With summer right around the corner, us ladies need to face the inevitable upcoming swimsuit occasions. I’ll be the first one to admit that I don’t always feel 100% confident in my bikini! So after finding that I was giving myself advice about how to feel better in my swimsuit, I figured that I’d share these tips with you all as well.
1. Sunless Tanner.
I think I’ve made it no secret that I’m not a fan or supporter of tanning salons. While I do think that tanning in the natural sun is fine in moderation, we all want to make our grand beach appearance with at least some color, right? Because, well, we all know that a little color can cover a multitude of sins. That’s where sunless tanner comes in. I KNOW that they’ve gotten a bad rep in the past, but believe me when I say that sunless tanners have come a long way. If you’re looking for a subtle, gradual color, go with Jergen’s Natural Glow (which, I use at least every other day). If you want one with more instant effects, I 100% suggest St. Tropez. It’s a bit on the pricey side, but SO worth it! For more info check out St. Tropez’ website.
2. Strength Train.
Many people (especially us ladies) seem to think that cardio is key when it comes to losing fat and looking better in our bikinis. Au contraire, my friends! Strength training not only builds muscle, but in turn that muscle will help you burn fat in the long run (more muscle = increased metabolism). You may think that you want to lose a few pounds to feel comfortable in a bikini, but I think you’ll be surprised to see what a little strength training can do. Once you see the tightening and firming effects of strength training - you’ll never go back! Check out Spark People’s top 10 reasons you should incorporate strength training.
3. De-bloat.
Let me begin by saying that I am NOT promoting any sort of diet or unhealthy means of “losing weight” right now. All I’m saying is that there are certain foods that you might want to avoid or add into your diet if you want to look/feel a little less “puffy” in your swimsuit. To put it simply, the things that lead to bloat are generally “gassy” foods (broccoli, cabbage, beans, etc.), foods with lots of sodium or added salt, and carbonated drinks. Instead, the best way to decrease water retention is to drink more water. It sounds contradictory, but trust me on that one. Tea also helps with reducing water retention (but don’t drink too much or you could get dehydrated!). Foods like watermelon, pineapple, asparagus, lean protein, etc. will aid in reducing bloat as well. Look, I’m not saying that you have to look skinny to be in a swimsuit. But why not at least try to feel your best and do so in a healthy manner? I don’t know about you, but I feel better when I’m not on the puffy side.
4. Pick a Classy Swimsuit.
What do I mean by classy? Well first of all, avoid bathing suits that are too skimpy. Even you have Gisele Bundchen’s body, choosing classy over trashy is always hotter in my book. Secondly, choose a classic, feminine, timeless swimsuit. I’m not saying to pick a suit that your grandmother would wear (even though she’s a fox too), but go with a style that is simple yet flattering. I’m sorry, but a bikini covered in skull-and-bones is not a good look for anyone. Instead, choose solid colors or simple, pretty patterns. Oh, and DO mix and match tops & bottoms. That not only makes you stand out, but you can get more bang for your buck out of your swimsuits.
5. Choose a Suit that Fits.
Look, even if you choose to wear the skull-and-bones bikini, please, PLEASE at least get a size that fits you. No one wants to see things popping out that shouldn’t be. And the saggy-butt look isn’t cute either. Excuse my bluntness, but some of you might just need to hear this! The swimsuit that is the most flattering is the one that fits you perfectly.
6. Be Willing To Spend A Pretty Penny.
With #5 being said, I KNOW how hard it is to find that perfectly fitting, flattering swimsuit. If you can find that perfect suit for a decent price, by all means go for it! But generally it’s the more expensive suits that are of better quality and will be the most flattering. Look, it’s better to have one flattering, gorgeous swimsuit than a dozen not-so-hot ones. This may be a tough one to swallow, but the perfect swimsuit is PRICELESS!
