This month's high-street hottie
Body-baring bikinis may look beautiful on the likes of Halle Berry and Cameron Diaz, but if you'd prefer to wear something a little less revealing at the beach or pool, you'll be pleased to hear that swimsuits are well and truly back in vogue.
Gucci, Chanel and Matthew Williamson all showcased their own take on the super-glamorous swimming costume at the spring/summer shows - and many of our favourite celebrity glamour-pusses have been quick to embrace the look. Animal prints, cut-away sections and psychedelic swirls are all big news, but plain and simple blacks and bright colours look bang-on-trend too.
Penelope Cruz, Kate Moss and Celine Dion have all eschewed their usual bikinis in favour of the swimsuit. And Jim Carrey loved girlfriend Jenny McCarthy's little black costume so much, he even borrowed it to wear himself while posing for the paparazzi on Malibu beach.
Unsurprisingly, supermodel-turned-designer Caprice has added several swimsuits to her latest collection. If you want to up the glamour quota on the beach, opt for her animal print swimsuit with its plunging neckline (£26). And for those times when you'd prefer to keep your body under wraps, treat yourself to one of her gorgeous towelling cover-ups too. By Caprice swimwear is available from www.asos.com, www.figleaves.com and www.debenhams.com.
Alternatively, if you're worried about looking out of shape on the beach, you may want to splash your cash on one of Gray & Osbourn's Miraclesuits. The Waves swimsuit (£140; www.grayandosbourn.co.uk) features a cross-over front, side ruching and concealed underwired bra cups to help you look 10lbs lighter.
Other brands we love include Bravissimo's collection for larger breasted women (www.bravissimo.com); Maru's brand new Aqua Leisure range featuring removable cups and secret bust support (www.swimstop.co.uk); and good old Speedo's fabulous swimsuits to help you look the part at the pool (www.speedo.co.uk). Don't forget to dive in and enjoy yourself!
