swimsuit myths and shopping tips

What's fact, what's fiction, and what's good to know when you're on the hunt for a suit.

4 Swimsuit Myths

MYTH: Never wear a white bathing suit
FACT: A white silt in a textured fabric with a thick nude lining will block any show-through

MYTH: The more coverage, the better
FACT: Extra fabric can emphasize the thing you want to hide. Boy shorts, for example, can squeeze and exaggerate excess flesh, whereas a string bikini adjusts to lay flat on the skin.

MYTH: Wear black to look slimmer
FACT: Navy, plum, brown, and dark green do the trick, too. Vertical and diagonal stripes and tiny prints can also make the body look leaner.

MYTH: With swimwear, buy the same size as you do in clothing
FACT: Swimsuits are typically sized smaller than clothes because they are meant to fit snugly. You may have to go up a size or two, especially with brands targeted to juniors, such as Roxy.


5 Things to do BEFORE You Hit the Stores

1. Apply self-tanner a day in advance to warm up winter skin. But don't try this on the day you plan to shop. The tanner will rub off on the fabric.

2. Check your closet for clues as to what already works on you. Love how you look in V-neck tops? Try halter cuts. Not a solid in sight? Focus on prints.

3. Wear a seamless thong )which won't show under swimsuits) and easy-to-remove clothing. A shift dress and slip-on flats allow for speedy changes.

4. Allot plenty of time to shop. You don't want to settle just because you're in a rush. Give yourself more than a lunch hour to browse and try on.

5. Drink a margarita!


6 Crucial Moves to Make When Trying on a Suit

• Lift your arms over your head. Does the top rise up?
• Bend over. Does the chest spill out the front?
• Lower your arms so they're at your sides. Are your breasts coming out of the sides of the suit?
• Relax your shoulders. Do the straps fall off?
• Sit crossed-legged. Does the bottom pop open or creep down in the back?
• Do a couple of lunges. Does the bottom ride up?

5 Ways to Protect Your Perfect Suit

• Hand wash the suit in cool water with Dreft or a soap made for swimsuits
• Clean the suit after every wearing, even if you didn't get wet, to remove sunscreen, sweat and body oils
• Gently roll the suit (don't wring it out) to get rid of excess water, then air-dry it away from direct sunlight
• Never wear the same suit two days in a row or it will stretch. Give the garment a 24-hour rest so the spandex has time to recover its shape.
• Avoid leaning on rough surface, like rocks, cement, or wood, to prevent snags. 

6 Winter Pieces Reinvented for Spring

The Chunky Sweater
While a cozy knit is a winter must, it's also an essential transition piece. When temps start to rise, copy Jamie Chung and partner it with a floral mini. Roll up the sleeves to ace that effortlessly stylish look.

KNITTED SWEATER + FLORAL MINI: To master print mixology, pair oversize prints, like this chunky-stripe H&M sweater ($35), with minute details like the florals on this J.Crew skirt ($98).

The Flannel Shirt
Traditionally, plaid is for casual fall-ready ensembles, but Olivia Palermo reworked hers for spring. Follow her lead and ground an otherwise too-formal skirt with a flannel top.

FLANNEL TOP + FRINGE SKIRT: To avoid a discordant look, make sure your top (R13, $395) and your skirt (Rage & Bone, $165) share similar shades.

The Turtleneck
Don't store your turtleneck away just yet. Follow Chloe Grace Moretz's lead and layer the cozy piece under your sleeveless springtime dress.

TURTLENECK + SLEEVELESS DRESS: For a more spring-appropriate look, ditch the black as much as you can. I turned to lighter shades for both the turtleneck (Zara, $37) and the dress (Shoshanna, $295).

Leather Pants
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley translated her love for leather bottoms from season to season, trading in her sweater for a breezy blouse (and worked in her favorite animal print along the way).

LEATHER PANTS + BLOUSE: For you leopard-print lovers, go for this Rebecca Taylor top ($265) and pair it with faux-leather, like these Zara pants ($50).

The Maxi Skirt
Miranda Kerr reinterpreted her dark maxi skirt for hotter climates by pairing it with a fun tie-dye tee--a clear, playful nod toward summertime fun.

TIE-DYE TEE + MAXI SKIRT: Look for maxis with a slit for ventilation and to show off your sexy legs. This Modern Citizen skirt ($49) has both. A laid-back tie-dye tee, like this Raquel Allegra top ($166) stops your look from bordering on scandalous.

The Leather Moto Jacket
Make the classic leather moto jacket work double time. Copy Olivia Munn and swap pants in favor for a printed midi when the sun's rays strike (bonus points if your jacket has color).