7. Flaunt it.
Yeah, I said it! When looking for your perfect swim suit, find one that accentuates your best assets. That may be your legs, your washboard abs, your collarbones, etc. We ALL have something to flaunt. If you don’t know what yours is, ask a friend! They won’t be afraid to tell you to flaunt that J.Lo booty of yours.
8. Accessorize.
I love love LOVE accessories all day, e’ery day. This isn’t a *must* (especially if you’re planning on swimming, obviously) but it will definitely help if you’re looking to feel a little more sassy. Accessories can really help take you from the Plain-Jane look to va-va-voom! Some examples: sunglasses, feminine sandals, a flowy cover-up, earthy jewelry, etc. I will, however, suggest that you don’t wear your best pieces at the beach/pool. I don’t want you to lose your diamond earring and blame me! 
9. Big and Messy Hair.
You’re probably thinking, whaaaat? I’ll be honest in saying that this is just personal preference, but I love the look of big, messy, beach hair. Take the opportunity to stay away from the blow-dryer and straightener, and let your hair do its thang! There are also hair sprays/mousses out there that will give you some help when it comes to getting that beachy wave. I’m telling you - crazy beach hair is the perfect way to compliment your hot bikini bod 
10. Be CONFIDENT.
Ladies, this is the NUMBER ONE way to feel comfortable in your swimsuit this summer. It’s easy to be insecure stepping out wearing next-to-nothing in front of other people. Trust me, I get it. But I think that deep down inside, every girl has the ability to WORK IT. Whatever your shape, size, height, astrological sign…be PROUD of who you are and how downright gorge you are! Because here’s the thing, lovebugs: when you’re confident, people will not be able to get their eyes off of you. But even more importantly, YOU will feel your absolute best. Beauty really DOES come from the inside out. And numbers 1-9? The whole point behind those is to get you to number 10 - to make you look and feel more confident. Bottom line: if anyone looks good in a bikini…it’s YOU!
I hope you all find those tips to be helpful, and feel free to add to that list if you’d like. As for me - I’m spending the night watching Vampire Diaries and catching up on your lovely blogs. Have a great night, boos! xoxo G
- What is your favorite tip?
- How much time do you spend at the beach or pool during the summer?
NUMBER 7 is my fav!!! ahahahha!! YES!!!!!
you are so awesome!!! LOVE BARNEY BUTTA!! that makes me sooo happy! it will be the best OIAJ EVA!!
I love these tips to a bikini body, especially the ones that involve buying cute suits and accessories! What part of the shore do you go to? My husband’s family has a house in Mantoloking.
Numbers 5 and 6, pho sho!!!! Sooooo true
I want to come play at the Jersey Shore!!
What if you have big and messy hair 24/7/365?? I know someone who does. Ahem.
Ahh the Jersey Shore! I miss the days of hearing everyone talk about going down the shore. And I gotta admit, I flipping love “Jersey Shore” on MTV. It’s definitely not ALL like that, but it can GET like that, knowI’msayin’?
Enjoy your weekend!!!
Those crab cakes look phenom! Yum!
Thanks for the sunless tanner tips…The last time I bought sunless tanner was in like, 7th grade, and let’s just say, it turned me a color that is not seen in nature! I haven’t bought the stuff since, but I’ve been eyeing it in stores recently and trying to muster up the nerve to give it another try.
Enjoy your time at the beach! I’m jealous!
I love diners!! I like the food and the atmosphere. Not to mention the fact that a lot of diners have a lot of character.
(In response to a comment you left me last week- you said it perfectly! It’s so unfortunate that tend to feel like we’re failing! I don’t know about you, but I am personally having a very hard time not comparing myself to my friends and feeling behind when I see them taking action to work towards goals and plans that they seem so confident about. We should really be more kind to ourselves and recognize that it’s okay to slow down and figure things out. We’ll get through this- hang in there!)
Have a great time at the shore!
Ahh I LOVE big and messy hair while wearing bikinis! You’re right, it just gives it a more natural beachy look. My hair is actually board straight, but it holds a curl really good. So the night before I’ll braid my hair wet in pig tails and sleep in it. Then I wake up the next morning, take it out and throw my head over and spray some hair spray in it, and it’s a wavy tousled mess!
