When Cameron Diaz disclosed in Vogue that she's finally made peace with the fact that she'll never be one of those women bursting out of their bikini top, the subject was so hot that Oprah devoted an entire show to it. And now, bombshell Elizabeth Hurley has confessed in Bazaar that like all women, even she has issues about what to wear on the beach.

Here are 8 things you want to know about being a Bikini "It" girl:

1) Be true to you

No matter how big a trend, if it's not you, and you don't feel comfortable in it, wait and know this too will pass. There are more great beach alternatives that ever this season so you can still look hip yet be true to your own style. Stick with what works for your skin tone, hair color, height, body type and who you are.

If you're shy, don't buy something so impossibly small and revealing that when it comes time to wear it, you chicken out and stay home -- or worse, spend the day hiding and sweltering under an oversized sweatshirt. 

Instead, opt for a fun bandeau swimsuit like this red one (at right) by Carolina Herrera.

2) Determine your body type and dress to flatter it

If you already know that Margaritas by the pool are more of an option than leg lifts, then do the next best thing: buy a flattering suit for your figure.

You'll notice in this bathing suit roundup that there is no tankini to be seen. Not one. I'm aware that every bathing suit round up in the world claims the tankini is the cure for a poochy tummy. Even Elizabeth Hurley gleaned this recommendation by grilling her best girlfriend Elle Macpherson for bikini tips.

 The thing is, those two have tummies flat enough to balance a tray of Mojitos on. Take it from me, a life long poochy tummy battler: tankinis are a big no-no. Here's why: anything that separates your midsection breaks up a flowing line.

If you're one of the lucky ones born with rock hard abs, why waste them wearing anything other than a fetching bikini?  But if you're self-conscious of your mid-section or want to appear taller, concentrate on keeping a solid flowing line, rather than drawing attention with separates that cut up your body.

One of the new sexy one-piece suits by Milly (right) does a much better job of hiding a little poochiness. With the Mirabella Maillot swimsuit's strong vertical lines and cut-outs, it draws your eye up, making you look thinner and more like the Goddess you want to be on the beach.

3) Embrace your assets

If you're booty-licious and proud of it, then follow Beyonce's example and embrace your curves. This plunging V-neck tank one-piece by Gottex (right) provides plenty of coverage for a curvy shape while cleverly enhancing cleavage. Remember, always accentuate your greatest feature (tastefully)...

4) Have an intention when you get dressed

If you're determined to look like one of Charlie's Angels, then consult with a fitness trainer like Ashley Borden, who I interviewed for my book, How To Get A Body Like A Rock Star (Without Suffering, Starvation, or Spending a Fortune).

Ashley helps celebs like Christina Aguilera, Mandy Moore, Tori Spelling, Poppy Montgomery and Lauren Graham get into top shape and also offers personalized fitness retreats at the Regis Resort in Monarch Beach to give clients a jump-start on their regime.

When you're ready, dazzle the world with this cute Victoria's Secret Pink halter top with bow-tie scoop bottom bikini (below left), or try a flirty number like one of the four bikinis at the top of the page:

1. Tommy Bahama Graphic halter bikini and Belted hipster bikini bottom
2. Salinas Lovely Rita bikini top and bottom
3. Becca 'Cubism' halter bikini top and bottom
4. Kenneth Cole Reaction stripe halter top and low-rise bottom

5) Choose (at least) one essential bathing suit

By investing in one flattering suit, rather than three cheaper ones, you'll have the foundation for a great look.

This may be controversial, but a bathing suit is not the place to try and save money. It's worth buying a suit that makes you feel fabulous, because -- let's face it -- wearing a swimsuit is a loaded issue for almost all women. If you need to rationalize it, a recent study found that 85 percent of all bathing suits never hit the water.

That means a good suit that makes you feel like a million bucks could last for a couple of seasons. You want to feel confident and know that your suit has enough support and enhances your assets while minimizing the rest. Come pool party time, you'll be able to enjoy yourself and have fun. 

6) Less (skin) is more

Remember you can look flirty and cute even if you're not baring all in an itsy bitsy bikini. I love the idea of kicking around the beach in one of this season's dress cover-ups that are nice enough to wear even if you haven't been in a bikini! For example, take a look at the Marc by Marc Jacobs Silk Color-Block Dress shown at right.

7) More is more

This is the exception to Tip number 6: If you've got it, flaunt it -- as long as you feel good about it. So if you have a great body, the best belly-button, legs, toes, neck, shoulders or abs -- enhance, embellish, embrace your assets.

8) "It" is not about your body

It's easy to blame your body for not fitting into two triangles and a pair of skimpy bottoms. As Dr Abby Aronowitz, former Weight Watchers consultant and author of the best-selling Your Final Diet, says, "Remember, it isn't your body that's the problem -- it's the bathing suit. Personalizing makes you feel bad, while externalizing can help to pick yourself up, hold yourself in (like they do in "after photos"), and try on another suit."

If you look long enough, you'll find a bathing suit that works for your figure. Just keep in mind, being an "It" bikini girl is not about how you look in a bikini, but how you feel about yourself, no matter what you're wearing.

More good stuff:

• The ultimate swimsuit guide: Finding the best shape, color & style
• The ultimate swimsuit guide: 5 ways to get your fit
• 3 exercises for a better bottom line
• Toning your top half
• Beautiful bikinis for any body