SPS has arrived. That’s right, Swimsuit Panic Season is here. If, like me, you’ve spent all winter eschewing lettuce and treadmills for nachos and must-see-TV, now is the time to start really freaking out.

Fact is: Even if you immediately begin exercising and dieting there’s little chance you’ll be in tip-top swimsuit shape as the pool party invites start rolling in.

Short of buying a dozen muumuus and making wild claims about “Aunt Flo” visiting (my favorite excuse), the best way to look good on the beach is to don the right duds.

How Not to Look Fat in a Swimsuit