For all you inked lads and ladies, I’ve got Michelle of Wicked Whimsy over to talk to y’all about one of her favorite topics – tattoos.

Tattoos: They’re everyone’s favorite permanent accessory. But you want to keep them looking good all the time, right? Here’s a few tips to make that easier:

As far as dressing to accentuate your ink, there’s a few easy tips. Have tattoos on your legs? Wear skirts (or a Utilikilt!). On your back? Try key-hole cut outs or v-neck backs. Sorry guys, you’re probably out of luck here! It might require some creative dressing in the cooler months, but it’s still possible to show ‘em off – try wearing a tank top or t-shirt with long armwarmers to let arm tattoos shine, or just lots of sheer layers. Probably not practical for chillier climes, but for those of us lucky enough to be in places where it’s only cold for a month or two, it works great.

In summer, it’s a lot easier to show them off, but there’s still a few things you can keep in mind. Try wearing complimentary colors near your tattoos. Example: if you’ve got a piece that has a lot of red in it, try wearing something green toned – maybe not bright green, as that might be a bit eye-stinging, but a nice teal would make the red pop. Or, as an alternative, you could scatter touches of red throughout your outfit – a belt, gloves/wristwarmers, bracelets, etc. Either of these will help bring your tattoo(s) out even more.

Since you’re going to be showing off your tattoos, you want to make sure you keep them looking fabulous. The most basic of these is something that (I hope!) you’re already doing: wear sunscreen! It doesn’t have to be greasy or stinky – spray on is my personal favorite, and I’ve had good luck with Neutrogena brand sunscreen. Remember to re-apply often.

Some of us (i.e. me) are super paranoid and like to have a second line of defense. A parasol is a great choice – they can be anywhere from retro-pin-up to super steampunky. They can be picked up on the cheap, too – check thrift stores, flea markets, or eBay. Aside from a little extra shade, it can add the perfect finishing touch to your ensemble too!

There’s some of my tried & true methods. What’s your favorite way to show off your ink?