One piece wonder

Fashion Friday by Evie Kemp

Here in New Zealand, summer is at its hottest and I figured those of you in the northern hemisphere are probably starting to dream of warmer days too, so I thought I'd share my picks for a great swimsuit. Or more specifically, a great one-piece.

There was a time, not so long ago, that the one-piece was banished from cool beach wear by its little sister Bikini, and resigned to swimming laps at the community pool. Now however, the one-piece is back looking great, and as someone who would rather swim through a million jellyfish than show my midriff, I'm very happy about it.I've tried to choose togs that could suit almost everyone and that make you look and feel good. There are a few obvious tricks that make a flattering swimsuit.

• Structure - this includes panels, possible tummy control, underwired or padded cups to keep everything in place.

• Boy leg shorts or a longer body that covers the very top of the thighs.

• Ruched detailing over the tummy area.

• and/or a belt to emphasis your figure. This is something you can make easily and cheaply to add to an existing one-piece to make it more Bond girl.

Links:

1 Birdie Togs NZ$140 handmade by Swanwear 2 Twist top padded bandeau swimsuit £30 from ASOS

3 Sailor swimsuit US$98 handmade by Fables by Barrie 4 Retro plaid swimsuit US$64 handmade by The Red Dolly 5 Lepel verona moulded suit with control panel £35 from ASOS 6 Navy vintage floral one piece £30 from Topshop

Nowhere is it truer than at the beach that if you are comfortable and feel good, you'll look good. So when you don't want to bear it all, cover up with a lightweight maxi dress, kaftan or pull on some loose shorts or culottes.

Just don't forget the sunscreen and the ice cream (the important bits!).