For many women, swimsuit shopping ranks right up there with getting a root canal. "Women seem to be so fearful," says Self magazine fashion market director Larissa Thomson.

USA Today asked its readers what they want to emphasize, and hide, when baring flesh to the elements; USA Today then consulted Thomson for strategies on how to sashay across the sand, skin exposed and confidence intact.

CONCEALING A 'POOCHY' TUMMY

"A flattering one-piece is always a good idea, in a thicker fabric with a lot of stretch that can sort of hold you in, or a two-piece where the bottom comes up a little higher on the waist," Thomson says. The goal is a suit that "shapes and firms, like Spanx for the beach," not one that cuts across your stomach in an unflattering place, "where your belly is hanging over your suit." A trick for up top: Show off your shoulders with a halter. And to cover up, reach for a tunic, "because it falls loosely over the body."

INCREASING BUST

"Look for something with either a molded cup or padding," but, as with trendy shoulder pads from a generation ago, "make sure the padding isn't visible," says Thomson. A halter top also creates the illusion of cleavage "because it sort of pulls up and in."

Otherwise, aim for bikini tops that have details: ruffles, embroidering, shirring. The idea is to create an optical illusion, "something where there might not be anything." Underwire is good, too, for lift. "Avoid ill-fitting tops that look too big and sag with droopy fabric," says Thomson. "They're not attractive, and they make you seem smaller than you are."

CONCEALING THIGHS

Opt for a suit that has a dark bottom and lighter top, says Thomson — or buy separates. The point is to draw the eye up; forgo too much fabric below, because that can result in south-of-the-navel attention. For those still anxious about revealing much more than their knees, there are "so many beautiful sarongs and flowy skirts right now," not to mention shorts in every length.

Finally, "take advantage of all the pendant necklaces now," Thomson says. "It brings attention to your upper body. I don't condone a ton of jewelry on the beach, but I do think one long pendant is very chic and serves a purpose."

ELONGATING LEGS

The easy way? Go for a higher cut. Nonetheless, "you want to stay away from a really high-cut, high-waist bottom," a la Sports Illustrated swimsuit models from the '80s, says Thomson. "If you're confident enough to wear a string bikini, great, because you can adjust the leg yourself." The boy short, however, is "definitely" a silhouette to avoid. (They tend to sit lower and cut your legs off into stumps.) Also nix any hip embellishment, like beading, Thomson says. And at ground level, considering all the wedges and espadrilles out this season, "there are so many chic options that give you the height but still give you a sense of casual summer ease." (Thomson said she would "never" advocate spike heels in or near the sand.)

LIFTING THE BUTT

"This is where I do like a boy short in a thicker, stretchy fabric that can sort of hold you in and up," Thomson says. The last thing you want is a droopy fabric where "you're just adding droop on droop." A lower cut or scoop on the bottom in back is a good idea as well. And on the feet, opt for an espadrille or wedge, to kick the height up yet another notch.

SURVEY SAYS ...

USA Today readers responded to an online poll about which features they were most interested in emphasizing or hiding in a swimsuit. The percentages of the 2,932 participants:

- Concealing poochy stomach: 30 percent.

- Increasing bust: 30 percent.

- Concealing thighs: 13 percent.

- Lifting the butt: 13 percent.

- Elongating legs: 7 percent.

- Decreasing bust: 4 percent.

- Enhacing a long waist: 2 percent.

- Enhancing a short waist: 2 percent.