AARP Eye Center
How to Look Great in a Swimsuit at 50 ... If You're Not Demi Moore.
By Lois Joy Johnson, July 23, 2013 03:36 PM
It's midsummer, brutally hot and lots of us haven't been to the beach or pool yet. The question is why not? If you can't stand the heat, humidity and sweaty grossness of it ... fine. If you have serious skin cancer issues and find any real sun exposure off limits ... fine. Intimidated by recent photos of Demi Moore, 50, or Sharon Stone, 55, in bikinis? Get over it. With the exception of a few gym rats, lipo fans and genetically gifted peers, we all have body issues. Here are five ways to make a splash right now:
Swimsuit shop at specialty lingerie sites. Two exceptional ones are barenecessities.com and herroom.com. They have the biggest and best selection of suits categorized by bra sizes (30 to 46, C to J cups), control, and type (one-piece, two-piece, etc.) with tons of mix-and-match options for tops and bottoms. Choose shape-wear suits from Spanx, Miraclesuit and Tommy Bahama with built-in super panels and structural details that take care of every sag and bulge. European bra brands like Fantasie that specialize in gorgeous large-size support bras also offer swimsuits that sizzle. Expect extremely detailed descriptions way beyond the usual and sales are on now! Try: Tommy Bahama Deck Piping Halter Cup Wrapped One Piece Swimsuit TSW55815P ($99, herroom.com).
AARP Members: Get Your Tanger Outlets Free Coupon Book with Over $1,000 in Savings!
Go sexy not slutty. Too much boob is not OK but a little cleavage and tush cheek is youthful. No thongs, no triangle bikinis but no full-coverage granny bottoms or skirt suits either. Look for: a one-shoulder suit (that covers sun-damaged cleavage), a shirred, wrapped or draped suit (that adds extra camouflage), a high-waist bikini with a bra top in confidence-boosting black or skin-brightening violet or red. For example: Miraclesuit 470215 One Shoulder Wire-Free One-Piece Swimsuit ($152, barenecessities.com).
Add a wide-brimmed hat and sunnies. No one will be even sure that's you. Your incognito accessories will protect your face, eyes and hair color and you can read your Kindle, walk on the beach or wade in the ocean fearlessly. Do like Kim Cattrall, 56! 
Chic up in a superlight sundress, tunic, baggy short or sarong. No more big shapeless T-shirts and fanny wrap towels. If your legs are great, wear an above-the-knee tunic or sundress in a gauzy airy fabric over your suit. If your lower half is your "problem" zone, add cool surfer shorts or tie a soft, supple sarong over your suit.
Keep moving. And always add and reapply a head-to-toe layer of broad spectrum water/ sweat-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30+ .
For more beauty & style tips for women 50+, read my book The Wardrobe Wakeup, Your Guide to Looking Fabulous at Any Age by Lois Joy Johnson ( $17.22, amazon.com)
Photo Credits: Demi Moore, Tommy Bahama swimsuit, Kim Cattrall in hat, Kim Cattrall running on beach
Also of Interest
- 10 Real Secrets of Ageless Women
- Too Old for Long Hair?
- Join AARP: Savings, resources and news for your well-being
See the AARP home page for deals, savings tips, trivia and more