Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Target. The opinions expressed herein are those of Glamazons Blog and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Target.
Glamazons,
When it comes to swimwear, I was always one of those people who thought “I’ll be happy when…” Growing up, I had no curves (late bloomers unite!) and was super-skinny. Back then I thought, “if only I had cleavage, then I’ll feel comfortable in a swimsuit.” Now I have the curves I always wanted, and I miss the days when I had abs. Crazy, right?
I’m not sure when it happened but I finally got to a point when I decided to just like my body the way it is. Picking yourself apart is a waste of time. And by dwelling on what you want to change, you miss celebrating all the beautiful things about your body. I’m so guilty of that. (Dear Abs, I’m sorry I neglected you all those years. Please come back. xo, Jessica)
This year, I won’t hide under cover-ups or worse, miss summer activities because my body’s not “perfect.” I’m making a point to love my body as it is. And that starts with showing it off at the beach.
I’m headed on a cruise right after Fashion Week so swimsuit shopping came early for me this year. Finding the right suit can be super intimidating but there are ways to alleviate that stress and enjoy yourself at the beach or the pool.
Here are 3 ways to boost your confidence when swimsuit shopping:
1. Find a style you love.
Once you narrow down the styles you feel comfortable in, you’ll feel 100 times better about swimsuit season. I love high-waist swimsuits because I’m obsessed with the 50s and they make my waist look super snatched. But since Target has free shipping and free returns, I got a little adventurous trying on a ton of different looks and returning the ones that didn’t work. I discovered one-piece swimsuits could actually be sexy too! Now I’m all about them! Take the time to find a suit that flatters your unique shape and wear it with pride.
2. Stop comparing yourself to others.
I used to dress models for swimsuit shoots at The Magazine — models that get hired to wear swimwear for a living. And they would complain that they wish they had a smaller waist, bigger chest, etc. I kid you not. Imagine if we all could just be happy with our bodies without trying to look like someone else. I’m sure there’s something you love about your shape. Play it up! And don’t get caught in the web of comparison or feeling like you don’t measure up to some impossible beauty standard. Once you start comparing, you’ll never be content even if you’re a swimsuit model. It’s just not worth it.
3. Realize you’re missing out on the fun – #NOFOMO!
Guys, I’ll never forget when I went to Trinidad and wore my costume (the equivalent of a tiny string bikini) while dancing in the street. I went on a crazy diet before I traveled to the island, and still wasn’t satisfied with my progress. Yet when I got there and I saw women of every shape and size dancing in their costumes without a care in the world, I realized how silly it was to let my insecurities keep me from enjoying my life.
Whether it’s dancing on the beach, scuba diving, hanging out at a pool party, taking your kids to the water park or relaxing in a hot tub, just get out there and do it. Life is too short to obsess over every little thing that’s not perfect. And half the time, we make a big deal out of a flaw that no one else notices or even cares about. It’s all in our heads.
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Glamazons, I really hope this helps. This summer, I’m abandoning all my insecurities and reservations and just enjoying the season. I hope you will too. Find something that meshes with your personal style and flatters your one-of-a-kind shape and just get out there. I love Target Swim’s #NOFOMO pledge to encourage women to approach swimsuit season with confidence, love and acceptance. I’m all about that! And they have the swimsuit styles to back it up: bikinis, high-waist swimsuits, one-pieces, tankinis and everything else in straight and plus sizes. You’re bound to find something that works for you and makes you want just enjoy your summer!
Now please don’t have me out here sharing all my deepest body image secrets by myself, haha! If you have a story about learning to accept yourself and your body that could inspire someone, I’d love to hear it in the comments. Need some inspiration? Let me know and I’m happy to chat with you one-on-one, and hopefully give you some encouragement.
And I’d love for you guys to take Target’s #NOFOMO pledge: no fear of missing out, no body insecurities, no swimsuit avoidance, no lame excuses. Let’s make it a great summer!
Kisses,
Glamazon Jessica
Find your style @targetstyle
