DIY Haute Couture: Monokinis Made to Order

Ad-Vice Ad-Lib: Tailored to a T, or a Dress or even a Swimsuit; Volume 1: The Monokini

In this post I'm going to talk about the wonders of tailoring.  Some people are familiar with the basics, and others may have never even considered the idea.  Whether you're in either position, there will likely be much you can learn from reading my tailoring tips.  I was fortunate enough to be born with a seamstress/costumer for a mother, and have learned there are many ways to find your "perfect fit" in a piece of clothing.  Haute Couture is a term (as I'm sure many of you know) that refers to custom-designed clothing.  But you can make all of your clothes feel like "haute couture" if you know the proper tips and tricks for making each piece fit like a glove.

Today, in the spirit of summer, I want to talk a little bit about swimsuits.  The first step is picking a swimsuit that looks and feels right on your body type.  This step of course may be easier said than done when it comes to online shopping.  While there is no exact science, there are a few little pieces of advice that may be of use to you in selecting that sizzling summer suit for the summer season.

The first swimsuit I want to talk about is the monokini.  I have a personal obsession with finding that one-of-a-kind one-piece that says even in a swimsuit, my styling skills are not going to waste.  There are many different ways to wear a monokini and certain styles are better for varying feminine physiques and panache preferences.

If you were lucky enough to have a slender frame from bottom to top, you should pick up a plunge style like the ones shown below.

To me, the colorblock suit says sexy yet sophisticated while the fringe-lined plunge suit begs for that "un"wanted attention we all pretend not to like.  Both styles are best on women with tiny top-halves so that they scream sexy without putting too much emphasis on the sex.  These swimsuits are currently available on ASOS and are each under $50.  You can catch the colorblock suit by clicking here: ASOS Colorblock Plunge Swimsuit or find the fringe by using this link: River Island Tassel Front Low Cut Swimsuit. 

Another monokini style I like is what I call the bodacious-ly bound bandeau.  This kind of style is great if you're really looking to make a statement with your swimwear.  It's also a really good pick for those with a curvier construction.

I think the burnt orange ASOS suit (available here for under $50: ASOS Fringe Front Bandeau Suit) is audaciously adventurous without being too over the top.  The rust color is great on those with olive skin tones that want to show off that tan! I recently purchased the Mara Hoffman Macrame Monokini on the left on sale on Sak's website (now sold out) but it is still available if you're seeking a splurge piece this summer here from Pesca Boutique's eBay site: Mara Hoffman Macrame.  I think this suit is provocative without being promiscuous.  The strings around the middle are also help to highlight those with tiny waistlines!  Both of these bandeau-esque styles work for those with hourglass figures because the lines of the suit help to draw attention to those beautiful curves in a delicate way while simultaneously yet subtly stressing that slim center.

For fuller busts a good way to go is a monokini with a ruffle detail.  These can tend to simultaneously draw attention to and minimize a big bust.  

This ASOS Laser Cut suit says dazzling but demure.  It's a good pick for those who really want to minimize the bust without wearing a suit that looks like it was made for seniors.  It's available for about $40 here: ASOS Laser Cut Frill Swimsuit.  If you like frill that's a little more flirtatious then try this sequin sizzler pictured right from Victoria Secret available on sale now for $81: Victoria's Secret Very Sexy Ruffle Monokini.  This suit is mischievous yet mild, playing up one's femininity without going overboard.

If you feel like you are curvier in the lower section, and prefer to be a little more conservative, there are some really gorgeous one piece suits that flatter that figure type.  

I think both of these suits give the look of one who is elegant, yet elusively exotic.  The first Princesse Tam Tam suit on the left brings back the 50s glam-girl making the wear look like a pretty pin-up.  The seafoam green color is stunning, and the belt flatters the top half of the figure and draws attention away from the lower half of the body.  The suit is on the higher end but can be purchased here: Princesse Tam Tam Belted Swimsuit  The second suit, also a Princess Tam Tam design (and now on sale here: Princesse Tam Tam Color Blocked Bandeau) uses colorblocking to create a slimmer silhouette.  The geometric print screams modern fashion maven while concurrently drawing attention to all the right places.

Now, for the tailoring to-do list.  If you have a figure that is evenly proportioned from top to bottom, a monokini probably won't require much tailoring.  If you're uneven like myself (and most human-beings), one trick-to-try is buying one size larger and taking in the part of the suit that is too large.  Typically, if the back is clip-style instead of a string tie, you can take it in at the sides.  I often buy a larger size (to get a larger cup) and then do this (which ensures it won't fall off).  It's also possible to take in the sides of the bottoms.  Taking this approach can sometimes alter the actual fit of the suit, so you need to make sure you buy one that looks there is room on the sides to alter the circumference.  I had to do just this with the Mara Hoffman monokini pictured above.  Because the sides were a separate material, I was able to shorten them and then resew them to the suit.  Additionally I have a short torso, and in styles like the bandeaus above, it's often possible to adjust the center piece to the right length by opening the seam and shortening that center strip.  Most skilled tailors can do this without a problem if you show them. Alternatively (if you really want to avoid tailoring) it is often possible to go with the bigger suit and choose a style with a tie-back or string bottoms so that you can self adjust the part of the suit that doesn't flatter your frame.

I often have to do these alterations and if the suit is right, it is often possible.  While custom tailoring does add a tad to your total, it's worth it to feel like the piece has been designed just for you "haute couture."  Not to mention, if you follow my tips to finding that perfect piece that's perfectly priced, you can tack tailoring on to that total and still come out saving compared to retail.