MOTO JACKET + STRIPED MIDI: To avoid overheating, leave the jacket (River Island, $110) unzipped and go for a strapless dress (Fashion Union, $31) underneath.

SPRING FASHION TRENDS 2014

6 SPRING TRENDS CELEBRITIES ARE WEARING NOW!

1. THE VARSITY JACKET
Get a running start on the athletic aesthetic with the varsity jacket (Coach, $1,098). Instead of committing to a full-on sport-inspired theme, layer it with a LBD, like Emma Roberts.

My Pick: Topshop, $50

2. WHITE SHIRTING
Nicole Richie traded her classic white button-down for one with unexpected detailing--in this case, a key-hole blouse. Do the same wit this French Connection top ($148).

My Pick: Mango, $90

3. PINK PANTS
Take inspiration from Diane Kruger who stepped out in the sweet shade. Try on the trend with Topshop skinnies ($65), then, half-tuck your top in like a street style pro.

My Pick: Gap, $70

4. THE FLIRTY SKIRT
Instead of the usual pleats, try a fit-and-flared skirt on for size (Le Fou by Wilfred, $60). Pair it with a casual tee or, for a more polished spin, a printed blouse like Olivia Palermo's.

My Pick: Tibi, $375

5. DRESSY SHORTS
Dressed-up shorts, like these checkered ones (Mango, $25) speak to a sophisticated side. Copy Nikki Reed and tailor the look for the workplace with a pair in a conservative black and white print.

My Pick: Oscar de la Renta, $690

6. BEJEWELED TEES
Add some flair to your wardrobe with amped-up tees. This one by Rebecca Taylor ($195) achieves the right amount of glam. Take a cue from Jaime King and pair it with distressed jeans.

My Pick: Mother of Pearl (asos.com), $325

ORANGE IS THE NEW BLACK

I doubt the creators behind the addictive new Netflix series, Orange Is the New Black, realized they were predicting a major color moment when they dreamed up the show's title. But they sure did--as the fiery hue has been spotted all over the spring 2014 ready-to-wear shows, making its way from the season's It lip to its clothing, bags, and shoes.

Christian Siriano

DKNY

DKNY

Monique Lhuillier

Zac Posen

How to Wear Jeans to Work

GO MONOCHROMATIC
If basic blues feel too casual, try monochromatic. An all-black look (like Frieda Pinto's) is easy to pull off while an all white ensemble (like Miranda Kerr's) will convey softness. For added oomph in either option, play with mixed textures and materials.

ADD "WOW"-ACCESSORIES
Embrace denim'm natural simplicity and wear your jeans as a blank canvas a la Nikki Reed and Reese Witherspoon. Pair your blues with a clean-cut neutral top that gets dressed up with anything-but-basic accessories.

GET A BOYFRIEND BLAZER
Before you slip on a pair of weekday jeans, consider your workplace and what is appropriate--if you are a banker or a lawyer, you might be limited to twill trousers even on a Casual Friday! But if you work in a more casual profession, try upgrading a sleek pair of jeans with a structured blazer. For a classic look, pair a navy blue jacket (like Emma Stone's number) with dark denim or a bright yellow design (like Emily Van Camp's) with a lighter or acid-washed pair. Think suit and match light colors with light and dark with dark.

EMBRACE SEQUINS
A bit of shimmer is an instant outfit upgrade. If you're a risk-taker (and your office is fashion-forward), try a bolder sequined piece, like Olivia Palermo's eye popping blazer. For a more understated look, try a shimmery top a la Carrie Underwood.

THROW ON A CARDIGAN
Printed sweaters lend charm to a pair of jeans. Look for crafty details that will dress up denim, like Miley Cyrus's semi-sheer style or Emma Roberts's bold zig-zag print.

BUY A SILK BLOUSE
A sweet silk blouse will give your jeans a feminine feel--look for tops with pretty patterns or intricate necklines. If your workplace is more formal, skip distressed denim and go for a crisp pair of dark-wash jeans like Rose Byrne's and Jessica Biel's.

TRY A LITTLE LEATHER JACKET
A cropped leather jacket gives a jeans-and-a-T-shirt look a luxurious spin. Just skip the heavy motorcycle jacket in favor of a cropped fit, like Pippa Middleton's quilted look and Nicole Richie's simple accessories like a great pair of heels and a fun bag.

