So, swimsuit season is upon us: Deep breath. Seeing as sunbathing on the beach is about as close as most of us get to taking off all our clothes off in public, no wonder it all appears a bit daunting! Big bust, small hips, non-existent waist; everyone has body parts they would rather keep concealed. Choosing the right swimwear can help create a balanced silhouette, and is also a real confidence booster. Tips below:

Swimwear 2009

This season’s poolside/beach look is all about accessorising; hats, sunglasses, bags, heels, jewellery, and even a jacket will make you queen of the resort. Metallics, ruffles and fringing all take centre stage, and with the one-piece making a welcome return in its sexiest form yet, the options are greater than ever.

Short neck

Lengthening is the key here. Assuming surgery is not an option, steer well clear of halter necks and go for plunging necklines which will lengthen your upper body. Pieces in the style of Shay Todd’s on-trend Handkerchief swimsuits are highly flattering, as well as perfect for poolside posing.

Narrow shoulders

If your shoulders are scarcely your widest part, best to go boob tube style. A bandeau bikini, like this one from Gucci, on top will help increase the perceived width of your body, making your shoulders look significantly broader.

Broad shoulders

It is all about balance here. Whilst thick shoulder straps are a no-no, square necklines fit the bill, and halter necks are a great move to draw attention away from you widest point, and towards your midriff. When wearing a bikini, it helps to avoid tiny bottoms. Use colour, prints and accessories, like the belt on this Paul & Joe number, to balance things out.

Big Bust

If you’ve got it, flaunt it. Whilst your boobs may be your biggest asset, you don’t want them hanging around your ankles. To look at your finest, be sure to choose bikinis with plenty of structure. This season, the underwired shelf cups from the Dolce & Gabbana and Michael Kors ss09 collections are big news, and will gift you all the lift required. Unlike spaghetti strap and bandeau styles, halter-top bikinis will offer support as well as sex appeal.

Flat chest

Prints, ruching, ruffles, bandeaus and even triangle tops are visually pleasing. Only you can successfully pull all these off, so go for it! If you are trying to appear bigger, opt for cups that contain some padding to boost your bust. Be sure to avoid the excessive material option, and go for separates where you can mix and match. Asymmetry works wonders, as will this season’s monokini.

Long Body Shape

Whilst they work well for shorter bods, if you are a little longer avoid vertical stripes, and hence the beanpole look, at all cost. Think embellishment. Jewels, rings, bows, ties, all work wonders. If opting for a one piece, cut-outs (think Melissa Odabash) are perfect for breaking up a lengthy torso, and bright colours will look hotter than hot.

Big Stomach

Think detail. Bold patterns and prints (best with a dark base), or embellishment on your top half distracts the eye away from your midriff. Swimsuits with ruching across the tummy, as seen at Diane Von Furstenberg, help to conceal your trouble spot, as will a long tankini top.

No waist

If you’re not as Beyonce as you would like to be, take a note from Hermes and Oscar De La Renta, by opting for a belted swimsuit cut high on the thigh to enhance your curves. Lack of waist usually means your hips are narrow, so add some ornamentation in the form of rings, ruffles or bows to create the illusion.

Wide hips

Try the pick and mix effect. Draw eyes to your top half with plenty of detail on your bikini top, coupled with a plainer bottom half, as seen at Tara Matthews. Go for larger prints which give proportion, rather than teeny weeny ones.

Small Hips

No minimisation required, so luckily you can get away with smaller prints, as well as lighter colours. Using the horizontal stripe effect on your bottom half, as seen on the Vix catwalk, will create wider hips and so give your body more overall balance.

Large Bottom

The slimming effect of dark colours and large prints work wonders for ladies with bigger behinds. Less really is more, so choose bikini bottoms or a swimsuit with a high-cut leg, like this one from Zimmerman to emphasise shape rather than size.

Short legs

A highly-cut, even slightly skimpy (!) pair of bikini bottoms will add inches to leg length. As illustrated by this Danielle Scutt number, draw eyes upwards with a plunging neckline, avoiding shorts-style bottoms and anything remotely skirted.

A word of warning

There is nothing worse than being unintentionally naked in public. If you’re swimming lengths, or the Bay of Saint Tropez and your yacht is out of arm’s reach, avoid strings, triangles and all other garments with associated risks of unnecessary exposure at all costs. Stick with a costume.