I reject the notion that a bikini body should be anything other than your regular body, with a bikini on it.  That being said, my new job has upped my weekly McDonald’s consumption by like 350%.  So none of my bikinis currently fit.

Hey, weight gain happens.

This weekend, we’re headed to the pool with some friends, so I decided to use this opportunity to buy a one-piece swimsuit.  I’ve tried a lot of them over the past two years–and while some were gorgeous on–I don’t enjoy feeling like I’m actively trying to cover up my body.  It actually makes me feel worse about myself than when I’m showing off the few extra inches that came with law school, in a two-piece.

So I decided to see if there was a happy medium between bikini and having a bit more coverage in the midsection.  And lo and behold, I found a pool outfit that’s cool, sexy and just enough coverage.

This Marysia Monokini ($237) costs more than I would typically spend on a suit.  But I had a gift card I wasn’t using, and this seemed a good way to spend it.  I loved the color, the scalloped edge, and the high neck.  It should give me just the right balance of coverage and skin.

If you want a similarly sexy suit for less, I loved the print on this side-cutout suit and the drape-neck on this one-piece from BarIII.  If you love the scallops, this hot pink one-piece form Warehouse and this coral River Island tankini set.  Boohoo also makes a plus-size bikini with scalloped edges.

I love Mara Hoffman‘s gorgeous prints and designs, but they are SO expensive.  That’s why I was so thrilled to find this gorgeous sarong on Amazon for $70.  I think the soft pastels will work so well with the pink suit.  I’m probably overly excited about this deal, but I don’t care.

Add to this outfit a pair of matte gold Raybans, a straw tote and some gold flip flops, and I am business to be the most put-together lady on the pooldeck.

[image found here]