Tell us if this scenario sounds familiar – summer comes, and whether you like it or not, you head to your favorite department store to pick out a new swimsuit. You find a few you like and head to the fitting room.

Fast forward thirty minutes.

You’ve returned each and every one back to the rack, thinking that maybe you could pull a Jennifer Hudson. You feel discouraged. Maybe you just weren’t meant to swim, get a tan, or have any sort of life during the summer months. Maybe you should move to Alaska. Well, what if we told you that you’re not alone, that even swimwear supermodels go through a ton of suits before finding one good enough for a photo shoot? Better yet, what if we told you that there are countless suits out there that will not only fit you well, but fit your budget?

You’ve just gotta know what to look for, and of course, being your cyber fairy godmothers, we’ve put together some excellent BUDGET swimwear options.. all for less than $50.

The Curveless

So what if you weren’t graced with JLo’s behind, Scarlett Johansson’s boobs, or Beyonce’s hips? If you’ve got an athletic body type, meaning your shoulders, waist, and hips are all the same width, you’ve got lots of choices and many swimsuits can give you the curves you crave. Simple embellishments, like beads, sarongs, ruffles, and belts, which accent your waist, will turn your curveless figure into a shapely one. You’ll be strutting down the boardwalk (summertime’s makeshift runway) in no time.
Here are our swimwear picks for beach babes with an athletic body type:

1. Xhilaration Juniors Monokini Swimsuit, $29.99 at Target

2. Smart and Sexy – Women’s Extreme Push-Up Halter Top & Side Tie Bikini Bottom, $23 at WalMart.com

3. Leopard Print Wrap Monokini, on sale for $50 at Victoria’s Secret

Pear Shaped

If you’re heavier on the bottom, in other words your butt is wider than your shoulders, aim to accentuate your torso and your neckline to draw the eye upwards. Choose a top that’s a lighter color than the bottom, or has some noticeable, standout feature. Halter tops and scoop bottoms are a great option.
If you’ve got a sizable booty or thick thighs, don’t be afraid to show them off! They’re not anything to be ashamed of and in fact, higher-cut bottoms will actually make you look better, not worse. Only resort to skirts and shorts if you’re just not feeling like revealing much.

Check out these budget & figure-friendly swimsuits:

1. Norma Kamali One Shoulder Maillot Swimsuit, $20 at WalMart.com

2. Shirred Bandeau One-Piece Swimsuit Dress, $49 at Newport-News.com

3. ASOS Spot Tie Front Swimsuit, $44.83 at Asos

Top Heavy
Maybe you’re a little busty – in a Barbie kind of way – or maybe you’ve just got really wide shoulders and small hips. You’re what they call an “inverted triangle.” Since everyone will naturally look up (at your chest, perhaps), remind them that you’ve got a sexy waistline, too! To do so, go with a high-cut leg, boy shorts, and/or a bottom that has a more vibrant color or busier pattern than the top. All the while, make sure you’re well supported with a swimtop with cups, a halter top or heavy-duty underwire.

These suits are great for top heavy women:

1. Body of Victoria Retro Bandeau Top and Adjustable Bottom, $15.99 and $11.99 at Victoria’s Secret

2. Ruched Bandeau One Piece, $39.50 at dELiAs.com

Plus Size
There are TONS of awesome plus-size swimwear available these days, and they are affordable AND stylish (no more hideous floral printed muumuus). A few tips – most plus size sistas think they look “slimmer” by covering themselves up. Not true; high-cut bottoms really are much more flattering. As far as colors and patterns go, look for the “crossover” style (you’ll know it when you see it) and avoid horizontal stripes along the waistline. Also, the more skin you show, the thinner you look, so don’t be afraid to show what your mama gave you (within reason). If you don’t have a standard black one-piece suit yet, that’s a must buy… for any body type, really. When picking out suits, think voluptuous, not matronly.

Plenty of Plus-size Choices:

1. Floral Print Bathing Suit, $29.80 at forever21

2. Women’s Plus Size Merona Vamp One Piece Swimsuit, $44.99 at Target

3. ASOS CURVE Leopard Pleat Detail Swimsuit, $44.83 at Asos

Pregnant
Thankfully, suits are already stretchy to begin with, so really you just need one that’s extra stretchy and can evolve with your growing belly. Don’t just get a suit that’s one size too big – get one designed for a pregnant woman. Otherwise, you’ll have too much room in some areas and/or not enough in others.

Some maternity swimsuit picks:

1. ASOS MATERNITY Corsage Tankini and Bottom $35.86 and $10.79 at Asos

2. Halter Maternity Swimsuits, $29.98 at MotherhoodMaternity.com

3. Maternity Twist Front Tankini Set, $28 at Wal-Mart.com

Hourglass
If you’ve got an hourglass figure, first thank your mom. Second, have fun trying on swimsuits. You’re one of the few women out there who can get away with virtually any style.

Some options for curvy girl:

1. Star Print Halter Top and Bottom, on sale for $19 and $10 at Victoria’s Secret

2. Bisou Bisou Asymmetric Cut-out One Piece, $33.99 at JcPenneys.com

Tummy Issues
If you’ve got a pouch (and most of us do), there’s no reason to hide underneath a cover-up. Just look for swimsuits with tummy control panels or ruching (gathered fabric) to cover any issues.

1.Tie Front One Piece Bandeau Swimsuit, on sale for $34.00 at Newport-News.com

2. Merona® Women’s One Shoulder Shirred One Piece Swimsuit, $34.99 at Target

3. Norma Kamali Plus Shirred Retro Swimsuit, $17 at WalMart.com

Petite
As a Petite fashionista’s, your biggest concern is how to find a small swimsuit that doesn’t make you look like an elderly member of the Mickey Mouse Club or a 36-year-old Lolita. Don’t fret. You actually have a ton of options, including checking out the juniors department, and, in a pinch, the children’s department.

Check Out These Picks for Petite Fashionistas:

1. Flamingo Flower Ruffle Bikini Top and Bottom- $10.80 and $9.80 at Forever21.com

2. Bisou Bisou Crochet Halter or Skirt $19.99 for both pieces at JcPenneys.com