Look your best while wearing the least by matching your swimwear to your body type.

RODALE NEWS, EMMAUS, PA—Know your shape, show your shape. That’s the motto of professional image consultant Catherine Schuller, owner of the New York City–based firm CurveStyle, which specializes in promoting and marketing for the plus-size industry. “Whether you’re on the beach or in the boardroom,” says Schuller, “the trick to showing off your particular shape is to draw the eyes away from an area that’s fuller and needs to be minimized, and toward an asset that can be maximized.” Here, then, are six common body shapes, and six minimizing/maximizing suit solutions—all courtesy of Schuller, who encourages women and men alike to “glam more and fear less.” Words to live by. Especially in swimsuit season.

Shape #1 Gals: The Triangle (small busted with full hips) The key for this shape is to emphasize your top and minimize your bottom, says Schuller. “Add dimension to your bust with a padded or soft molded bra cup, and brightly colored and/or patterned material with ruffles or ruching on top,” she says. “Halter-style necklines, push-up bras, and one-shoulder tops are also smart, attention-grabbing choices. On the bottom, stick with dark and/or solid colors. And choose a flirty skirted suit or high-cut bottoms with full derriere coverage to make your legs appear longer.” Ingenious accessory: A wide-brimmed hat to shade your face, balance your hips, and invoke a little Hollywood glam.