I never, ever go tanning. But I might have to try the sunless tanners you recommended for my bridal shower/wedding!
I spend my summers at the jersey shore too and yeah, nothing like the TV show!! Great tips…enjoy your weekend!
I love this post about the hot bikini bod tips! They are very true. I love me some sunless tanner. And strength training all the way! Love the post
I am going to read more…
LOOOVE the tips!!! Beach hair is the best! So easy but so sexy! And I agree about finding a bathing suit that FITS!!! So simple, but so important!
Mmmm I lurve a good crab cake that is full of actual crab!
We usually go down to the beach for about a week every summer. LOVE IT!
Have fun love!
Lovin’ #10.
I wish I could find Barney Butter…I can’t find it ANYWHERE here.
great tips! if you got it flaunt it
my mom always says that when i act modest. and protecting skin is definitely important!!
I like #10-its all about being happy with what you’ve got and holding your head up high! Fun post!
Hi! I am a new reader to your blog and I am loving it so far!
I think I recognize those diner plates in your picture! I also go to the shore a lot over the summer, and we always stop at this diner, one of my favorites. (Well, if I correctly recognized the plates!)
The Jersey Shore I know is nothing like “The Jersey Shore.” Where do you go? We have a house in Ocean City!
Loving the tips, #4 especially…I hate seeing girls in the trashiest suits!! Enjoy your weekend at the shore love!!
Your list is PERFECT! I agree that it is necessary to have a higher quality suit that fits well to really feel good. I have wanted to get some of the ST. Tropez tanner for a few years now and never bite the bullet to order it. I may have to this year. I do use Jergens Natural Glow and L’Oreal Sublime if I want instant color, but I have always heard amazing things about St. Tropez.
PS - Mixing tops & bottoms. That’s how I roll too.
flaunt the goodies!! sadly I am not so gifted up to, but down on the bottom, I guess thats my good side
I love the sunless tanner! oh and yeah never have carbonated drinks whilst in a bikini…that doesnt go over well with me!!
your braekfast looks DELISH!!! i <3 Barney butter!
Tell yourself you’re gorgeous and no one else has your body!
Love this list! So true
I might have to buy some of that sunless tanner you recommended (I’m so pale-being Irish & living in New England doesn’t help!) Have a blast the shore dear!! TGIF for the rest of us!!
Great tips Gracie! Number 10 is my fave for sure.
I MUST try April’s sweet bread! Looks fantast! Also, great list and I think #10 is one of the most important (followed closely by 5!).
I LOVE CRABS! Being a Maryland girl, I am TOTALLY picky about crabcakes too…those look awesome, I’m super duper jealous. I love love love number 7 on that list, haha! I’d spend as much time as possible at the beach if I could
Ahh love the tops! I have naturally wavy hair so summer works perfect for me with the big wavy hair!
I like the water tip and to eat fruits that have lots of water in them-watermelon, etc!
Those are all really great tips! I actually really like all of them and I couldn’t agree more with the foods to avoid and to drink LOTS of water. All that water does a good job of flushing everything out. A cute bathing suit is definitely a must too. I can’t wait to get my new bathing suit for this year!
GREAT post!!! My Dad has a pool and so I am always out there soaking up some vitamin D!
TOTALLY AGREE WITH #9! I love me some sexy beach hair!
I also love this: “Even you have Gisele Bundchen’s body, choosing classy over trashy is always hotter in my book.” Yeah girl!!!
I need self tanner! I think I may try that Jergens you recommend. A little tan goes a long way into making me feel confident about my body! Great tip!
I deff. need some self tanner. Im always afraid it will turn me orange though! eeekk.. Do you have one you recommend?
I LOVE sunless tanner…I use fake bake airbrush tanner…I have any skin exposed without it!!!
Love #9…you’re right, the messier, the better!!