Two-piece bathing suits of substance

Forget the pear-vs.-apple and curvy-vs.-curveless shape charts for a minute. There's another divide in the two-piece swimwear discussion: What if you actually want to move around instead of lying on the chaise with a cool drink? The magazine-shoot bikinis, with their thin straps, triangle bottoms, and decorative hardware, make for great photos -- especially on the glamazon models.

But some other women, perhaps those who trudge across the sand carrying a beach chair or who use swimming as a form of fitness, like two-piece suits, too.

Designer Nanette Lepore, a bikini wearer and lap swimmer, says she personally tests all the swimsuit styles in her collection. "I'm aiming for across-the-board fit. That means higher bottoms and built-up tops." You don't have to look dowdy just because you don't want a string bikini, Lepore says.

No one is calling a Katy Perry-type, with pinup looks that evoke old Hollywood glamour, frumpy or boring, says Amy Tara Koch, a Chicago-based style expert. It's a win-win, she says, because it's a feminine look with little chance of a wardrobe malfunction.

You need to think about looks and performance, says Koch, noting that swimsuit manufacturers have innovative fabrics that offer softness, control and color that lasts even after many cycles in the sun, sand and pool.

Cover can be glam

Adam Glassman, creative director of O, The Oprah Magazine, who has styled countless photo shoots, has these words of wisdom for swim season: Don't underestimate the value of a great cover-up.

They even the playing field, no matter what sport you play, what size you wear or how you pass your summer days, he says. "I was just in Florida and couldn't believe how many people look chic in a caftan. I hadn't seen that before. I thought it would be all Mrs. Roper or 'Golden Girls,' but everyone looks good in a great cover-up."