Sue Molnar in O Magazine

Photo: Andrew Eccles

If You're Athletic...

Sue Molnar, 46, a Spinning instructor, works out six days a week to maintain her lean, toned figure. "It took until my 40s to love my teenage physique," she says. "But with a small bust and hips, I'm always looking for styles that add femininity." The vertical axis of this color-blocked tankini (Pret-A-Surf, top, $160; ShopBop.com) balances Molnar's shoulders; the solid bottom ($140) breaks up her long torso.

Wedges, Christian Louboutin.
Omo Norma Kamali polka dot halter swimsuit

Photo: Andrew Eccles

Turn a straight line into an hourglass with this halter's sweetheart neckline, gathered bust, and shirred midriff.

Omo Norma Kamali, $198; NormaKamali.com
Converse One Star at Target black halter-style one-piece swimsuit

Photo: Andrew Eccles

Great Buy Under $50!

A black suit is always a good bet; this one's ruffled cups are especially appealing.

Converse One Star at Target, $35
Lands' End print tankini

Photo: Andrew Eccles

A tankini looks great on athletic types because it shortens the upper body; dark sides whittle the waist.

Lands' End, top, $55, bottom, $35; Target.com
Rosa Cha bandeau top and striped boy short bottoms

Photo: Andrew Eccles

The twisted bandeau pumps up the chest; striped boy-shorts highlight hips.

Rosa Cha, top, $98, bottom, $168; Anthropologie.com
EQSwimwear red and black one-piece swimsuit

Photo: Andrew Eccles

Color blocking helps create a shapely silhouette.

EQSwimwear, $65; EQSwimwear.com
Magicsuit one-strap swimsuit

Photo: Andrew Eccles

The zigzag effect of the one-strap style draws the eye from shoulder to bust to legs, suggesting curves.

Magicsuit, $158; Macys.com