Style Guide

The love-hate thing with our bodies always bubbles up when we're buying a bathing suit, as we attempt to both camouflage and expose. But really, you have basically two choices: Either you let go, don a string bikini as the French do, and let it all hang out, or you let the swimsuit do a little work for you.

Overall as a nation we've gotten bigger and more bosomy (the average bra size is now 36 D according to Wacoal), so I am thrilled to tell you that swimwear designers are compensating with some amazing designs, more structure that doesn't give itself away and fool-the-eye details like shirring and ruffles and miniskirts.

I've done the pre-shop for you. Find yourself in the 7 profiles below and pick up a new suit online today.

IF YOU'RE...

GLAM: you bring attitude and jewelry to the beach, love a suit with a little bling (even if it costs more!) or sizzling color and always add big golden hoops, a stack of skinny bangles that glint in the sun, a sarong and metallic sandals.

Jantzen's turquoise necklace dip-dye one-piece ($168, victoriassecret.com)

Carmen Marc Valvo black embellished halter maillot with ruched cups, gold beaded neckline ($198, bloomingdales.com)

Miraclesuit red " Camilla" bandeau one-piece with center shirring, cascade ruffle and built-in bodyshaper ($140, saksfifthavenue)

SPORTY: The beach is your gym so swimsuits need to be functional enough for volleyball, a morning run at the shore, or swimming serious laps. You don't want a wardrobe malfunction so an activity proof bra, full coverage front and rear, quick dry fabrics matter. You coverup in sneakers, shorts and a tee.

Nike Fast Back Women's Tank Swimsuit in dip dye green with "tattoo" graphic ($74, nike.com )

LLBean Shape Solver Wrap Tank ($104.95, llbean.com)

CLASSIC: Your seasonal signatures are ruffles, pretty garden colors and pastels, a floppy straw, floral shift sundresses and ballet flats.

Miraclesuit "Sonatina" cherry pink one-piece with wide V neck and shirring ($128, DD cup; $132, nordstrom.com)

Kenneth Cole Reaction ruched halter and ruffled miniskirt swimkini ($50 top, $62 bottom, macys.com)

MINIMALIST: You'd go nude if you could since you can't stand suits that chafe, scratch or bind but you'll spring for soft matte fabrics and adjustable ties.

J.Crew solid keyhole tank ($74, jcrew.com)

Robin Piccone Classic Adjustable Tie Front Halter Bikini ($78 top, $58 bottom, bloomingdales.com)

BEACH BABE: You'll always wear bikinis but love the new cutouts that play hide and seek with your curves too. You wear wedge platform beach sandals for legginess and make mani-pedis a priority.

Jantzen Vamp Bandeau Bra and shirred mini bottom ($56 top, $60 bottom, macys.com) get it in red currant or boysenberry!

Charlotte Russe ring strap one-shoulder black monokini with cutout ($26.99, charlotterusse.com)

Trina Turk "Vivacious" bandeau bikini in swirly 60s print
($93 top, $85 bottom, both X-small to large )

FASHIONISTA: You look for the trendiest suits that scream style - this summer it's cascade ruffles, one shoulder suits you'll wear with your oversize sunglasses and an embellished tunic.

Kenneth Cole Ruffled Cutout One-Piece Swimsuit ($94, macys.com) comes in black and red

Anika Brazil one-shoulder swimsuit with colorful scarf tie and black body ($180, neimanmarcus.com)

Marc by Marc Jacobs kissing fish one-shoulder maillot ($142, bloomingdales.com)

BOHEMIAN: You wear beads and lucky charm amulets, and maybe an ankle bracelet. You like long tie-dye or batik print sarongs and wear a scarf instead of a beach hat.

Tommy Bahama " Stem" Bikini with underwire halter top and skirted hipster bottom ($96, 32 C to 38 D, $85 XS - L)

Juicy Couture Strapless Tie Dye Bandeau and Skirt Bikini ($85 top, $94 bottom, each petite to X-large)

Ella Moss brown crochet cutout suit with keyhole, beading, side cutouts ($131, neimanmarcus.com)