How to survive the pool catwalk

We need to talk now about what most mums, in fact most people dread - the walk of shame from the changing room to the pool. Once in the water we are all fine and when we get out we can wrap that bath sheet around us. But the few moments from leaving the safety of your changing room to plunging into the pool, even though it's usually minutes and seconds, still feels like a lifetime. Well, we are here to give you a helping hand and boost your confidence before you take the plunge.

The high street is awash with accessories and cover-ups that aren't just for the beach and can add some simple poolside glamour:

• Maxi skirts with elasticated smocking waistbands - you've seen them they are everywhere - they are normally made of light weight cottons, but they are very versatile. Wear them on the waist as a long skirt or pull them up and wear them with the smocking across the bust and the skirt becomes an instant dress.
• Don't be frightened to pull a sarong around the hips, a knotted t-shirt or a short sequinned cotton kaftan - just make sure it is easy to discard poolside.
• Try something as simple as a cotton lace crochet waistcoat - you will be amazed how it helps.

How to dress your body shape

If you know your body type then it's good to stick to a few basic rules. When shopping for swimwear for my clients I tend to consider the following:

Apple

If you are an Apple then your body will be in proportion, but you tend to carry your weight around your middle meaning that you don't have a well-defined waist. You may also have a fabulous bust and/or legs, so it's key you know how to show off your best bits.

Avoid anything around your middle - no waistbands or seams that go round your middle or patterns around your waist. What you need are empire line seams, which sit just under the bust.

If you want to go with a one piece then keep it one colour, maybe with side cut-outs to create the illusion of a waist, or the go faster stripes in neon colours that start wide by the shoulders and go into a V at the waist and then out again to the hips, thus creating an hour glass shape. Keep the proportions right and never ever wear a bi-coloured or vertical stripe patterned swimsuit.

Why not try swimsuits with:

• Side rouching
• Deep V necklines - they always create a stir, but try to avoid round or scoop necklines
• Tummy control and body shaper panels in one-piece suits

Pear

Women who are bigger around the hips, bottom or thighs tend to be pear shaped. There are some simple rules you can follow to add more shape and structure above the waist, so that you can show off your womanly figure.

Avoid frills on the hips as this will emphasise one part of your body that you are trying to minimise. Try boy pants or wide sided bottoms and avoid string-sided pants. What will always look good on a pear shape is a fabulous retro 50's style swimsuit - think Marilyn and you can't go wrong! You should also try the higher cut legs.

As for the top, create a cleavage with a booster top, padding and under wiring. A one-piece with a busier pattern at the top than the bottom is a good trick to give the illusion that you have a fuller bust - some stores on the high street have shape enhancing tops too.

Top Heavy

Top heavy ladies have a figure that's bigger up top. You will usually have broad shoulders and/or a big bust in relation to the size of your hips and waist.

To get the most out of your shape, try a wide halter neck or a deep V neckline - never buy a bandeau top or a string top as you need to make sure you have adequate support. Instead pick up a swimsuit with wide straps and one that is made from a good quality fabric. Try a skirtini or pants with frills to keep the proportion.

Make sure you have a fitting in the shop as it is really important that the top fits - like a bra fitting - or go to a specialist store who celebrate the heavy bosom and they will help enormously. A lot of high street stores do sell bikini tops separately from the bottoms and have tops starting at a DD+.

Maternity

It's always important to buy a maternity swimsuit as they have the support panels in the right places as we want your unborn baby to love the experience as much as you. High street stores have cottoned on to this and some styles are adjustable, so they change shape as you do.

Swim hats

When I started looking for new ideas in the swim hat ranges I thought I would be faced with the boring flesh-toned latex caps we all loathed in our school days but oh how wrong was I! Retro floral, bold colours, ones with cartoons on…the list is endless! All I would suggest is that you put it on in full view of your child so they don't get distressed by seeing their mummy wearing a funny cap in the pool.