Nicky Hambleton-Jones’ guide to Body Confidence
The definitive guide to looking and feeling good about your body
Holidays are the perfect time to kick back, relax and enjoy yourself but many people dread the thought of bearing all in the sun. As a respected stylist and TV presenter, I regularly advise both men and women on how to make the most of their figures and boost their body confidence to bring out the best in their natural looks. I have teamed up with casual cruise company Ocean Village to bring you a definitive guide to Body Confidence, including insights into how to dress for your body shape, what you should be wearing and packing this summer season and there are also some fab hints and tips on how to prepare yourself for the sun.
Hope you enjoy the guide and have a fabulous holiday!
Nicky x
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Take your pick...
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Body Basics
Summer Style
Trying to find clothes that flatter on holiday can be difficult, especially when the heat means you’ll inevitably show a lot of flesh. My guide will show you that, with clever dressing and accessories, we can all look our best and keep our cool!
1. The Pear Shape
- Narrow upper body and shoulders
- Slim waist
- Broader hips and bottom
Tips:
1. Balance the width of hips by playing up your shoulders – try wide slash-neck tops
2. Wear ¾ length or long jackets and coats that skim over your bottom or thighs – large lapels will draw attention to your upper half
3. Boot-cut or flared trousers create a more balanced silhouette
4. Low-rise trousers make your bottom and hips look smaller
5. A-line / bias cut skirts skim over wide hips
6. Wear a dark colour on your lower half
7. Wear eye-catching jewelry, e.g. earrings, necklaces or big brooches, to keep attention focused on your upper body
8. Long skirts are a blessing as they disguise heavy legs and chunky calves
9. Heels are a fantastic way to elongate the calves and slim the legs, avoid wearing flat shoes all the time. Wedge heels balance out thick calves
2. The Apple Shape
- Full bust and narrow shoulders
- Rounded waist
- Smaller hips and bottom
Tips:
1. Make sure your bra is the correct size and gives you a defined silhouette
2. Break up your torso with deep V or wrap-around tops
3. Avoid busy patterns on your upper half, as well as polo neck sweaters
4. Wear tailored jackets that nip in at the waist – but leave them undone. Always try the smaller size first as often it will hold its shape better when worn open
5. Large chunky belts around the hips give the illusion of a waist and disguise a flabby tummy
6. Low-waisted or flat-fronted trousers with a side zip are the most flattering cut
7. Keep volume to the lower part of your body i.e. full skirts or wide leg trousers to help balance out the top half
3. The Rectangular Shape
- Hips and shoulders same width apart
- No defined waist
- Long legs and arms
Tips:
1. With no waist and small boobs, you need to create curves so avoid anything baggy or unfitted in general
2. Fitted or tailored jackets will flare over your hips and give the illusion of a waist
3. You can wear high-neck tops such as polo-necks. Wrap tops and deep v-neck tops are good if worn with a round-necked t-shirt underneath
4. Padded, push up bra’s can increase chest size and improve proportion
5. Waisted belts will help define a waistline and create curves
6. The key is to break up the body as much as possible, so void wearing one colour from top to toe
4. Inverted Triangle
- Broad back and shoulders
- Rounded waist
- Smaller hips and bottom
Tips:
1. Wear deep v-necks or wide scooped necklines – avoid high necks and in particular polo necks
2. Avoid big bold patterns on your top half; also avoid heavy wool sweaters – fine knits are more flattering
3. Wrap dresses are really flattering because they accentuate your waist and separate your bust
4. Tailored jackets without belts are the best choices
5. Hipster belts worn off centre help attract attention away from your chest
6. Please, please, please avoid thin straps and cap sleeves when choosing evening wear! Opt for ¾ length, fluted and long sleeves instead
7. Draw attention to your wrists by wearing pretty delicate bracelets
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Swimwear Tips
Most people do find the thought of swimwear scary but in most cases there is a simple explanation as to why you don’t feel your best in a skimpy swim suit – your not dressing to show off your best bits!
1. Large boobs
If your bust needs support, take as much care buying a swimsuit as you would a bra. Choose under wired cups and wide shoulder straps - the better the support, the better the shape. And definitely go for some cleavage! A gentle V-neck will help soften and break-up the chest area and enhance your cleavage. Avoid wearing bold bright colours on top if you’re particularly self-conscious, darker colours will be more flattering. Patterns can also disguise, but only if evenly distributed. Avoid costumes with patterns concentrated across the bust area.
