All Bodies Are Bikinis Bodies: 5 ways to feel sexy in your own skin this summer

Summer is in full swing and that means hot weather and cool drinks, pool parties, slip n slides, and beach days. But nothing is worse than feeling self conscious about your body when partaking in these activities that are supposed to be fun and freeing. Thankfully labels like bikini body or beach body are seemingly on the outs because truthfully we don't support anything that tells us what we can wear or where we can go because of the way we look, right? To have a beach body all you need is a beach and a body.

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

1. Find the right bathing suit.

This step is a great first step. Throw out your simple black one piece that doesn’t fit quite right and has sags in the rear by the end of the day. You deserve a suit that makes you smile when you pick it up. Opt for something that makes you feel sexy, maybe something a little out of your comfort zone but still something that you will actually wear. It’s no help if this bather just stays stuffed in a drawer somewhere with the tags still on. Oh and this suit can be any type of suit too. Go for the string bikini that you may have dismissed years back, or if you feel better in something high waisted try a bottoms a high cut leg or pair it with a cute top. Whatever make you feel you best, sexiest self. Embrace and celebrate your body! Plus your tummy deserves to get a tan too, am I right?

2. Consider doing some prep.

Now don't worry, the preparation that I am suggesting has nothing to do with restrictive diets or hard workout routines. I say prep with whatever is going to make you feel your best in the skin you are already in. This could mean taking a long shower and exfoliating your whole body so your skin is softer than butter. Or maybe you love to be hairless for the beach- don’t forget to schedule that wax. My favorite prep before any pool party to feel my sexiest is self tanning. I always feel best when I am a little more bronzed. Skip the tanning beds and opt for a foaming tanning cream that you can apply yourself with a hand mitt — save your wallet and save your skin from an extra UV exposure. Lastly, doing some light exercise isn’t always a bad thing either. If you feel called to move your body it may leave you feeling a little better than before, plus the endorphins can be your best friend. But that of course is only if you want to and not because you want the workout to magically change your appearance the day before your trip to the lake.

3. Positive self-talk.

This tip may be the most important. Often it is our own self that is our toughest critic. Of course society has had a huge impact on this from advertisements and instagram to the shows and movies we watch portraying the ideal feminine body that is completely unattainable. But at the end of the day it is the ongoing dialogue within our mind that has the power to make or break our confidence. Standing in front of the mirror and complimenting yourself either out loud or internally can do wonders. When you feel yourself looking at yourself in a negative light, consider reframing those thoughts with something that has nothing to do with outward appearance. Think of what a good friend you are or how badass you were at work that day. We are so much more than the bodies we live in. And saying some affirmations once ready on the day of your summer throwdown can be the cherry on top. Something as simple as: I love myself, My body is perfect the way it is, I am worthy.

4. Hang with the right crowd.

Friends can be the best confidence booster. Grab your bestie this summer and hit the public beach. Together you can support each other and build up that confidence. After all, confidence is the most sexy quality there is. You will be having so much fun that you won't even think about any insecurities in the back of your mind. Have a cocktail or a mocktail, share some laughs, groove out to your favourite tunes and get your gorgeous bum in that water. Pals that beach together, stay together.

5. Be patient with yourself.

All of these tips may make venturing out in a bathing suit this summer sound easy but trust me when I say I know that at times it doesn't feel that way. And that is okay. If the bikini is daunting, start slow with wearing something with lots of coverage and if the whole idea is making you feel worse than usual then don’t push yourself too hard. Allow yourself to skip out on a “pool hang” if it’s causing too much anxiety, just try to get out there the next time. There will come a time where you say to hell with it and go anyway. The key is to be kind to yourself. We are all growing and changing and while those developments may not be as fast as you like, one day you will get there.

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