So, we all know that woman who loves her body and is excited for summer to arrive. She's confident. She can't wait for those steamy, hot days of summer so she can break out her bikini and confidently strut her stuff on the beach and by the pool. But the truth is, we probably know the same woman!!! LOL! Why? Because there are so few women who fit that description, and most certainly she is not plus size!



The fact is that most of us are varying degrees of the opposite. We wish for just a few more weeks before summer vacation to crash diet or to do some extra laps on the treadmill or in the swimming pool (and I don't mean one with a floating bar and a pool boy).

And then, quite honestly, there's the rest of us. Those who, despite confidence in our charm, full-figured beauty and everyday pizzazz, honestly wish that swimsuit season would be reduced to three days on a deserted tropical island. Why? Because quite simply, it's hard to accent your best features and delicately hide your frailties and flaws when clad in only a one piece sheath, or worse, that itsy bitsy polka dot bikini.

But like it or not, those dog days of summer are coming; and though it may not be your favorite season, there are certainly more than a few plus size swimsuits to help you smooth your lines, flatter your curves, and bring out your million-dollar smile. Here's a few great tips to help you find one (and I promise I won't tell you to avoid horizontal stripes!).

1. Take an honest look at yourself in a full-length mirror. Remember, your body is your temple. It carries you around every day, and it's probably far more beautiful than you may feel comfortable to admit. Don't worry about the parts that you DON'T like (you know those). Just for a few moments, have the courage to take stock of what you admire about your body. Do you have great curvy legs? A voluptuous cleavage? Strong arms? A great derriere? Remember that accenting those assets is your number one priority when swimsuit shopping.

2. Setting aside basic funeral black, take a look at your closet. Which colors look GREAT on you ? bringing out your complexion, skin tone, and eye color? We're all much too quick to reach for the blackest black when we pick out a swimsuit. Why? Are we grieving our fun-loving, younger selves who didn't worry about weight so much? Listen, toss that boo-hoo booty right out the door and have some fun! Go for something vibrant and beautiful that makes you want to soak in the sun and enjoy good times with friends. Love how kelly green brings out your freckles, but can't get away from your need to wear black? Go for a combo of the two in daring diagonal stripes and a daring green mesh sarong. (PS: Your challenge THIS year is to not buy another plain, black-on-black bathing suit.)

3. Okay, now we're down to business. Choosing a swimsuit that complements your full figure is not so awful. Believe me, the multi-million dollar swimsuit industry has surely created a design that is perfect for the million-dollar you. If you're best asset is your legs, but you wish to minimize your full bustline, go for a high cut leg with a swim back sheath in a gorgeous royal blue. Have a great bustline, but worry about your fuller rear? Go for a stunning red v-neck with a black lace, ankle-length sarong.

The point is this: there IS a swimsuit that will look great on you, no matter what your body type. After all, you're a beautiful woman, and beautiful women come in all shapes and sizes. And remember: nothing looks better on anyone than a birthday suit full of confidence.