MODESTY, THE SWIMWEAR COVERUP (c) By Polly Guerin

Pin-Up glamour girl swimwear takes to the waves this summer, giving a new meaning to the word “modesty.” Yes, my dears, it’s time to cover up and the relatively chaste looks can make you feel like a Hollywood starlet. Forget the bikini, it’s out of style and welcome back the sexy one-piece bathing suit in all its glamorous incarnations. To most women this is welcome news. Think Ester Williams, the queen of water ballet or Betty Gable in their seductive yet covered up maillots.
STYLISH SWIMMING Thank goodness that the Victorian restrictions of the bathing costume of the 1860s gave way to practical, good-looking, form-fitting swimsuits that make figure curves the focal point of attention. Older women in the 45 plus range favor one-piece suits and young starlets are welcoming modesty as a new stand on femininity. Marc by Marc Jacobs ushered in a charming halter strap, low leg style while Chanel opted for a one strap bodysuit with side shirring. If you want more exposure seek out Land’s End, side drawstring bathing suit that lets you adjust the length of the swimsuit.
COORDINATING GLAMOUR When I was vacationing on the fashionable Riviera un France I was inspired by the way French women coordinate the entire swimwear experience. Pool or Oceanside glamour means coordinating a matching billowy sheer, shirt or terry dress in color or a jazzy print, and while you’re at it, strut your stuff wearing a wide-brimmed hat and matching sandals. It’s total fashion impact with a glamour pitch.
THE SHOPPING TERRORS Nothing strikes most women with more angst than shopping for a bathing suit. It can be an endless search for the right suit to hide tummies, or to find adequate coverage to hide hips or minimize derrieres. Try the vintage or thrift shops in your area for retro styles or shop the stores for new designer versions. Push up styles enhance the bosom, high hour-glass silhouettes seemingly shrink the waistline and bows and frills are perfectly 'girlie.'
NIGHTTIME GLAMOUR Glitter and gilded strapless or one-shoulder swimsuits add sparkle to evening parties, pool, surf or indoors. Just add a long black jersey skirt and your ready to party. I’ve even seen the same ploy used for a cocktail party, this time the wearer wore palazzo pants. Make a splash in a glam suit anytime the mood strikes you. Celebrate the “hourglass Look” and new modest YOU. Darling, you’ve never looked more glamorous!!!

Polly Guerin
http://www.pollytalk.com/