You Didn’t Get the Summer Body? Good. Here’s What to Wear Instead.

By Jennifer von Walderdorff

So you didn’t achieve the “summer body”. Neither did I. Want to know what we did achieve instead? Probably a few laughs, a glass of wine or two, memories with friends, and actual joy. You know – life.

We’ve spent enough seasons shrinking ourselves, literally and metaphorically, to fit into an outdated fantasy of what women should look like by June. But here’s your gentle reminder: you already have a summer body. It’s the one you’re in. And it deserves to be styled, celebrated, and set free in the sunshine.

So let’s dress for how we feel, not for how we’re “meant” to look. Below are three confidence-first outfit ideas that’ll keep you cool, adorable, and gloriously unbothered:

1. The Open Shirt + Crop Top Combo

Are you still hesitant to reveal everything? The open shirt is the perfect companion for you. Toss it over a crop top or bralette — it adds structure, movement, and just the right amount of mystery. Think of it as your personal confidence cape.

Style tip: Go for a lightweight cotton or linen button-down, oversized if possible. Roll the sleeves, pop the collar, and wear it like you own the beach bar (even in your garden).

2. The Elasticated-Waist Short That Doesn’t Judge

If you’ve ever unbuttoned your shorts after lunch — hi, welcome. The elasticated waistband is here to end the tyranny of denim and give you room to breathe, move, and stretch without a second thought.

Style tip: Look for high-waisted styles that hug you comfortably and pair them with a tucked-in tee, vest, or loose tank. They look structured, feel like pyjamas, and don’t dig in when you’re sitting cross-legged on a picnic blanket.

3. The Palazzo Pant: Your Breezy Bestie

Palazzo pants are like summer’s quiet luxury. They float, they breathe, and they don’t cling. In natural fabrics like linen or bamboo, they’re perfect for sweltering heat and for days when you just want to feel elegant without squeezing into anything restrictive.

Style tip: Pair them with a cropped blouse or a knotted shirt and some statement earrings. Instant goddess energy.

Finally

You don’t need to change your body to enjoy summer — you just need clothes that work with it, not against it. Style isn’t about hiding. It’s about highlighting who you are right now — soft bits, bold bits, and all the glorious in-between.

So raise a glass (or an iced coffee) to the body that carried you through late nights, early mornings, and everything in between. And wear what makes you feel like your favourite version of yourself.

Because real style doesn’t wait for a flat stomach — it starts with confidence.