself that you can switch them off. Like Bec (@ilovethatskirt) says below, the inner critic is as loud at any size. That’s certainly been my experience. Since the first Styling You Annual Swimsuit Edition until now my swimsuit size has ranged from size 12-16. Feeling good in a swimsuit has never been about my size. It’s been about what that swimsuit allows me to do.
I’m happiest near and in water. Always have been. It’s calming for me. It’s nostalgic. It’s cooling over a long hot summer. I made the decision a very long time ago to not sit on the sand or by the side of the pool and miss out on all the things I love about swimming just because I might not be happy with my body.
As Jas (@prettychuffed) sadly reminds us below, life really is too short. We don’t know what tomorrow, next week or next year will bring. Is missing out on another summer getting wet because you don’t like how you feel in a swimsuit worth it? Not for me.
Take inspiration and confidence from the women below. Read their messages. Follow them on Instagram. Check out the swimsuits they’re wearing and their reasons why. It just might be the gentle coaxing you need to make a splash this summer.
[Please note: each of the content creators included below submitted their own photo and decided which swimsuit they wanted to share with you. I didn’t have a say in their choice. I wanted their choice to reflect who they are and what they need their swimsuits to do for them.]

Wearing Une Piece

Wearing Contessa Volpi

Wearing Sunseeker

Wearing Sea Level from Swimwear Galore
Read what the these content creators have to say

Emelia Morris @emeliamorrisstylist
I really love the asymmetrical neckline with this swimsuit style, it feels really interesting. What I love most about it, is how versatile it is. I can pair it with high waisted linen pants or a skirt etc, and works so effortlessly into my everyday/resort wardrobe. I’m all for swimwear that works hard for me and also helps me feel comfortable, confident, and myself. And as a self-confessed chocolate brown lover, the Mocha colourway is also absolutely divine.
There was a time when I held myself back from wearing swimmers. I skipped beach and pools days and moments I wish I’d been part of because I didn’t feel comfortable in my own skin. Looking back, I realise how many enjoyable moments I missed, not because I didn’t want to be there, but because I didn’t feel ready to wear swimmers in public. I don’t want any woman to feel she has to miss out like that. You deserve to enjoy the season exactly as you are. Most people are focused on making their own memories, not watching what anyone else is doing. If being in the water or on the beach brings, for example brings you joy, you’re allowed to claim that joy, no conditions, no waiting. Step in, have fun, and let yourself be part of the moment.

Emelia wears Bondi Born
Kirsten Smith @kirstenandco
I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve stopped myself from getting in the water over the years because I lacked the confidence to walk from my towel to the beach/pool in my togs. But now, at 52, I know that life is short and we are all worthy of living a big full life, which absolutely includes making fun summer memories. It’s so freeing to get in your togs and in the water without giving what anyone else thinks another thought. Give it a go this summer and I promise you won’t regret it!

Kirsten wears Jantzen
Jasmine Hunt @prettychuffed
This is my favourite style of swimsuit, it feels amazing on, is sunscreen, chlorine and pilling resistant and will be perfect for Christmas Day! I also love the bows are removable so I can take them off if I’m wearing the suit under a dress etc. It’s so comfortable too.
One thing that has become even more apparent to me this year after losing my precious mum is that life really is too short. The time you waste worrying about getting into a swimsuit or getting “beach ready” is just that – a waste of time. NO ONE thinks about your body size, your shape or how you look in a swimsuit. After you are gone they will miss your warm hugs and they will miss the time you spent having fun with them in the pool and at the beach. Get in there and make memories x

Jasmine wears Une Piece
Dominique Jolee @dominique.jolee
I get it. Maybe you’re thinking, “I’m not ready. I don’t feel right. I’ll wait until I do.” But here’s what I want you to hear: You don’t have to wait. You don’t need to earn the right to make waves. This summer isn’t about perfect bodies or the “ideal” moment. It’s about you showing up for yourself.

Dominique wears Active Truth
Kate Cooper @itskatejanmaree
You’ll only ever regret the things you didn’t do. Don’t regret summer. Don’t miss out on the joy, don’t miss out on the memory making. Find a swimsuit that makes you feel good, that makes you feel comfortable, that feels like you and focus on the moments, cause that’s where the magic is.


