Beach bunnies' bodywear

To the fashion bunny, August means only one thing: holiday. A big, long holiday. The fashion world shuts down in August, and with Milan and Paris closed for business ... well, no point in sticking around.

So, August sees a mass exodus of fashion bunnies hopping on to the Gatwick Express (so unglamorous, but you've got to get to the airport somehow) before boarding a BA flight (any other airline is embarrassing) to Croatia,

Sardinia, Ibiza and other trendy destinations du jour. And what will those bunnies be wearing on the beach? A great big smile, for one thing. Because this summer, their favourite designers have done the unthinkable, and been kind to those with less than perfect bodies.

Gone are the string tops and thong bottoms of last summer, and in their place a selection of flattering one-pieces with a retro feel. Not since Bridget Jones's

Diary have big pants been on the agenda, but at Stella McCartney, they found an unlikely champion. Cancel that Brazilian: belly-warmers are back for the beach.

One-pieces are back on the agenda, too. Saved from being dowdy by their pretty prints, the swimsuits at Marni, Missoni and FrostFrench came with demure necklines and a cut that flattered the breasts without pushing them up and out like a Wonderbra ad. Once again, legs were cut low: much more Betty Grable than Baywatch.

I don't know about you, but I never liked the high-cut leg that was supposed to add inches to your pins but actually looked like you'd pulled your knickers too far up your bum. This summer's swimwear is less brash, less look-at-me and, consequently, more sexy.

Another thing the fashion bunny will be doing is matching her costume to her poolside kit. Bags, towels, sandals and even parasols come co-ordinated with your cozzie this summer: head to Eley Kishimoto for a top-to-toe look. Your boyfriend will think you're mad, sitting there in his ancient Adidas swim-shorts, but, hell - one of you has to fly the flag for fashion, and it won't be him.