LOOK FOR A CHIC BUTTON-DOWN
A crisp button-down shirt is a no-fail piece for the office. For a streamlined appearance, tuck a light-hued blouse into matching skinny jeans like Zoe Saldana, then take it to the next level with chic booties and bold eyeglasses. Or, if your workplace is more laid-back, try a simpler version, like Taylor Swift, and add a pop of color with burgundy flats.

The 10 Most Wearable Spring 2014 Fashion Trends Straight Off the Runway!

Spring 2014 Fashion Weeks have inspired me to start planning my outfits for this spring. Here are the 10 most wearable fashion trends to try!

1. Pretty Pastels: A rainbow of soft springtime shades reigned throughout the collections. The best thing about the pastel trend? You can pick your most-flattering color and wear it with whatever silhouette flatters (and excites) you. From a minty-green board shorts suit to a sexy-CEO lilac dress to sporty baby blue bombers, they sky's the limit on how pastel-happy you want to get.

Shown: Jason Wu, Prabal Gurung, Rebecca Taylor

2. Boxy, Cropped (Non-Moto) Jackets: Yes, your fall wardrobe-staple moto jacket will still serve you well in the spring, but think about adding one of these non-moto jackets to your layering arsenal. The boxy, cropped silhouette can come in a plethora of prints and textures to pair easily with a fit-and-flare or body-con dress, tailored trousers, office-ready skirts, and (of course) your go-to jeans. A girl can never have too many jackets.

Shown: BCBG Max Azria, Rebecca Minkoff, Thakoon

3. Contrast-Collar Button-Downs: The crisp, menswear-inspired dress shirt enjoys a makeover with inventively cool, contrasting color and/or textured collars and cuffs. This elevated wardrobe essential is perfect for sneakily kicking up your work outfit (just make sure to button up all the way!).

Shown: Alexander Wang, Costello Tagliapietra, Altuzarra

4. Wide-Leg Trousers: East to wear and ultra-chic, billowy wide-leg trousers made a huge showing on the spring runways. I know what you're thinking…..and, no, this trend isn't just for six-foot-tall supermodels, I swear! Just look for a pair that's leaner on the flare and higher-waisted to elongate your frame.

Shown: BCBG Max Azria, Trina Turk, Rosie Assoulin

5. Cool Bomber Jackets: The sporty layering pieces get edgier for spring with adventurously colorful prints, luxe textures and fabrics, and sporty-cool detailing--like mesh weaving and perforations. Like its cousin the moto jacket, the bomber is ultra versatile to temper the girlies of a dress or complement the athletic chicness of dressy shorts.

Shown: Marc by Marc Jacobs, Milly, Tracy Reese

6. Tea-Length Skirts: While the miniskirt may be the ultimate transition piece, the tea-length--between midi and maxi (yes, it's starting to get that specific)--if it for spring. The ladylike hemming can be just as modern as a mini; pair it with a cropped top to offset the length (and make you look taller!). Of course, you could also get the look with a breezy tea-length dress, but keep it modern and sexy by baring some arm (and maybe a little shoulder).

Shown: Christian Siriano, Alice + Olivia, Proenza Schouler

7. Sweater Dressing: Along with the not-going-anywhere crop top, spring knits make for this season's staple separate. Whether it's bold printed or inventively cut, the seasonal sweater is an easy-chic piece to pair with tailored pants, flirty skirts, and blousy shorts--or just throw on over a light dress.

Shown: Trina Turk, Altuzarra, Mara Hoffman

8. Tuxedo-Meets-Athletic-Striped Trousers: The athletic stripe smartens up with tuxedo detailing on these sporty-meets-sophisticated tailored trousers. It's really all in the styling. To keep the look modern but refined, opt for a streamlined silhouette in unexpected white (black is so traditional) and pair the pants with a casual non-button-down top. Or take inspiration from Costello Taglipietra's "reverse tuxedo," with striping that runs along the inseam instead.

Shown: J.Crew, Costello Taglipietra, BLK DNM

9. The Shift Blouse: Almost like a dressy version of a T-shirt, the shift blouse is easy (but so much more sophisticated!). The near-elbow-length sleeve and boxy silhouette keep the look flattering and versatile. Have some fun with extra details, like exciting prints, luxurious textures, and varying necklines.

Shown: Cynthia Rowley, Clover Canyon, Calvin Klein

10. Collarless Coats: Another strong spring layering piece: the long, streamlined coat, minus the collar or lapel. You could always go safe with a neutral or solid color, but take a risk with fun prints or embellished denim. The piece that works with dressy trousers or a pencil skirt for the office, or spring leather pants or a body-con dress for a date-night outfit idea.

Shown: J.Crew, Rachel Zoe, Clover Canyon