Opinion | Style Check: A world of one-piece wonders

Now that we are fully in the throes of summer and junk season, many of us are welcoming a familiar friend: swimsuit neurosis.

Sometimes it's as if all those beachy billboard ads only serve to remind us how far we've got to go before Sports Illustrated comes knocking. Kate Upton we're not.

But for once fashion is forgiving. Swimwear design is more diverse than ever.

And it's not only high fashion houses such as Hermès that are putting elegance first. The increase in retro-inspired designs, sleek and modernist one-pieces and interesting new shapes means you can opt for something flattering without forgoing style. Boy shorts, high-cut, graphic print, strapless, high-waisted and even ruching, the list is almost endless and I'm happy about that. The days of the ubiquitous triangle string bikini are gone.

I've been doing the plank on my couch while watching Game of Thrones as my contribution to a "new beach body". If you are gym shy like me, then the revival of the one-piece has been a revelation. Not only are online sites net-a-porter, shopbop and Asos and high street stores like Zara, Topshop and H&M all offering great fashion-forward selections, they are affordable and flattering to boot.

A hot trend is the digital or photographic print, especially colour-saturated sunsets, nature and landscapes. H&M's purple tropical one-piece (HK$199) with detachable ties and a silicon trim on top is a prime example.