Let’s talk about bikinis and beach beauty for the gracefully aging woman…
I often love to fantasize about travel, especially since being locked down during COVID-19.
The other day I said to my husband Shelly, “I would love to go to St. Bart’s and wear my bikini as the older French women do!” I always tell him, “Shelly, I know I was a French woman in my last life!”
Why? Because I adore everything about Paris and French culture.
A few days after I mentioned this to him, I went for my weekly manicure. My girl was not in her chair! Instead, a heavy-set manicurist looked up at me with a big smile. She was full of personality and was a Jewish Bubbie in her sixties. She was moving into a new condo with a pool outside her back door. Darling, she chatted on and on about it, saying, “I am going to wear my two-piece bathing suit this summer!”
I asked her, “How do you see yourself, at your age, in a two-piece?”
Her reply, “My body is not what it used to be but so what! When I was a young woman, my mind was not as ‘sharp’ as my body! I am now mentally beautiful!”
This wise and beautiful woman reminded me that beauty comes from within and attitude is everything! Yes, donning a bikini is daunting at any age. Doing it after 50 can be painstaking…but it doesn’t have to be.
Attitude is Everything
Meet three British beauty queens who say they feel more confident about their bodies now, at 50 plus, than they did decades ago (via DailyMail). Della Draper, 51, Gay Spink, 60, and Pat Morgan, 53 (pictured above from left to right) are all former UK beauty queens who are happier with their bodies now than when they were younger. And they aren’t the only women who feel this way! According to a poll of 2,000 women conducted by Isme.com, of the respondents, women over 50 were the most body confident. Turns out my charming manicurist is onto something!
So, darling, how do you feel about slipping into your favorite bathing suit?
Well, beach beauty and confidence after 50 starts with the obvious…year-round healthy living and exercise! These two things lay the groundwork for beach confidence, not to mention the foundation for a longer and happier life. But good habits aside, picking a flattering swimsuit can make a big difference in your beach style.
Flattering Styles of Swimsuits
After 50, it helps to opt for styles with higher waistbands for the most flattering fit. Or, keep it simple and stick to a one-piece swimsuit. Don’t be afraid of a high-cut leg, often called “French” cut; it can help give legs a longer, leaner look without showing too much skin.
Pick a suit that fits you well; squeezing into a too-tight tube of spandex may seem like it reduces bulge but in reality, it will end up resulting in unappealing lumps and bumps. When shopping for a suit, commit to trying on a few styles and colors to find a suit that flatters.
Swimsuits to Browse
I love brands like La Perla (the blue bikini pictured at the top of this page) and Gottex, but there are so many great brands out there. So, I picked out several suits in different price ranges for you to try, but if you don’t see something you like, there are plenty of suits on Amazon to pick from! Just makes sure to read the reviews. I know the women below are not over the age of 50, but don’t let that stop you from wearing these suits. They are for all ages!
Pictured Left to Right: Robin Piccone Ava High Neck One-Piece Swimsuit; La Perla, Love Journey one-piece; Magicsuit Palm Springs Drew Plunge One-Piece.
Pictured Left to Right: Gottex Women’s Scoop-Neck High Leg One Piece Swimsuit; Tempt Me Women Vintage Swimsuit-Two Piece; CUPSHE Women’s One Piece Wrap Swimsuit; Holipick Tankini Swimsuits with Tummy-Control.
Don’t Worry About “Flaws”
Worried about flaunting your flaws? We all have them, but a more effective way to deal with flaws, real or imagined, is to focus on the parts of your body you love and highlight those instead. Do you have great breasts? Don’t be afraid to show some cleavage. Do you have athletic shoulders? Focus on that. Great legs thanks to years of power walking? Show off those stems! Trust me, it will boost your confidence.
Beach Body Oils To Try This Summer
Another way to boost your confidence is to use products to enhance your already beautiful skin. We love Tom Ford’s Soleil Blanc Shimmering Body Oil for making whatever skin we choose to reveal look soft and supple. This oil gives skin a sultry sheen. For a more affordable option, try Philosophy’s Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion or, a beauty bargain at less than $20, Aveeno’s Positively Ageless Firming Body Lotion.
Now don’t forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun visor! A sun visor is great for keeping the sun from your eyes but also staying fashionable at the beach or pool!
Darling, we leave you with our “Beach Beauty For The Gracefully Aging Woman” motto: When life gives you curves, flaunt them!
If you enjoyed this article on 50+ beach beauty, please subscribe. You will get each daily story delivered straight to your inbox.
Want to Learn How to Start a Blog?
I love your manicurist’s attitude, But I have a problem with the higher leg cut (French Cut) – as much as I loved them on my younger body (being a 5’2″ or 5’3″ petite,) I needed their help in elongating my legs and body. I’ve always had a flat rear but now gravity is taking it’s tole and it droops below the hemline of suits I’ve tried on. I must have tried on 50 swimsuits last summer in order to find one that accommodated that problem without being an old-fashioned skirted suit. Apparently swimsuit designers don’t take that problem into consideration. Maybe we need to bring back the styles of the 50s with their more modes leg cut.
I wish! I’m good shape but I have embarrassing celultie on my thighs that I”ll never get comfortable with. Sigh.
You are showing beauty queens. I am not one.
I am not a beauty queen either!!!!! Oh well we have other attributes that are more important. Warmly, Honey