Ode to summer - by a big girl

Summer. It is the bane of every big girl's existence. The season where skin is an accessory and the clothes start coming off. If you are anything like me, you have always dreaded the season. We thrive in fall and winter when we can layer up and show off our extensive boot collections. Don't get me wrong, I crave the sun just as much as the next person, but what do you wear?

Bathing suits, shorts, tank tops, and sun dresses all have hidden traps for a big girl. Shorts for example. My thighs not only touch but have a close and personal relationship with one another and shorts seem to get lost in the void between my thighs every time I walk. And it is oh so attractive to constantly be pulling those few inches of fabric out of my crotch. Tank tops show off our wonderfully full upper arms that we spend the rest of the year trying so hard to hide. Sun dresses are slightly better but their barely there fabric and purposeful lack of structure show every roll and crease you don't want anyone to see. And don't get me started on bathing suits.

So what do you wear?

Loose tank from JCPenney

Denim cut-off capris from Lane Bryant

I still haven't made peace with wearing shorts, but I love a good pair of capri pants. These denim capris, matched with a arm baring loose tank top are a fashionable and easy summer must-have.

Sheath dress made by Lucy

Black pumps from Payless Shoes

My answer to barely there summer dresses is a more structured sheath dress in a fun and bright fabric. This one happens to be one of my own making. The plus sized fashion industry doesn't always give us the clothes that we desire, so sometimes we have to make it ourselves. Luckily my Mom and Grandma showed me the benefits of being able to sew, but not everyone does. Tailors are a great resource to either alter an almost perfect dress or custom make one for you. Sewing a dress for yourself is much more cost effective, but is time consuming. And there are times spending a little more money on something truly made for you is worth every penny.

White tee, brown belt, and maxi skirt from Target

Khaki safari jacket from Lane Bryant

Wedge sandals from Payless Shoes

You can't have summer without a maxi skirt, a light colored tee, and fun sandals. I once read, maxi skirts are a dressy version of yoga pants. All the comfort we love without looking too casual. Try to stay away from the jersey style maxi skirts you see on sale everywhere. This material shows every roll, pudge, and jiggle you are trying to hide. Skirts with a more structured fabric will give you a more attractive silhouette. Another option is choosing a skirt with a more defined waist, like the one you see above. With this gathered skirt and brown belt, my waist is well defined, while the loose free flowing fabric is held away from my pudge. A light fitted jacket and some beaded sandals finish the outfit.

Find the summer clothes that make you feel comfortable and look good. Don't hide from the sun, embrace it.

Next time... Summer sweaters and birthday shopping treasures.

Photos by HotShots Photography