Body Positivity - What Our Editors Are Dying to Show Off This Spring!

“The best gift you are ever going to give someone - the permission to feel safe in their own skin, To feel worthy. To feel like they are enough.” - Hannah Brencher

Do you dread hot weather because you know you have to wear less clothing? I definitely think too much about it - but I did something new this year.

I made a firm decision that this summer, instead of worrying about explaining why I never wear shorts, I will focus on dressing the areas of my body I do love - and how to show them to their best ability!

In the same vein, we asked all the lovely ladies at Daily Life to choose the part of their body they are most excited to highlight when the hot weather hits - and we came up with quite a list!

In the spirit of encouraging and spreading an environment of body positivity, here is our list of fave body parts to inspire you to turn your thoughts to what you absolutely love about yourself!

Positive Body Image

Body image is an incredibly important topic for men and women, as it relates heavily to our overall mental health. Psychology Today stresses that our mental image of ourselves hugely influences our other behavior. If you feel self-conscious about your body, you’re more likely to feel that way about your performance at work, in your relationships and in your overall image of yourself.

There are many ways we can work on improving our self-image, and one from Psychology Today suggests we ‘stop saying negative things about your own and other’s bodies and refuse to listen to negative body talk.’

With this in mind, let’s turn the tables and start thinking about what we absolutely love about our bodies, just in time for summer!

What We Can’t Wait to Show Off This Spring

Legs

Shorts, skirts, mini dresses, tights, you name it, revealing a little leg has never been easier! A high-low dress or skirt is an excellent way to stay cool and dress up a bit, but still show just enough leg to make it saucy. Above the knee show-offs may want to pair an ultra short skirt with some rockin’ tights and for those of you looking to draw eyes to your calves, keep shorts and skirts to knee-length, or go with a really short capri pant.

If you love your leg shape, but not the texture (hello, varicose veins), go with something that hugs your pins - a boot cut will balance out curvy hips and skinny cut can make them look extra long. Keeping it covered above the belt will ensure all the eyes go to your legs - don’t confuse things by baring skin top and bottom. Gladiator sandals will pull attention all the way up your leg with their long laces, and you can’t go wrong by adding a heel - they instantly make your legs look longer and more toned.

Adding some shimmer with a product like Burt’s Bees Radiance Body Lotion will draw attention to your gams and keep your skin hydrated at the same time.

Read this next: Level-Up Your Workout with Resistance Bands

Back

Upper or lower backs are fair game, but probably best to pick one or the other. Open back tops come in many styles and can be appropriate for the office if you keep it all tailored and don’t show your bra! A pretty strap or even a bow can add some attention-getting looks while keeping it all tasteful and showing off your personal style.

A split back top could also be a good option, where the top of your back is covered, but the bottom peeks out in a small vee. Activewear has multiple options as well for a more casual reveal - hey, you don’t actually have to work out in it!

If you want to keep things smooth in your lower back area, but still want to reveal a little peek, stick to high-waisted or paper bag pants that will cover more near your belt line, but still show a sweet spot of skin.

Read this next: Dry Skin? Here’s What Dermatologists Recommend

Chest/Cleavage

You want to keep it professional at work of course, so make sure you don’t let it all hang out! A sleeveless top in a flowy material will not add extra bulk to this area if you are busty, and a deep v-neck tee or blouse is another great way to show off your favorite area without revealing too much at once.

A tasteful teardrop front is flattering for most body types and winks at the reveal without giving away too much. On the other hand, if you want to boldly show the world your fabulous decolletage, a plunging neckline, deeply unbuttoned blouse, or the daring blazer without a shirt underneath may be for you!

Chest and neck skin can react much differently from your face, so using the same products may result in breakouts. To keep your cleavage and neck area looking fabulous, seek out lotions with a formula specific to their needs. Many, many gals swear by Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream, which helps to keep you smooth and resist saggy neck skin and uneven skin tone.

Read this next: Self-Care Sunday: Move Your Body

Shoulders & Clavicle

This was a popular answer in our mini-poll - and for good reason! Showing off this area of your body is flattering for all shapes and sizes - whether you rock an off the shoulder, asymmetric, cold shoulder, strapless or racerback top, you can reveal as much or as little skin as you like! Tube tops are for the most daring of us, but are the best way to show off the majority of your top bits.

