Ok ladies, we need to talk.
Summer is here and the heat is on.
Fashion wise, that means bracing ourselves for swimwear, sleeveless tops and dresses, shorts and knee-length skirts.
For some, that’s no biggie. For others, that’s a less than ideal situation.
I get it. Really, I do. I used to give myself such a hard time about all of the body related things. Some days I still do.
None of us are immune to doing that, but we can work on improving it.
So pull up a chair while I fire up the coffee machine. Because this little chat is long overdue.
get in the water this summer
You might recall this post I wrote in 2016, how to feel good in your swimsuit this summer. If you’re worried about wearing your togs this summer, I urge you to read that post.
Life is too short to watch everyone else swimming in the water. This summer, even if it’s just once, get in the water.
Don’t worry about the dreaded walk from your towel to the water. Nobody is looking at you, I promise.
They’re all too busy
- on their phones,
- playing with their kids,
- swimming in the water,
- worrying about what you’re thinking about them in their togs
to be looking at you.
This summer, let’s make a deal that we won’t think twice about getting in the water. That we’ll put our togs on and go for that swim. Are you in?
STYLE TIP: Nikki from Styling You has some fabulous swimsuit options along with 15 swimsuit confidence commandments in the 5th annual Styling You Swimsuit Edition.
dare to bare your arms
If you’re worried about baring your arms in a sleeveless top or dress this summer, I hear you.
I’ve never been a fan of my arms. They’re untoned and chunky.
I could do something about that – Pilates would probably be a good start – but to be honest, I can’t be bothered. So chunky, untoned arms it is.
“I love it, but I don’t do sleeveless” is my go-to line whenever I’m shown a sleeveless anything. Which, when you think about it, is a bit ridiculous.
I mean they’re arms. They’ve done some pretty amazing things in the 44 years I’ve been here.
Sure, they STILL haven’t worked out how to catch a ball very well but they can lift a champagne flute like a boss.
Laura Zip Dress from Evie & Joy (gifted) Size 12, roomy fit. Completely sleeveless and look! The world is still turning 😉 | Basque Tango Nude Slides from Myer | (gifted)
This summer, let’s make a deal that we won’t think twice about going sleeveless. That we’ll put that sleeveless top or dress on and rock it. Are you in?
STYLE TIP: Ease yourself into the sleeveless situation with off the shoulder or cold shoulder tops. Fake tan also helps. I use J Bronze Medium Tanning Mousse to help reduce the glare that tends to radiate from my fairly pale skin.
wear those shorts…or that skirt
Up until recently I only ever wore knee-length shorts. Anything above the knee and I’d be all, “that’s a hard no from me.”
But then I tried a pair of shorter shorts on and they were a summer game changer.
For a start, they’re a much more flattering length on my 164cm frame. Longer shorts tend to make my already short legs look even shorter.
They’re also a lot cooler than longer shorts and can easily be dressed up or down by changing shoes and/or accessories.
My favourite ‘long’ denim shorts from Suzanne Grae – similar style here (size 10) My favourite ‘short’ denim shorts are from target. Find there here | SUSAN W Espadrilles in Rose Gold from Airflex Shoes (gifted)
STYLE TIP: try on various styles and lengths until you find a pair of shorts or a skirt that’s just right for you.
For me – a size 12 with curves (hourglass shape) – elastic waist shorts and skirts don’t work. They sit too high on my short waist and make me look larger than I am.
Traditional zip up shorts in anything with stretch work best, while a pencil skirt is my style of choice.
Gingham Pencil Skirt from Country Road (size 12) Shell Top from Country Road (size 12) | Earrings from Adrift. Purchased at their new Portside store. Other options available | Miss Victoria Clutch in Mrs Tink Pink from Miss Monogram (gifted) | Miami T Bar Block Heel from Diana Ferrari (gifted)
Like my arms, my legs aren’t exactly toned. But I don’t care, anymore.
I used to care. I used to worry so much about what my legs looked like in a pair of togs or shorts.
But now? I don’t give things like that a second thought.
Dedicating nearly three years of your life to beating a serious illness kind of puts things like bumpy legs and wobbly arms into perspective.
What we look like on the outside doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter one bit.
What does matter is that we’re kind to ourselves and to the people around us.
So this summer, let’s make a deal that we will be kind to ourselves. That we WILL go for that swim and we WILL wear that sleeveless top or those shorter shorts.
And when we do, we’ll quietly high-five ourselves for being the gorgeous, kind, caring women that we absolutely are.
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