Be inspired in 50s swimwear from Boden, Pistol Panties and Debenhams

Model in swimsuit by boat SUN MAG

If you want to emphasise curves or add interest to your straight up and down shape there’s a whole host of ways to enjoy the vintage swimwear vibe and make it work for you.

We show you our favourite retro swimwear in our gorgeous Grecian shoot, but when it comes to choosing a style, remember that there is no style that’s universally flattering as all body shapes are unique.

Remember it’s all about how YOU look and feel in styles to suit your shape and you’ll be halfway there in feeling your most confident at the beach.

Model in sun hat SUN MAG

Nothing says 50s style more than a high waisted bikini

Model wears: Bikini, £139, Pistol Panties; raffia wide-trim hat, £125, Heidi Klein

The coolest cossies come from Notting Hill Boutique Pistol Panties, which are all inspired by 1950’s Saint Tropez.

This floral bikini with hot pink bra top is the ultimate style for a classic pear shape, (who tend to sport a curvier lower half, slimmer upper torso and smaller bust).

It draws the eye up to the bright top half which balances the bust and hips nicely, and the high waisted bottoms draw you in at the middle.

We also love the mismatch print and block colour combo to add a relaxed thrown together feel.

This sunhat from Heidi Klein will protect your face from sun and only add to the retro vibe.

Model lying by boat SUN MAG

Just chilling.

Model wears: Off-the shoulder swimsuit, £42, Floozie by Frost French at Debenhams; headscarf, £15, Accessorize

Beyonce is someone that knows how to accentuate her curves. She’s often seen sporting ruffle detail swimwear to add a playful touch to her beach attire.

This Floozie by Frost French at Debenhams style is as far from sporty as it gets, the off the shoulder neckline, and sixties floral print make it prime for poolside posing, and we love the way the ruffles distract from the tummy area.

It looks great with a tropical print headscarf or eye catching turban.

Swimming is optional.

Model wears gingham swimsuit SUN MAG

Retro gingham from Boden

Model wears: Swimsuit, £60, Boden; headscarf, £15, Accessorize; sunglasses, £12, Asos

Boden are always a great choice for easy to wear swimwear in the latest up to date styles.

This aqua swimsuit with slimming contrast panel and matching waistband will lengthen, sculpt and shape in one.

There’s no need for larger bust shapes to avoid halter styles, this swimsuit has wide straps that wont dig in but work to accentuate the general Marilyn Monroe style affect.

It is not just for hourglass shapes either, straight up and down figures like Taylor Swift often use this style to achieve a curvier affect on their flatter figure.

A pair of kitsch fifties sunnies will not only lift your facial features, it will add a smile to those that see them.

Model in polka dot swimsuit SUN MAG

Having a Bond Girl moment

Model wears: Swimsuit with belt, £70, Nyos; silk bandana, £78, Donni; disc earrings, £8, Asos

A structured one piece featuring a deep V neck like this polka dot halter style from Nyos will sculpt and support in style.

A v- neckline and slightly higher cut leg help to add length to the torso and legs, a cut that Kourteney Kardashian often goes for to achieve a dramatic look.

The larger scale print on this caramel colour and belted waist all help to disguise and even out any bits we may want to hide.

Model in hair towel SUN MAG

Never has a white towel been so glamorous

Model wears: Swimsuit, £75, Seaspray; towel, £28, The White Company; sunglasses, £189, Michael Kors at Sunglass Hut

Ruching detailing is perfect for apple and hourglass shapes and is a favourite with fuller figures for it’s magic tummy flattering formula and the crossover shaping at the bust will complete the perfect hourglass silhouette.

This white one piece swimsuit cut slightly lower on the leg will help elongate the torso and keep the look bold.

There’s something so timeless about a classic white or black one piece.

Just add gold jewellery or statement sunglasses for understated glamour.

Model in pink spotty swimsuit SUN MAG

A silk headscarf will complete the look perfectly

Model wears: Frill swimsuit,£28, Red Herring at Debenhams; cat-eye sunglasses, £24, Jeepers Creepers at Asos; silk bandana, £78, Donni

This polka dot ruffle swimsuit from Debenhams is just the ticket for a bit of British seaside glamour.

The pinky mauve shade with pretty pink dots will work with all skin tones, and the side ruching at the bust adds support to curvier styles.

Add a contrasting mustard headscasrf for tongue in cheek chic and head to the pier.

Model in the sea SUN MAG

Time for a dip!

Model wears: Halterneck swimsuit, £215, Emma Pake

New designer Emma Pake is known for her colour block swimwear and is at the higher end of our choices here.

This bold blue style is sleek and sporty, but the low back cut, with white bow detail and white covered buttons give it the prettiest vintage touches.

If you’re looking for a cleaner style in a daring cut, then this one piece is for you.

But remember that the best tip for looking good in swimswear is to smile!

Model in Heidi Klein bikini SUN MAG