Kate-Jan wears Une Piece
Bec Nolan @ilovethatskirt
I have been many different sizes in swimwear over the years and no matter the size I have had insecurities while wearing swimwear. We are only human after all! But what I will say is that I have never regretted a day on the beach or in the pool with friends and family. Throw on the swimmers, get in the water and make some memories!

Bec wears Baku
Jo Bartley @icurvy
I love that this bikini makes me feel like everybody else, which is something I never got to experience growing up. As a plus-size teen, and even as a kid, bikinis just weren’t available in my size, and I always felt out of place. I’d be the one hiding in an oversized t-shirt, trying to make myself invisible, and somehow feeling even bigger and more conspicuous because of it.
I promise you that people are not paying nearly as much attention as you fear they are. Most of us are too busy living our own lives to scrutinise anyone else’s body. And if someone is judging, that is a reflection of their own insecurities, not a truth about you. Other people’s opinions are not your business. Your joy is. Life is too short to sit on the sidelines because of fear. Wear the swimsuit. Make the memory. Get in the water. You deserve to experience summer in your body exactly as it is today.

Jo wears Une Piece
Maddy Zanatta @maddyzanatta
I love that this swimsuit is the perfect mix of modest and sexy. The round neckline and lower scoop back give just enough while still letting me run around with my kids. The ribbed fabric is super comfy but structured enough to keep everything supported so I’m not fussing with it. It’s one of those suits that just feels good the second you put it on and I even wear it as a bodysuit.
The size of your body has never determined your worth and it definitely shouldn’t decide whether you get to feel the sun on your skin or jump into the ocean with your kids, your friends, or whoever makes you feel alive. The memories you’ll make splashing, laughing, and just existing will always matter more than what you think anyone might be looking at.


Maddy wears Saint Somebody
Sonia Koroma @sonish_space
I love the style of this swimsuit and the way it hugs my body and curves. It makes me feel confident and feminine.
Life is happening right now. You only get one lifetime, one moment, and no experience is ever the same. So don’t let self-doubt about your body steal any of it. If wearing a swimsuit is part of your joy, please wear it. You are more than ready to show up, feel the sun, and make that splash.

Sonia wears Une Piece
Karen Suzanne @karen_suzanne_
I’ve loved Une Piece swimsuits ever since I tried my first one years ago. The fit is amazing—especially the square neckline, which is my favourite because it holds everything up and in place. The fabric has just the right amount of support, the leg isn’t cut too high, and the higher back gives me the perfect level of comfort. The red on this suit is so vibrant; it makes me feel happy and confident every time I wear it—exactly how you want to feel in your swimmers.
My advice for getting out there in a swimsuit this summer is simple: just go for it. If we wait until we have the “perfect” body, we’ll never do it—perfection doesn’t exist. Sometimes I think we need to think more like kids; they don’t care what they’re wearing, they just want to swim, splash around, and have fun. It’s so easy to sit on the sidelines and watch everyone else enjoy themselves, but life is far too short not to join in with the people we love. This summer, I’m definitely getting out there and making memories with my family and friends.

If you’re waiting to feel ready, you’ll miss the whole summer. Invest in a great swimsuit that makes you feel supported (engineering wizardry optional), and makes you feel comfortable. Just remember, no one at the beach is analysing your body, we’re all too worried about our own wedgie situation. Life’s too short to sit on the sidelines. Make the splash now, the confidence will come later. I promise.

Stacey wears Une Piece

Stacey wears Une Piece
Styling You Annual Swimsuit Edition archive
Styling You Swimsuit Edition 2022
Styling You Swimsuit Edition 2021
Styling You Swimsuit Edition 2020
Styling You Swimsuit Edition 2019
Styling You Swimsuit Edition 2018
Styling You Swimsuit Edition 2017
Styling You Swimsuit Edition 2016
Styling You Swimsuit Edition 2015


Comments 6
This is a fabulous post as your annual swimsuit post always is Nikki,but this year it hits a little more close to my heart.
I love all the cossies and the messages from each of the women.We should be grateful we can swim and enjoy the water,none of us know how many more summers we have left.Thank you xo
Author
Oh Lisa, I’m so sorry. I hope you’re ok. Sending you love.
I totally love all the advice from these beautiful women – yes let’s get our togs on and get into that water xx
Author
Absolutely Michelle! Such beautiful messages from this group of women.
My fave annual post! Thank you Nikki for championing happiness at every size! And we’re happiest in the water
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Oh Christina! Thanks for clicking through to my old blog HAH. Yes to being in water I say.