I wrote a post earlier this Summer about how I Don’t Wear Shorts (and Other Weird Fashion Rules I’ve Set for Myself). I received more feedback than I expected, and I was surprised by how many women identified with having a “pear shaped” body. You know when you go to order a bridesmaid’s dress and the lady at the dress shop suggests you order based on your “largest measurement”? For me my largest measurement is always my butt and hips, and the suggested size 2-3 sizes larger than my bust and waist.
The question I received the most was, “if you don’t wear shorts all Summer, what do you wear?”
So, fellow pear shape, I put together a list of the criteria I use when choosing clothes to flatter this badonkadonk. (Are we still using this word, 2018?). Let’s embrace our beautiful bodies and dress them well, in a way that makes us feel like the beautiful confident Greek goddess shapes we are. Here’s how I do it…
1. Cotton and spandex
Besides my embarrassing tidbit about my lower-half measurements, I am an excessive sweater. (I set out to be vulnerable in my blog and it appears as though I am doing just that…). The sweating issue has become harder to cover up since moving to the South. I need fabrics that breathe so my sweat doesn’t stick to me. I don’t have time for things like dry cleaning or ironing, because #momlife, so cotton is my go-to. I also need stretch. I spend a lot of my time in work out clothes, either getting things done around the house right before working out, while working out, or hitting an extra errand after working out. I’m sorry if you run into me at the grocery store right after I’ve done a class at the gym. I like to shower ASAP, but I also don’t have the energy or time to bring the kids home, shower, and load them all back up again to grab some groceries or stop at the post office.
The best workout (or not) pants EVER? These babies.
I discovered these Old Navy High Rise Compression leggings about 4 years ago and I now own ELEVEN pairs. I own some in capri length, 7/8 length and full length. Sometimes I wear my running leggings….as regular leggings….as pants. DON’T JUDGE ME. I can go to Target or on a run or a home improvement project and feel completely covered, sucked in in all the right places and keep me living my best life – ha! They are the most comfortable pants I’ve ever owned and I’m obsessed. I have spent 4x as much on other brands and am yet to find leggings that I love as much as these. Also, ON runs sales and specials on their active wear often, so when I can get these for as low as, say, $12/pair, I stock up!
2. Midi Length dresses
This one is tricky, because I’m 5’3, so sometimes dresses labeled at midi-length are pretty much ankle length on my short frame. Conversely, has anyone else noticed that often dresses are the same length in a size small and a size large? What is that all about?
This adorable dress I ordered from Venidress. So far I’ve only worn it to church, but I feel like it’s perfect for our next date night or girls’ night out.
As I’ve said before, I don’t love my knees. It’s a weird quirk I have and it’s fine. I am not telling you that you shouldn’t love your knees and this is not a self love issue. No matter how much I love myself or my body or embrace my extra couple of pounds that come and go, this is my truth — I don’t feel as comfortable or confident in anything that hits above my knees. Besides my weird aversion to my knees, I cannot bend over to pick up my kids or comfortably climb out of my big suburban. My lifestyle of sitting in bleachers at gymnastics meets to standing with a stop watch over a pool, at a swim meet, does not lend itself to short skirts. This is why I love midi length skirts and dresses. I feel covered, confident and beautiful. And when I look my best, I feel my best and I show up as my best. I’m focused on whatever I’m doing, not worrying about wardrobe malfunctions.
3. A-line Always
This is may be the most obvious, but an A-line is by far the most flattering cut for a woman with a little waist and a lot of junk in the trunk. I love the feel of loose swing dresses, but when something drapes over my bust and doesn’t cut in to show I have a waist, I look like a big, shapeless block. A simple skirt with a tucked in top is easy, flattering and classic. The skirt below I recently bought at Target on clearance. (It has pockets!)
Another question I get asked about wearing dresses often is if I feel overdressed and uncomfortable. First, I actually feel best when overdressed, but second, this is where my friend cotton comes back into play. Cotton dresses have me still looking casual and oh-so-comfortable. Below is the perfect example of an easy every day outfit shown in a mirror selfie and a picture of me with my kids at the Science Museum. Stretchy waistline, cotton AND pockets? People think I look “put together”, but the only thing I put together was one dress. With a dress you don’t have to figure out coordinating pieces of a top and a bottom. I throw on sandals and go. It’s the easiest ensemble ever.
I bought this gathered t-shirt dress in two colors from Jane.com, for only $12.99 a piece, but now I’m wishing I had bought it in all three! Jane is one of those sites that has deals for a short time, so this dress is no longer available, but I found this similar one that I think I’m going to order as well!
I want to hear from YOU!
What are your Summer go-tos for getting dressed?
Do you have quirky do’s and don’ts?
Which, of the above, is your favorite Summer look?
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. This means, at no cost to you (but instead a discount code!), I may be compensated if you purchase from a link. Know that all opinions are my own and I do not endorse products I don’t love and use myself.
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