Pay close attention to your bras here - if you want to go braless, rock it! If you don’t want to go down that road, look for a multi-functional style to support the girls and your fashion choice! We like La Vie en Rose’s Lightly Lined Memory Foam Strapless Bra that converts in 5 ways - classic, cross back, halter, one-shoulder and strapless.

To draw even more attention to this delicate area, consider applying highlighter to your collarbones. Applying an illuminating highlighter, like Body Shop’s Drops of Glow Lustre Finish Creator along the top of your collarbone will give them a delightful glow and make them stand out as needed!

Read this next: Strengthening Your Mind-Body Connection

Arms

If you want to rock out with your biceps out, but aren’t nailing your tan dream because you’ve been protecting your skin, try using a body bronzer - it makes your guns look more defined, plus you don’t need to risk sun damage. You can apply as much or as little as you want and for different outfits. Double down by using on your legs as well.

A cap sleeve will pull the focus from your upper arm and shoulder, and wearing thin bracelets, like bangles, will pull the eye all the way down to your wrists. If you want to stay cool but start slow, try a shirt with mesh or lace sleeves or a bell sleeve, which will give you more room, but still show off your arm style.

L’Oreal’s Sublime Bronze Summer Express Wash-Off Lotion is a good and affordable option to keep you hydrated and tan, but comes off with soap and water. We also like Josie Maran’s Bronzing Argan Oil - an organic and all natural option to add a bronzey glow.

Read this next: Glow, Girl! Confidence Building Skincare Routines

Feet

Don’t forget your tootsies! For those of us coming out of the cold climate, many of us dream about ditching our socks and letting our toes get some fresh air. With so many sandals, open-toed heels, fancy flip flops and gladiator style shoes to choose from, you are only limited by your imagination.

Have some fun with the thousands of colors of nail polish you can choose from and play up an outfit with sparkle, color or both!

You can keep your feet looking as great as they feel with a simple home pedi practice you can do while you meditate.
If you’re heading to bed right away, go crazy on that lotion and cover up with socks - by the morning, your tootsies will be ready to rock and you can paint away!

• Fill up a plastic tub or even a tupperware with enough warm to hot water to cover your feet.
• Add 1/2 cup of epsom salts and dip your feet right in, leaving them for 20-30 minutes - long enough to soften the tough skin.
• Dry off with a fluffy towel and get to work with a pumice stone, gently exfoliating the rougher bits on your heels, sides of your toes, etc.
• When the rough spots are smoothed out, apply your favorite moisturizer.

Read this next: Meditation 101: Calming Your Mind & Soul

Booty

There are lots of options to show off your posterior! Whatever shape and size of your booty, proudly highlight your um, assets with some well-fitted pants or capris, a light pencil skirt or high-waisted pants or shorts, which will further accentuate your backside.

Rita Phil, a women’s fashion business aims to break our endless, “I have nothing to wear because I don’t think it looks good on me,” mentality by focusing on fit. Their blog smartly recommends wearing heels to accentuate your bottom, because the tilt that comes with your posture changing when you heel it up makes your lower back arch - leaving your butt looking instantly more toned and lifted.

Read this next: Guide to Body Positivity: Tips for Body Appreciation

Parting Words

We all have areas to show off - maybe your isn’t even physical and you want to share your great laugh or positive energy. The point is not to focus on the things you dislike about yourself, but to feel more empowered by what you already love. It’s a small step in the right direction, but we all have to start somewhere! If you need some help getting started, check out this article on 10 Ways to Improve Body Confidence. 

Related article: 5 Ways to Overcome Bodyshaming (Yourself & Others)

The information contained in this article is not intended to substitute or replace medical advice or professional healthcare treatment. We do not recommend self-management of health problems or wellness. Should any reader have any healthcare related questions or concerns, please call or consult your physician or healthcare provider. No information on this website should be used to disregard medical and/or health-related advice from a physician or a qualified healthcare provider.