PSW: Summer Lovin'

See what I did there? EVERYONE loves a Grease reference, I don't even care who you are. And you're welcome in advance for putting that song in your head for the rest of the day.

Okay, first of all, ignore the font in this post. lol. Something went haywire in the HTML side of things and it went all weird sizes. I like to think it gives the post artsy PIZAZZ.

Ahh, summer. Days of the butt-baring short shorts for teens everywhere, days of horror and fashion conundrums for plus size ladies everywhere. Summer can be tough. Depending on where you live, it's likely blazing hot outside. Total side note, it is SO HOT here in the summer and I hate it. Want to see me miserable? Show up to my house in the middle of July. I'm probably lying on the floor on a pile of ice cubes with three fans and a polar bear. TRUE STORY.

Anyhow, if you're plus sized, the summer brings even more problems because you want some coverage without wearing a snowsuit all day long, am I right? And don't even get me started on swimsuits.

But I promise you can wear clothes that keep you cool AND make your body look good, flimsy fabrics and all. You just need to put a few tricks up your (short) sleeve. HAH! I am on a roll today.

Items in this set:
Old Navy Womens Plus Lightweight Beaded Keyhole Tops, $35
Cork Loepard Wedge - Teen Clothing by Wet Seal, $8
Old Navy Womens Plus Linen-Blend Drawstring Skirts, $20
Satin Strap Cami, Plus Size, Women's, $5.90
ROXY Wild Side Handbag, $29

Alright, I really, really like skirts for plus sizes in the summer, so we're going to visit a couple of styles. This first, super casual skirt has a slimmer-cut line, so you can pair it with something bulkier or more voluminous up top. As a general rule, balance out your body by pairing large bottoms with tighter tops or tighter bottoms with looser tops. Loose all over looks sloppy and tight all over looks trashy. Pair with some wedges and you are good to go.

Items in this set:
Plus Size Border Pleat Skirt at Avenue.com and JessicaLondon.com, $35
Ruched Woven Shirt, $18
flower ring tote - Handbags & Wallets - at debshops.com, $18
CUTWORK INLAY CUFF BRACELET at LAURA ASHLEY, 18 GBP
FLAT TAN WIDE BRIM SUN HAT WITH BLACK RIBBON TRIM : 247325509 -..., $40

And here we have a larger skirt with a tighter top. Now when I say tight, I don't mean you need to starve for a few days to get into it. A well-cut shirt with a ruching detail, like this one, gives the illusion that it is tight and skimming the body, while the ruching hide and imperfections. I don't usually do hats, but I like this one. Always choose a hat with a brim that is in proportion with your features, ie: a wide brim for large features, smaller for tinier ones. Oh, and I love flats with a skirt, they look retro and adorable.

Items in this set:
Old Navy Womens Plus Cut-Out Jersey Maxi Dresses, $40
Scalloped Crochet Knit Shrug, $16
Sexy Shoes, Boots, Sandal, Pump, High Heel Shoes, Sexy Pump, Women's..., $20
Overlay Earrings, $40
Triple Wrap Belt, $50

Now, if you are a maxi dress lover and are plus sized, BE CAREFUL. We've discussed before about how they can be pregnancy-inducing, and long dresses can overwhelm your figure. When choosing one, look for something with a defined waistline OR something that can be easily belted. Most maxi dresses are strapless or have thin straps, and in general, I like to see a little more coverage for PS girls. A little crocheted cover up also gives the outfit a little more depth. Pair with some strappy sandals and you're ready to go.

Items in this set:
Old Navy Womens Plus Lightweight Origami Flutter-Sleeve Tops, $15
Old Navy Womens Plus Perfect Khaki Bermudas, $19
Zebra Corduroy Open Toe Slingback Wedge Sandals @ Amiclubwear Wedges..., $22
VOLCOM LAces Handbag, $44
4th Born Stone Ring | Jewelery Necklaces Bracelets Earrings Rings..., 25 AUD

So you know how I feel about capris in general, but I especially don't like them on plus sizes because of the whole stumpifying, leg-cutting-off issue. It is pretty much the kiss of death as far as fashion goes. There was much discussion about PS girls and shorts, but it can be done if you follow a few rules! The first, look for something straight-legged and cuffed. The cuff at the bottom just balances the leg out a little. Then, go for a fabric other than denim. Denim shorts on plus sizes is not a good thing. Then, pair with a blousy top that gives you plenty of breathing room. Finally, choose a shoe other than flip flops. A wedge is much nicer and makes the leg look longer, especially in Bermuda shorts. If you have the nerve to wear shorter shorts, be my guest; I love me some PS girl confidence.


Items in this set:
Bathing Beauty One Piece in Wine - Plus-Size, $90
Old Navy Womens Plus Graphic Halter Swimsuits, $50
Women's Plus-Size Merona® Black One Piece Swimsuit : Target, $45
Old Navy Womens Plus 4-in-1 Swimsuits, $40
Old Navy Womens Plus Color-Blocked Halter Swimsuits, $40

Finally, swimwear. It's hard for me to say what will look good on everyone, because every body is different, but here are some general things to look for when shopping for plus size swimsuits.
1) A high-cut leg. It makes the legs look longer and thinner.
2) Graphic pattern to diffuse any lumps or bumps.
3) Ruching to hide the same.
4) Color blocking, to break up the body.
5) A supportive top. Flimsy bikinis need not apply.

Try on A LOT of swimsuits and purchase a couple. Make sure you're 100 percent happy with them. And then, but a short little summer dress that you can throw on as a cover up to and from the beach. I bought a cheapy $12 one from F21 and it is my fave.

Hopefully this makes you less scared of the long-pants marathon of summer, and more open to trying new things. Some of these might be out of your comfort zone a little, but what's it going to hurt if you try a few on. You might realize that summer skirts are you new go-to uniform all summer long, or go crawling back to your capris. Either way, at least you gave it a shot.

Aaaaaaaand then! your summer dreams won't be ripped at the seams. HAHAHAHAHAHA.

....anyone want to do a duet?