The ads are everywhere: try our program and lose twenty pounds by summer! Every year the media suggests we should lose unsightly pounds here, bulging inches there, before we could ever dream of being ready for "swimsuit season".

And even though it's a not so well kept secret that mannequins and the airbrushed images of models on magazines are not realistic to the average woman, average women everywhere buy into the myth. We go into summer feeling like somehow we've failed.

What a stressful way to kick off a season of recreation and relaxation.

It's true. Summer fashion is meant to show a lot of skin. The trick then is being comfortable with the skin you're in.

The first step to feeling beautiful is to accept that you already are. Even models who are paid to be "the ideal" have issues with their own bodies. All you have to do is find what works with you and run with it.

The best thing about summer is that fashion is tailor made for those of us whose bodies may not squeeze into those size zeros or itsy bitsy teeny weeny polka dot bikinis. Breezy summer dresses can make any woman feel pretty, dainty and feminine. Sandals lift and shape any leg. It's about "fun".

Take a complete mental inventory of your body and find those aspects of which you're proud. It may take a while at first, but all women have at least one part of their body they know is their secret weapon.

Find what it is and then show it off! Don't be afraid to be sexy - because sexy is all in the attitude.

If you have amazing legs, go with short dresses and pants. If you have a killer hour glass figure, cinch your wardrobe with sexy belts that show you're unapologetic about your curves. If you have cleavage, don't leave it hidden under some tired old t-shirts. Utilize lower cut tops, or styles that accentuate your natural attributes.

In the hot, sometimes sticky, weather of summer, opt for materials that allow your body to breathe. The more comfortable you feel, the more confident you'll feel. Choose dresses with flowing fabrics and fun prints. Seek out color blocks to draw the eye away from any perceived flaws.

Dare to bare in the summer sun. Don't let the swimsuit intimidate you. With a little experimentation you can find one that accentuates all your positives.

If you have a pear shaped body, you can choose a suit that has an eye catching print on top with a darker shade on the bottom. Many suits have padding to enhance the upper portion of the suit, such as sexy halters. You could also go strapless, creating a sexy horizontal line.

If you aren't on speaking terms with your tummy area, there are suits with built in panels to shape and control. You could also opt for diagonal lines or "chevron" patterns.

Take the time to find the look that works for you.

True beauty is loving who you are as the individual you are. Have fun! That's what summer's about. Get out there, do things that make you feel great.

I promise. It'll look great on you.

Learn more about this author, Ginger Voight.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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