How to fall in love with your swimsuit when you're 50

“There is nothing more rare, nor more beautiful, than a woman being unapologetically herself; comfortable in her perfect imperfection.  To me, that is the true essence of beauty.” - Steve Maraboli

10 years ago my husband and I traveled to Jamaica for our first time.  We absolutely fell in love with Jamaica.  We promised ourselves we’d return again for our 25th wedding anniversary.  To celebrate that and my 50^th birthday, we are going to go back there again.  

10 years ago, at 40, I dreaded finding a bikini to wear, but found one and wore it and lived through the experience.  Now that I’m 50, I’m wondering if I can or should I do that again?  

So I began my research and Googled, “Swim Suits for 50 year old women”.  You try it, see what you get.  Here are a few links I came across.  

Oy, lots of coverage, do I want to do that?  Flattering 50

There must be more advice out there...?  How not to look old in a swimsuit

I'm, short, so thought looking for petite would  be better.  Petite and 50 swimsuits

None of what I found searching for older women swimsuits made me jump for joy or increase my level of confidence in choosing a swimsuit.  Does the fashion industry want us to look older as we age?  With an aging bladder, the thought of wearing a one piece and having to undress each time I need to relieve myself sounded horrific.  I really wanted a two piece.  But then read on one of the sites, the tankini is out.  WTH?   

I pondered some more and then realized that 10 years ago, I weighed more, was less active and I wore a bikini then…why can’t I at 50 do so again?   There's the sag factor, but jeez...just be brave for goodness sake, you only live once!  

So I took a new approach and started online searches being more bold and adventuresome.  My journey took me to Victoria’s Secret website to see if they have advice or suits recommended for 50 year olds?  They have lines that are called “Forever”…I’m just assuming that means when you get older you can still wear them?  I'll go with that thought.  

I e-chatted with a lovely assistant (who was likely 20 something) online and told her my measurements.  I specifically stated that I’m 50 and don’t want to look ridiculous.  She kindly avoided commenting on my age and helped me determine size. That was so nice of her, it helped build my confidence!?  Duh...her job is to help make the sale!   

Being a trusting sole, I investigated a bit further by reading comments by previous customers.  Yes, I looked specifically for someone who commented who was close to my age.  Bingo, found some comments that were helpful enough for me to take the plunge and order.

It is pretty cool that you can pick out a style and color and mix and match and then see what it looks like on a beautiful perfect body.  Such sales techniques these days!  

Knockout Bikini CloseUp

“Even the models we see in magazines wish they could look like their own images.” – Cheri K. Erdman

What are the steps to take to fall in love with your swimsuit at 50?  Day 1 - 7, here we go:

Day 1 – Found the "perfect" suit, bought it online, now time to wait for package to arrive...drank some wine to celebrate.  No need to go to the store and embarrass yourself, you can shop in the comfort of your home!

Day 2 – Suit arrived, tore the package open, tried it on, drank some wine.

Day 3 – Tried it on, modeled it for my husband…he didn’t laugh, said he wouldn’t be embarrassed walking with me on the beach….guess I’ll consider keeping it.  Drank a Red Stripe beer to celebrate.  (Just getting in the spirit of Jamaica - ya' mon).

Day 4 – Texted my daughter, told her I got the suit and decided to keep it.  Told her, "It’s the Typical VS style, a little too roomy on top, and a little too skimpy on the bottom, but what the heck I’m only 50 once, and it’s Jamaica." She said “Go for it Mom!”  Gotta love supportive family members!

Day 5 - Tried on the suit again…still haven’t taken off the little protective strip in the bottoms…you know I might still want to send it back?  Looked at the other options of suits that I have from trips before.  I tried them on, NOPE, they are not going to cut it.  Still keeping the new suit!  Went to the store, bought matching nail polish, a girl’s got priorities you must polish your toes when you’re on the beach.  

Day 6 – Tried on the suit again…oh dear, maybe too many cocktails have been consumed…I’m guessing it’s more of the snacks of chips and guacamole with the cocktails, but I could be wrong there.  Time to kick into gear, some form of a crash diet is needed!  Maybe it was because I finally put my glasses on and pulled out a mirror to see all views?  Better to be safe than sorry...time to hit the dreadmill a little extra longer.  Maybe I should research how to spot reduce?  I can always start that tomorrow...

Day 7 – That’s where we are today…I’ll be back again soon to share more random thoughts about falling in love with your swim suit at 50…until then, yes, the nail polish looks lovely with my flip flops!  The customer advice on VS was that this color makes you look tan no matter what.  Perfect for someone from Wisconsin right!?? 

Wow...the polish is called "Fearless" Oy, I guess so!