10 Ways to Avoid Becoming a Fashion Victim

If you're too busy to buy a new swimsuit, you may show up at the beach this year performing a fashion belly flop. Avoid it. Here are 10 tips for doing it right this summer.

10. Your swimsuit waistband shouldn't be a noose: Spring/summer swimwear trends for women are a play on asymmetrical patterns and Pucci-style prints that bring a bit of mod to the classic bikini and even the reinterpreted one-piece. Make sure tops and bottoms have a snug, but not tight, fit, essentially eliminating any muffin-top effect. Furthering the trend are pin-up-doll bikinis with high-waist bottoms shown off by designers like Diane von Furstenberg and Celine.

Designers such as Celine unrolled pin-up-doll bikinis with high-waist bottoms.

For men, the legs get more showing off with the hemline moving up to mid-thigh like those from Prada Sport. When buying a swimsuit, be sure the waistline is taut. Brawnier men should opt for a smooth front and tie-string waistband while steering clear of elastic. This will eliminate that unsightly bulge of flesh at the top of the waistline.

9. The 24-hour beach body: So maybe you haven't seen a treadmill or pair of sneakers since last fall. It still isn't too late to get the best beach body possible, even with just 24 hours. Start by replacing your evening bottle of wine with a bottle of water. Follow up with 45 minutes of cardio in the morning with an intense 15-minute session of abs (and 10 minutes of push-ups for guys). It's the supermodel secret, a trade practice often used right before a photo shoot. Make sure to hit the beach within an hour of your workout.