What swimwear would be chic on a French beach? And what would suit my body shape?

[naturelover]

I haven't set foot on a beach in years, and since then I've had two DCs!

I don't know what's stylish and I don't know what suits me.

I'm mid-thirties, tall, size 10, with broad shoulders, bony arms and chest, muscular legs, slight muffin top and AA boobs. The thing I am most self-conscious about is my outie tummy button (it was an innie pre-DCs). I suppose a bikini is best avoided because of the tummy button.

One pieces are usually difficult because I'm so long in the body, but perhaps there are some brands that are longish?

I don't want black as it seems so un-summery. Equally I don't know if too much colour will be frumpy! Perhaps those of you familiar with chic French places could advise?

Many thanks!

We go to the South of France most years

I would say 99% of women wear bikinis

We go to France every year and virtually all French women wear bikinis regardless of age, size or belly buttons. You can always recognise the English women as they wear one pieces , tankinis or are fully dressed on the beach! Be brave and go for a bikini as no-one will be staring at your belly button anyway!

Nobody will care about your tummy button.

Get a well fitted bikini (no saggy bums, string ties, see-through material) and you will look fab.

I am small breasted too and think we can pull off a bikini better than most tbh

Yup, most people here wear bikinis.

Even ones like me who don't have great figures.

No one will notice your tummy button. Get a lovely bikini in a flattering shade and cut and you will look great.

Also you sound like you have a great figure so show it off!

People will STARE if you wear a costume. The only people i've seen wearing costumes are brits

Thanks for all the encouragement!

I have a nice (French!) bikini that is fuschia and lime stripes, does that sound ok? It's pretty bright for me - I must have had a tan when I bought it!
I think some gradual tanner might be in order before first exposure, and perhaps a universal contour wrap to firm things up?

Can we have links to some lovely bikinis please?

I can get the cut right, I think, but get be-fuddled by the best colour and pattern against pale bare flesh.

yy to sarong. Never seen a local wear such a thing.

Eres if you feel like splashing out (unreasonable prices imo) or Princess Tam Tam

How aboutthis for a tummy button covering option that is not frumpy?

fauxfox - LOVE that!

nature lover - what about a one piece with a severe plunging neckline? i'll have a quick peek on the net and see if i can find one as an example. my sis-in-law wore one and looked amazing, very classy.