Apple Picking

For you apple shaped girls, who are a little rounder in the middle and have great legs, let's show off your legs and mask that bit of pudge. Here's how.

1. Look for suits that have a bit of embellishment at the neckline. Much like the pear shaped girls, you want to draw the eye up toward your face and away from the part of your body that makes you self-conscious. Some options here- light colored from an empire seam (which goes just under your breasts) up, and dark navy, deep violet, or black below.
2. Because you carry your weight around your waist, bikinis are likely not a good choice for you. Tankinis and 1 piece suits, however, are definitely your friends, so embrace all the choices. Brands like magic suit and Miraclesuit make swimwear with an inner control panel to help hold in your body, flatten your tummy and give you an overall smoother shape. These brands also tend to design their suits with your body type in mind, so they'll add more visual interest at the neckline and keep the lower half of the suit clean, dark, and simple- much more flattering for you.
3. You probably have great legs, so show them off! Details at the leg openings, like bows or a small ruffle, can draw attention to your legs and away from your middle, so they can help you in creating your perfect suit.
4. Patterns are ok, but only in the right way: Tiny patterns will appear visually as taking up more space, as they'll repeat often, so they're a no-no. Larger patterns are good, as are verticle or diagonal stripes. Horizontal stripes are only ok in narrow doses- you don't want to create one long horizontal line going right around your widest part, as the eye looks for lines it can follow. A dark solid suit with a deep, v-shaped inset at the chest or straight insets up the sides with patterning or stripes on them are great options.
5. A few things to avoid: itty bitty patterns. Look for a larger pattern as a smaller one will repeat too often across your belly, giving the illusion of more space. Light colors, shiny fabrics, and metallics will also expand the visual space, so be sure that these are only along the neckline. Chevron stripes (V and upside down V) and sheer cutouts can be very flattering also.
6. Get a tunic style cover-up so that you'll be able to wander the shoreline without feeling like you're putting on a bad show. Its loose fit will hide your tummy while the short hemline will show off your legs.

Below, a few suits that work well for the apple shaped woman:

This Betsey Johnson tankini slims with its black side panels, while adding visual interest with the scalloped pattern.

This Miraclesuit hits all the marks: V-neck, non-repetitive, medium sized pattern, surplice style, wide enough straps to offer support. It helps to define the waist and fram the face and decolletage.

This suit by Gottex is an expensive, but strong option. The light, detailed top adds visual interest with hardware, and the dark bottom doesn't hold the eye.

All suits available at www.nordstrom.com.