New ideas to get out of a bathing suit rut.

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We'll accept the fact that you may not be ready to face bathing suits and three-way mirrors just yet (or ever?). But what if we promised we could make that annual shop-for-a-suit trip less painful by giving you new ideas for suits that flatter your shape? Many of us get into a swimsuit rut, shopping for the same style year after year. Read on for tips on finding styles you never thought you could wear, but will make you look your best!

Your shape: Super-slim, with straight hips Your suit: A boy-short bikini. You may think that a simple tank will minimize your lankiness, but in fact, that kind of no-shape suit will actually exaggerate it. Instead, try a bikini with boy shorts. This type of bottom makes hips and bum look wider and curvier than they naturally are, giving your slim bottom some shape.

Your shape: Curvy, feminine, and in proportion Your suit: A halter or supported top with high-cut legs. Because you need support on top, go for a halter-neck or structured underwire -- both will give your ample bust some shape and lift. We love the look of a one-piece on curvy figures, as a one-piece accentuates your waist better than a two-piece. Try a halter tank with high-cut legs, which makes gams look miles long and highlights a feminine hip.

Your shape: Pear-shaped Your suit: A string bikini. Yes, you read right: A string bikini. You're probably used to wearing dark tanks, which only serve to make your bottom half look wider (think of the expanse of fabric over your hips and butt, juxtaposed with the decidedly smaller expanse up top). Instead, go for an adjustable, tie-to-fit bikini. Tie the strings to the bottom tight enough to stay put, but loose enough so they don't cut into your hips (making them look bigger). Try positioning the strings higher on your hips than the bottom itself; doing so creates a V-shape, slimming your lower half.

Your shape: Broad-shouldered Your suit: A sporty two-piece. If you're used to wearing a simple tank or athletic suit, you know that such a style accentuates your wide shoulders. To give your hips some play, and to even out your overall look, go for a two-piece with boy shorts and a tank top. The shorts will help add the illusion of curves (and width) to your hips, while the tank-style top will balance the look of your hips.