All Bodies Are Bikinis Body: 5 Ways to Feel Sexy in Your

Summer is in full swing and that means warm weather and cold drinks, pool parties, slides and days at the beach. But there’s nothing worse than feeling self-conscious about your body while participating in these activities that are supposed to be fun and liberating. Luckily, labels like bikini body or beach body seem to be on the way out because, honestly, we don’t support anything that tells us what we can wear or where we can go based on our appearance, do we? To have a beach body, all you need is a beach and a body.

But of course, rejecting the culture that surrounds these words is easier said than done. So if you need a little help feeling your Hot Girl Summer Vibes this summer, you’ve come to the right place.

1. Find the right swimsuit.

This step is a great first step. Toss out your plain black one-piece that doesn’t quite fit and is sagging in the back by the end of the day. You deserve a swimsuit that makes you smile when you pick it up. Go for something that makes you feel sexy, maybe something that’s a little out of your comfort zone, but still something you’ll actually wear. It doesn’t help if that swimsuit just sits in a drawer somewhere with the tags still on. Oh, and that swimsuit can be any type of swimsuit, too. Go for that thong bikini you may have rejected years ago, or if you feel better in something high-waisted, try a high-cut bottom or pair it with a cute top. Whatever makes you feel your best, sexiest. Embrace and celebrate your body! Plus, your belly deserves a tan too, right?

2. Consider making some preparations.

Don’t worry, the prep I’m suggesting isn’t about restrictive diets or intense workout routines. I recommend prepping with whatever will make you feel your best in the skin you’re already in. That might mean taking a long shower and exfoliating your entire body so your skin feels smooth as butter. Or maybe you like to be hairless for the beach—don’t forget to schedule that wax. My favorite prep before a pool party to feel my sexiest is self-tanning. I always feel my best when I’m a little tannier. Skip the tanning bed and opt for a foaming tanning cream that you can apply yourself with a washcloth—save your wallet and spare your skin from extra UV exposure. Finally, getting some light exercise isn’t always a bad thing, either. If you feel called to move your body, you may feel a little better than before, and endorphins can be your best friend. But of course, this is only possible if you want it to be, not because you want the workout to magically change the way you look the day before your trip to the lake.

3. Positive Talking to myself.

This tip is perhaps the most important. Often, we are our own harshest critic. Of course, society has had a huge impact on this, from ads and Instagram to the shows and movies we watch that portray the ideal female body as completely unattainable. But ultimately, it’s the constant dialogue in our minds that has the power to make or break our confidence. Standing in front of the mirror and complimenting ourselves out loud or to ourselves can do wonders. When you feel like you’re looking at yourself in a negative light, consider reframing those thoughts with something that has nothing to do with outward appearance. Think about how great of a friend you are or how badass you were at work that day. We are so much more than the body we live in. And saying a few affirmations once you’re ready on your summer date night can be the icing on the cake. Something as simple as: I love myself, My body is perfect just the way it is, I deserve it.

4. Hang out with the right people.

Friends can be the best confidence booster. This summer, bring your best friend to the beach. Together, you can support each other and boost your self-confidence. After all, self-confidence is the sexiest quality there is. You’ll have so much fun that you won’t even think about your insecurities. Grab a cocktail or mocktail, laugh together, dance to your favorite songs, and dip your gorgeous butts in the water. Friends who go to the beach together, stay together.

5. Be patient with yourself.

All of these tips may make it seem like going out in a swimsuit this summer is easy, but trust me, I know sometimes it isn’t. And that’s okay. If you’re intimidated by the bikini, start small by wearing something very covering up, and if the idea of ​​it makes you feel worse than usual, don’t push yourself too much. Give yourself permission to skip the pool if it’s causing you too much anxiety, just try to go next time. There will come a point where you’ll say to hell with it and go anyway. The key is to be kind to yourself. We all grow and change, and even if it doesn’t happen as quickly as you’d like, eventually you’ll get there.

You are beautiful and sexy just the way you are and everyone knows it.