I always loved how cute the summer clothes styles were, but not on me. As the years went on and I got older, I slowly stopped wearing shorts. On hot days I would wear capris, even in 90-degree humid weather. I even stopped wearing tank tops. If I wore a short-sleeve shirt, 9 times out of 10 I would wear a thin sweatshirt over it to cover my arms. It got so bad that for years I wore capri leggings and a t-shirt to the beach, I would even swim in them! I loved the summer weather, but I started to look forward to the cooler seasons just because I knew I could cover-up more.
What I was wearing and how I looked started to consume my thoughts. Looking back now I get angry at myself for letting beauty standards and what I thought others would think of me ruin what I would wear every day. I was really struggling with body image issues, but I just thought that was normal.
This is the summer I’m breaking up with covering myself up! If it’s hot I’m going to wear shorts and not cover myself up in a sweatshirt. When I go to the beach I’m going to put on a bathing suit and swim in the ocean.
Summer clothes shopping can be stressful, it is something I have always dreaded. Recently when I go shopping I bring A LOT of items of all different sizes into the dressing room with me. I don’t look at the sizes as I’m trying them on. I ask myself these questions…. Do I like how it feels? Am I comfortable?
Once I’ve decided what to buy I cut the tags out when I get home and just enjoy wearing what feels good on me! It’s easy to get wrapped up in the sizes, but as we know each brand and style can run so differently, especially in women's clothing. I can run between 3 different sizes depending on the brand, so I’m learning that the sizes really do not matter. What truly matters is if you feel comfortable in what you are wearing.
I know some days will be easier than others, so I’m starting one day and one piece of clothing at a time.
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