Courtney Shealy Hart is used to being eyed in a swimsuit. She is, after all, a two-time Olympic gold medal swimmer.

But hitting the water for record-breaking laps is hardly the same as lounging poolside and soaking up the sun, and even Hart has had her share of woes searching for suits that are both pretty and functional.

Joey Ivansco/AJC (ENLARGE)

Courtney Shealy Hart, a two-time Olympic gold medal swimmer, is an assistant swimming coach at Georgia Tech.

• More photos • More fashion news LIVING Latest Headlines: Aquarium attendance up in September  Buckhead family turns pesto into a thriving family business  Never too late for bat mitzvah  Panda cub expected to open eyes soon  College student and tycoon creates fashion for the faithful  • More Living Stories • Living photo galleries • Georgia Aquarium news and photos • Zoo Atlanta news and photos

"I definitely want something that looks decent on me and something I can move and be active in," said Hart, an assistant swimming coach at Georgia Tech.

With so many styles to choose from, everyone, even those who prefer more active beach time, should be able to get perfectly suited, said Fran Beato of Macy's By Appointment.

This season, Atlantans are big on metallics, suits with details such as metal rings or sequins, and safari or ombre prints, Beato said. As for styles, she is surprised by the number of bikinis and tankinis the store sells each year. Contrary to popular thought, the two-piece doesn't come with an age limit.

"If you are confident enough to wear one and you feel good in it, I don't think there should be any problem," said Beato, who suggests women have four to five styles of bathing suits in rotation. "Things have changed so much in America. We are starting to get a little more European in our dressing."

That said, there's nothing wrong with finding suits to maximize your assets and minimize the trouble spots.

For tummy control, choose prints such as asymmetrical stripes or styles with shirred waistlines. Women with smaller bustlines should invest in halter styles, and more boyish figures may call for a bandeau top paired with ruffled boy shorts for the appearance of curves in the right places.

Style asked Hart to road test some of the hottest swimsuit styles this season, proving that function and fashion can peacefully co-exist. Click here for the photos.