2. Small boobs
Boost you assets. Go for something with detail on the bust. For example frills, patterns, bows or ruching on the top half, but understated below. Alternatively, nothing like a little bit of padding to give you the lift you need, but make sure you buy the right size. Half empty cups defeat the purpose and usually stretch when wet. Halter necks and thin shoulder straps set wide apart enhance a flat chest and give you shape and structure.
Be adventurous, empire-line swimsuits with decorative busts, cutouts and plunge necklines will all enhance your chest. Horizontal stripes will also help broaden the chest. Avoid swimsuits with high necks and no shaping or detailing around the bust, as it will draw attention to a flat chest.
3. Large Bottom & Fuller hips and thighs
If you’re a classic pear, draw attention to the upper part of your body and away from your hips. Halter neck style tops help accentuate the shoulders and balance out the silhouette. Play to your strengths, if you like your waist, draw attention to it with a belted swimsuit. If your bust is your best feature, enhance it with bright colours, patterns, padding or frills. Opt for full piece costumes with a high leg or hipster bikini bottoms to detract attention from your hips. Cut outs also help accentuate the waist and attract attention away from the hips. If all else fails, wear a sarong over the widest part of your hips when parading on the beach
4. Rounded stomach
If you’re suffering from post-pregnancy or general wobbly tummy, opt for a one piece or tankini. The tankini top will provide you with extra support where you need it and enhance your waist. Vertical stripes, piping and seams help to give your body contour and shape. One-piece costumes are also an alternative, but can also look frumpy, so avoid any dated prints or styles. If you’re legs are in good shape, opt for a higher cut on the leg to help elongate your body.
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Pre Holiday treatments
Looking good on holiday is all in the preparation. If you want to look and feel good in the sun, living in denial is not the answer you have to get pro-active. This will not only ensure you look good, it will also give you a feeling of control and ultimately more confidence in your body and the way you feel about it. Confront and accept your body. Most of us never dare to examine ourselves naked in the mirror. You need to feel comfortable and confident with what you see, otherwise no one else will. By working on the general tone of your physique will improve the way you feel about your body too.
1. Nutrition & Exercise
1. Don’t try to diet; rather eat less by putting smaller portions of food on a smaller plate. The bigger the plate the more we generally tend to eat. Reduce the size of your portions and you’ll shave off 200 calories a day
2. Drink 2L of water a day to ensure your body is hydrated
3. Replace coffee and tea with Green tea which is not only good for your skin its also boost metabolic rate. Dandelion tea is also fantastic for detoxing the body as well as being good for the skin
4. Reduce salt intake and increase intake of potassium rich foods such as bananas, grains and dried fruit that help combat cellulite
5. Eat a high fiber diet, avoid saturated fat, sugar and processed foods that will result in weight gain and a sluggish metabolism
6. Focus on trying to tone up as much as possible. It’s not how slim you are but how toned you look in your swimwear that counts. Focus on your problem areas for instance if it’s your thighs and bum, start doing 20 lunges and squats everyday building up to 50. If it’s your stomach, start doing 30-50 sit ups every day
2. Grooming
There are lots of cellulite busting creams on the market some work better than others, but the most effective path to fighting cellulite is through diet and regular exercise.
1. One beauty tip that really does work is body brushing. Using a cactus bristle brush, coarse sponge or exfoliating product, exfoliate every morning before you shower. Start with the soles of your feet, and work up over the legs and trunk in long sweeping movements, towards your heart. Next work on to your arms and back. This will help stimulate circulation and break down toxins trapped under the skin
2. If you’re not a fan of body brushing, mix 3 tsps of ordinary granulated sugar with your usual shower gel or bath oil and use it to scrub your skin
3. A detoxing bath can also help diminish cellulite. Add 500g of Epsom salts and 250g of dead sea salt to your bath which contain 28 natural minerals which when added have a terrific detoxing effect, not just on your skin but on your internal systems and stress levels
4. Another tip is to add a handful of powdered milk to you bath and dissolve it. Your skin will be softened by the lactic acid in the milk which gently exfoliated dead skin cells
5. A fake tan is a fantastic way of appearing slimmer and more toned; start practicing now so by the time you hit the beach you look like a natural. We all know that the sun can age our skin by 20 years. So if you want to preserve what you’ve got a fake tan is the best and only solution. It will make you feel more toned and confident in the sun.
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Holiday Wardrobe Essentials
Here are our top tips on what you should be packing in your suitcase this summer...
