Style

Let’s talk about something most of us avoid all summer long –

You know what I am talking about. The pieces of fabric sewn together to hide your rear that never quite fit right, neglect to hide your jiggle & awaken your knees from hibernation.

Shorts & I used to be enemies. And based on conversations I’ve shared with a handful of my girlfriends, you’d prefer to keep shorts at a distance, too.

But here’s the thing, sisters – After about mid-May in the South, it gets real hot. And I can’t handle another summer of jeans in 100 degree weather. I know you can’t either.

So I am encouraging you this summer to Free the Knees! Embrace your thick thighs, rub some fake tanner on your legs if you have to & wear those darn shorts!

I have been where you are & I still struggle to embrace the jiggle sometimes.

Just last week I was debating on wearing shorts or leggings on my evening walk with my husband. I was picking apart every flaw in the mirror when my husband turned to me & said, “Dang, girl! Your legs look good.”

I kept the shorts on.

You know why? Because these legs are training for a 5k race. Because these legs are strong. Because no one picks apart our bodies quite like we pick apart our own. And because my husband sees my beauty when I see my flaws.

Sister, your legs are just fine the way they are right. now. – you deserve to feel comfortable & free this summer no matter your weight, your size or your cellulite.

 If you’re still not convinced, here are some tried & true tricks I use to feel shorts ready:

+ Wear cotton or linen – It can be tough to find denim shorts that fit just right so I often lean toward cotton or linen shorts like the ones above. Shorts from American Eagle Outfitters have been my go-to for the last few years because they’re breezy & compliment the size of my thighs. I’ve linked some of my go-to styles here. 

+ Go up a size – Don’t be afraid to go up a size. You know the denim shorts that practically stick to your inner thighs? You sit down & rolls just below the hem appear? That’s because those shorts suck, not you. Grab a bigger size – it’s just a number & that number does not define you or your worth.

+ Self-Tanner – I recently bought a bottle of Neutrogena self-tanner & since then, I’ve wondered where it’s been all of my life. It gives me a nice little glow & puts a pep in my step. Here’s the one I love & use every week.

+ Rock a heel – Date night or not, find a fun wedge to rock with your favorite pair of shorts. On days when I am feeling less than confident, I put on a cute pair of shoes with a slight heel & instantly feel better.

+ Just put the darn things on- As they say – fake it until you make it. I promise you, you’ll thank yourself for the gift of comfort. And soon, you may even learn to love the shorts – & body – you’re in.

love,

natalie