13 Effortless, Sultry Swimsuit Poses We're Stealing from Model Izumi Paula

There's more to posing than the typical hands-on-your-hips, bum-out stance. We've scoured Instagram pretty extensively for pose inspiration, and if there's one thing we've learned from our hunt, it's that there are just about as many poses as they are gestures. So, yes, angling your body for a killer bikini pic doesn't have to be as hard as it may initially seem. 

Model Izumi Paula is an example of this. Her feed's pretty moody and cinematic–her beach pics have a shadowy, nostalgic quality to them–and her poses are just effortlessly sultry. She often looks like she's just relaxing (or caught mid-motion), which allows her to sidestep looking contrived or stiff. Maybe that's the key to effortless poses: Just be confident and stick to your comfort zone!  

Without further ado, here are some poses to copy from Izumi Paula: 

1. While seated on a bench, curl one leg toward you and attempt that famed "bikini lift" pose. 

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2. Sit comfortably by the edge of the shore and snap a pic right as the waves lap. 

3. There's always room for a cheeky pic! Lay on your stomach and take a selfie. This is also a great way to capture your background!  

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4. Play with your clothes on a particularly windy day. The movement of the fabric makes for a stunning shot! 

5. Lay on your stomach and face the camera. This should be your go-to pose if you'll be wearing a backless maillot with dainty details, like this one from Gigi C. 

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6. Take advantage of the foliage in the area and pose in a spot with leaves of various sizes. So pretty! 

7. Lean back on your beach towel, suck in your stomach, and close your eyes as you soak in the sun. This pose will give emphasis to your shoulders and collarbones, which makes a flattering photo!

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8. Sometimes, the swimsuit is the pose. Once you get your hands on a striking maillot or bikini, you won't have to overcomplicate your poses to nail the money shot. Here, Izumi's wearing a highlighter green bikini with PVC straps. We need this set, stat! 

9. Dig your knees in the sand and "adjust" the straps of your swimsuit. Make sure to flaunt your best side and angle your arms!

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10. Stand straight with the water up to your hips, and slick your hair back. There's no harm in taking an underarm-baring photo once in a while! 

11. Remember that cool-down stretch we all used to do in P.E. class? Who knew it would make such a pretty pose? Tilt your body to the side, curl one leg forward, and stretch the other one behind you. Avoid awkward hands by laying them daintily on your hips or thighs. (BTW, we're loving this crocheted swimsuit.) 

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12. This may be one of the easiest, most effective poses ever. Simply recline in a chair and bask in the warm sunlight. Prop one leg up if you'd like! 

13. After taking a swim, Indian-sit on a bench, pop your shoulder, and snap a pic from the side. If you take the photo from a low angle, you'll look longer and slimmer! 

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