WHAT TO WEAR IN SUMMER WHEN YOU ARE CURVY AND BODY CONSCIOUS

It's been a while – but I'm back! And I’ve got a new blog post that I know so many of us curvy women need right now.

If you’re anything like me, summer style can sometimes feel like a minefield. You want to feel cool, confident, and put-together, but your wardrobe isn’t always playing along. And let’s be honest: when your body’s going through all the changes (hello, weight gain, bloating, and peri-menopause symptoms ), finding outfits that feel good can feel complicated especially when you are not feeling great.

I’ll be honest with you, my weight has fluctuated a lot recently. Peri-menopause has hit me like a ton of bricks. One minute I feel fine, the next, I have a bloated belly, and a serious case of “nothing in my wardrobe fits anymore.” But here’s the good news, summer can still be stylish and enjoyable, no matter where your body is right now. So, I’m sharing some easy, no-stress tips to help you feel fab in your clothes again, because your curves deserve love, not hiding in baggy unflattering items that bring you no joy.

Below, I’ve put together some outfit ideas along with style tips. To shop any of the items, simply click on the product to be directed to the store. Please note that some of these are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This helps support me in continuing to create these blog posts, which take a lot of time and effort to produce so I can provide my community with valuable content.

Don’t Want to Show the top of your Arms? No Problem.

You don’t have to suffer through sleeveless tops to stay cool. Try light, flowy layers like linen shirts, puff sleeve dresses, chiffon tops, or cotton-blend cover-ups. They give you the arm coverage you want without making you overheat and they look effortlessly chic.

Denim jacket for big bust, Next | Dress, Abercrombie and finch | Bag, Mango | Mary jane flats, Next |Necklace Oriela jewellery | Sunglasses, Quay

Kimono, Roman | Wide leg trousers, M&S | V neck t shirt, M&S | Basket bag, Mango | Birkenstock sandal, Schuh | Sunglasses, Quay Australia

Legs Not Your Favourite Feature Right Now?

I get it. Some days, the thought of showing my legs just doesn’t sit right. That’s where midi dresses come in, floaty, feminine, and the perfect length to feel comfortable and still summery. Pop on some anti-chafing shorts underneath and you’re good to go! If you prefer trousers then light weight wide leg pants are super comfortable for everyday casual outfits.

JDY top, Only | Wide leg printed trousers, Only | Tote bag, Mango | Wide fit sandal, New look| Sunglasses, Quay Australia

Broderie Anglaise, ONLY | Wide leg printed trousers, H&M | Basket bag, Mango | wide fit sandal, New look| Sunglasses, Quay Australia

Tummy Troubles? Let’s Smooth, Not Suck In.

The peri belly is real, and shapewear isn’t always the answer in the heat. Instead, go for:

• Wrap dresses or empire-line shapes that skim and flatter

• Ruching and draping that soften your silhouette

• Printed fabrics that camouflage without covering you up

  
  

These styles work with your shape, not against it.

Lace Blouse, River Island | Straight leg jean, Baukjen | Crossbody bag, Mango | Wide fit sandal, New look| Sunglasses, Chloe via Selfridges

Stripe Shirt, Next | Straight leg jean, Baukjen | Tote bag, Mango | Wide fit sandal, New look| Sunglasses, Quay

Front tie blouse, ONLY | Croquet dress, ONLY | basket bag, Mango | Sandal, Zara| Sunglasses, Quay Australia

Cool Fabrics, Comfy Fits

Stick to natural, breathable materials like cotton, linen, and viscose. And remember – it’s not about going baggy. The right fit can define your waist, enhance your best bits, and help you feel like yourself again.

Wrap linen waistcoat, River Island | Linen trousers, River Island | Clutch bag, River island | Sandal, Zara| Sunglasses, Chloe

Your Confidence Is Your Power Piece

You don’t have to wait for the “perfect body” to enjoy clothes again. The secret to style, especially in this season of life is dressing for the real you, not the version you used to be. So, wear the damn dress. Open that button. Show up, curves and all. You deserve to feel good.

If you’re tired of guessing what works and ready for a summer wardrobe that feels like you, I’d love to help. I offer styling for real women with real bodies (like mine, and probably yours too!).

Let’s style your curves with confidence this summer. My online styling transformation package will give you the complete styling tools that will serve you all year round.

If you are not sure what package you want to book then you can book a FREE 20 min style consultation