Ask Fashion Girl

Dear Fashion Girl,

Dear Fashion Girl,

My skin is very pale and I can't get a tan! The sun just turns me red. I would like to look like I've got a bit of a tan when I'm swimming, so what color bathing suit should I wear?

Thanks, Dania

Dear Dania,

Congratulations on your beautiful pale skin! I know it doesn't seem like a blessing to you, but I think it's great. As they should, many women take great pride in their pale skin and use sunscreen and long sleeves to keep it that way. Don't be ashamed of not being able to tan—lots of people can't. Also, if you stay out of the sun, you will have much more beautiful skin when you are older than your friends who are darkly tanned today!A white or pastel colored bathing suit will make your skin look darker by contrast. Stay away from yellow tones, in solids or prints, as they will make your skin look sallow. Your best bet is to shop—a lot! Bring along a friend so she can help you decide which colors of bathing suits give you the best pseudo-tan.Have you tried a sunless self-tanning cream? They're available in any drugstore. Just make sure you carefully follow the directions on the bottle. Try it on a weekend that you AREN'T planning on wearing a bathing suit just in case it doesn't work or you don't like it. Also, put it on before you suit up because you don't want weird lines on your body or stains on your suit.Have a fun, sunburn-free summer!Sincerely,