( InStyle.com ) -- Think of a swimsuit as your strategic dare-to-bare ally : Find one in a flattering color and cut , and it can give you the confidence you 'll want when it 's time to drop the towel . There 's no getting around the fact that swimsuit shopping can be a major drag , but if you put your mind to it , you will find a suit that downplays what you do n't love and highlights what you do . Maximize a small bust . Underwires , boning and padding add shape and fullness to your chest , says stylist Julie Weiss , who has worked with Julia Louis-Dreyfus and Gabrielle Union . Just be sure that any padding is subtle and , once wet , does n't show through . InStyle.com : Lose muffin top in 3 weeks . Ruffles , like shirring , can also be a plus , since they can make any area look bigger . Also consider the art of distraction . Jeanne Yang , who has styled Katie Holmes and Brooke Shields , says a top with a funky pattern , polka dots or embellishments will camouflage a petite chest . Minimize a large bust . In a top , do n't be tempted to go too small : Spillage along the sides will just make the chest look bigger . And keep in mind that suits run about two sizes smaller than your clothing size . InStyle.com : 12 ways to look thinner by tonight . An underwire or built-in bra gives structure and support , says Weiss . Seek out bra sizing in bathing suit tops for a more accurate fit . And when you 're trying on either one or two-pieces , make sure the straps are sturdy . Keyhole or string-bikini triangle tops and demi bras are n't ideal for big busts , says Yang , since they do n't provide enough coverage or support . Banish belly bulge . A plunging halter top draws the eye up and away from any pooch below . Details or a bold pattern on the midsection can also be positively distracting -- a busy print keeps the eye moving so it does n't settle on a less-than-flat tummy . InStyle.com : How stars get bikini-ready . In one-piece styles , look for extras like built-in tummy control panel or a suit that has significantly more spandex ; the Miraclesuit , for instance , has up to three times more than the usual swimsuit . In terms of two-pieces , a tankini is probably a better choice than a bikini . In either style , make sure that any elastic in the waistband does not cause belly spillover . Lower body help . A high cut in the leg ( but nothing higher than the hip bone ) helps heavy thighs look slimmer . Leave boy shorts at the store - -they make the derrière and thighs look bigger . Also pass on any prints and ruffles on the lower half that draw attention to the rear . Emphasize your top with color blocks , light colors or embellishment at the chest -- they 'll draw the eye away from a heavier bottom . And consider mix and matching bikini pieces : Wear a print on top and a dark solid on the lower half , or white on top and black on the bottom . See more fashion coverage at InStyle.com . Get a FREE TRIAL issue of InStyle - CLICK HERE ! Copyright © 2010 Time Inc. All rights reserved .
Find a swimsuit that downplays what you do n't love and highlights what you do . Small bust : Underwires , boning and padding add shape and fullness to your chest . A plunging halter top draws the eye up and away from any belly bulge . Leave boy shorts at the store if they are too revealing or show off your legs.