- 2 pairs of trousers including 1 pair of jeans. Jeans are great for traveling and white linen trousers will give you that relaxed summer feeling as soon as you arrive. If you’re body conscious a pair of black trousers will disguise any lumps and bumps
- 2 pairs of shorts one for the beach and a smarter pair for special occasions. The higher the waist the better if you really want to be on trend
- 1 skirt. This is an easy alternative to wear over a bikini during the day
- 2 smarter tops for evening so you can dress up jeans or layer under kaftans
- 2 dresses. The great thing about a dress is that it’s so versatile, you can wear it on its own or layers over a bikini or jeans or leggings/tights for the evening. Alternatively add high heels and an evening bag for sunset drinks and mix it with flip-flops and a sun hat for an alfresco lunch
- A selection of plain tops for day and evening. V-neck t-shirts or vest tops are ideal for this as they come in an array of bright colours, are low maintenance and don’t take up a lot of space
- 1 cardigan or wrap for traveling and when there’s a slight chill in the air on a summers evening. You can double up and use the wrap on the beach during the day too
- 2 bikinis or swimsuits. You’ll probably spend more time in your swimwear than your clothes in which case it’s worthwhile packing more than 1
- 1 Kaftan. This is another summer wardrobe essential. Fantastic for layering over swimwear during the day or trousers in the evening
- 2 pairs of flip flops, one for the day and a glitzy pair for the evening. Flip flops don’t take up a lot of space in your suitcase so a smarter pair can replace the need for another pair of shoes
- 1 pair of walking shoes, a practical pair of trainers is a must for essential sightseeing
- 1 pair of wedge heels. This is a must have in your wardrobe this summer, and the perfect solution to adding a few inches in the heat
- 1 beach bag / day bag
- 1 Sun hat. You should never go anywhere without it and make sure it protects your face, neck and shoulders from the sun
- 1 small evening bag
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Maintenance whilst away
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you need to continue to pamper and protect your skin to maintain its pristine perfection:
- Make sure you apply SPF 30 on your face and body everyday. This is essential if you want your skin looking youthful on your return
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin well hydrated. Save alcohol for the evening
- Treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure once a week, to keep you looking and feeling your best
- Take plenty of exercise. Holidays are a great opportunity to get back into shape. A little exercise everyday will ensure you go home slimmer than when you arrived
- Get plenty of sleep. This is your opportunity to top up your energy reserves and catch-up on some much needed sleep
- Exfoliate your skin every day. This is particularly essential if you fake tan regularly and want to avoid that dry patchy look. Follow with a deep hydrating moisturizing to give your skin that youthful glow
- Protect your hair from sun damage by using products with UV protection and giving your hair a deep conditioning mask once a week
Passengers traveling with Ocean Village this summer can take advantage of both ship’s onboard Karma Spas, which offer a whole range of body pampering and buffing treatments. Ocean Village Two offers passengers an incredible 14,000 sq ft Karma Spa and fitness complex which includes heavenly sauna and steam rooms.
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Tips for Men
Men should follow the same nutrition and grooming tips when embarking on a summer holiday. There is however nothing worse than a man with too much fake tan. I’d suggest a product like Johnson’s holiday skin will help you build up a natural looking tan before you go. If you have a lot of body hair, consider having it waxed to give you more confidence on the beach.
When on holiday, regular exercise and sun protection is essential to avoid that bloated lobster look. Keep nails short and groomed. Treat yourself to a facial or spa treatment to give your skin an extra boost. Don’t forget to put sun cream on the back of your neck and your ears unless you want to glow in the dark.
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Holidays Do’s and Don’ts
- Never wear a ‘speedo’ or thong on the beach. Swimming trunks (Boardies) are for real men with nothing to hide
- Avoid sandals at all times; opt for flip flops or trainers instead
- Avoid wearing vests on all accounts. Its repellent, no matter how big your biceps. Always wear a shirt or t-shirt with short or long sleeves but nothing in between
- Ditch the jewels. Gold chains and medallions won’t win you favour with the girls
- On the sunglasses front should opt for something sporty instead of fashion
- Dress in proportion. Cropped trousers should end mid calf. Shorts should rest on or above the knee. Anything a bit longer and you’ll simply look shorter not taller, which as we all know is a turn off for the girls
- Wear colours that compliment your skin tone, anything too flamboyant will cause the girls to run for cover. Avoid large bold patterns and opt for cool colours and small prints
- Don’t let it all hang out. If the size of your belly leaves much to be desired – don’t let it hang out, cover up with a T-shirt instead
