The unofficial start of summer means that pools across the country are opening and beach trips are on the horizon, and that means swimwear. And the older you get, the tougher it can be to find the right suit.

Hi Abra,

Can you help me find a one-piece swimsuit that isn’t matronly?  I’m 46 with two boys, and the oldest Mom at the pool by a decade.  I need something that minimizes the pooch and (maybe) lifts.  Any suggestions for a swimsuit that feels good?  (Please no skirts.)

Daria

Growing up in the 1990s, I was taught to be painfully critical of my body.  No matter how it looked, there was always something that could be changed or improved.  Aging with a mind trained to see every flaw can be difficult, but after decades of messages about body acceptance, I mostly succeed at not caring about how my body has changed.  

That is until I sit on a pool lounger next to a woman who is nearly half my age.

Luckily, I’ve discovered a way to improve how I feel in swimwear.  First, I find a swimsuit that makes the body that I have now look its best.  Then, I style the hell out of it — bags, hats, sandals, sunglasses, cover-ups, all of it.  The goal is to be the best dressed woman at the pool.  Here are some sample outfits.

One. Emerson Frye Caftan // Good American One Piece // Old Navy Straw Bag // Target Sandals // Ray Ban Sunglasses 

This first look is meant to be bright and fun.  I own a similar suit, and I find the bright color really makes everything feel more fun.  This one from Good American is fully lined and designed to flatter.  Kohl’s has a similar suit for <$50.  J.Crew offers a similar color in their underwire suit if you need support.  Victoria’s Secret also has this color in a v-neck with a ruched bodice.

I recently splurged on the Emerson Frye caftan.  The caftans are really a great option if you want to be at the pool but covered up enough to visit a restaurant or go shopping after.  If you are looking for an under-$100 option, this one from Saachi and this one from Free People are worth your time.

Also, I love this Old Navy bag for summer.  It’s an easy, affordable look.

Two. Summersalt Swimsuit // Summersalt Shorts // Bogg Bag // Keds Sneakers // Aviators 

For a sporty, casual look, I love these swim shorts from the LL Bean x Summersalt collection.  Shorts offer a little more coverage and break up the look of a suit to emphasize the waist and minimize the middle.  I will probably end up buying this look myself.  

Land’s End and Title Nine both make swim shorts a myriad of different colors and styles.  Add them to an add existing suit to boost the look.

The accessories for this one keep it casual with the Bogg Bag (which stands up on its own to keep things dry), the Keds and the aviators.  I would wear my hair up, and maybe add a ball cap.

Three. H&M One Shoulder Swim // Printed Pareo // Raffia Sandals // Hoop Earrings // Cat-Eye Sunglasses

This look is a bit more glamorous than the other ones.  I love the pareo for being covered, but not too covered.  Add in a great earring, in a lower price point so you don’t have to worry about losing them, and a fun sandal to complete the look.  I would also probably add a wide brim hat.

Also, this look requires red nail polish.  I don’t make the rules.  I just enforce them.

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