Scared of wearing summer clothes

[fedupmumof2]

I’m trying to change my life and feel very low in confidence and self esteem. You all were so lovely when I reached out before to say how I was feeling depressed.

Could I please get some advice on this: I want to start wearing summer dresses. I actually wear dresses in winter with tights or leggings but in summer I don’t. I feel worried incase my dress is see-through or if it blows up in the wind (I know this might sound strange). My confidence is very low. Can I ask advice on how I can wear dresses and not worry about this? I was wondering if I could possibly wear cycling shirts under or would that look strange?

I put in a lovely dress this morning and even my toddler said how lovely I look! But my confidence is so knocked I took it off and out my jeans on again. I live in jeans and leggings.

Apologies for typos.

Get some cycling type shorts for underneath dresses, even if your dress does blow up or you bend over/sit down etc nothing will be on show. I use them because with two kids I’m constantly up and down, on the floor and at risk of the littlest pulling my skirt up to hide under 🙄

Wearing cycle shorts underneath a dress is fine, many women do.
I hope you gain the confidence to wear your lovely dress soon.

You could wear a slip under the dress ?

Cycling shirts are your friends. I bought some from Decathlon and it changed all sorts of outfits for me. Toddlers are very good at telling the truth, so I am sure you looked lovely!

https://www.marksandspencer.com/l/lingerie/knickers/fs5/cycling-shorts#intid=lg_dlp_circle-nav_080623_1_txt_knickers_cycling_shorts
Agree that cycling shorts are fine

Wear longer dresses / skirts that won’t blow up? Buy skin coloured knickers so less see through.

I wear chub rub shorts under my skirts and dresses because I am thick of thigh. Lots of slim not so thick of thigh young 'uns seem to wear cycling short type things under skirts though. My daughter is 20 and she does.

Cycling shorts or slip is fine! I may do the same actually! I've seen lots of women with cycling shorts underneath.
I totally get where you are coming from OP. I hate summer and it's got a lot to do with summer clothes and feeling exposed in them. I really don T think anyone cares as they are all too busy trying to keep cool!
Your toddler sounds like a sweetheart! Go out in your dress and make him / her proud! X

I work in a primary school and everyone wears cycling shorts under dresses. It’s so practical. Go for it!

I do wish there were words to help boost your confidence, but I struggle myself, sounds like you're ahead now though for even thinking about this. So well done.
Shorts underneath, absolutely fine.
I've seen some lovely wrap skirts too, floaty enough to look summery but not floaty enough to blow up either.

Get yourself a pair of these. I think most (?) people now wear something like this under dresses. Modern day bloomers I guess?! snagtights.com/collections/chub-rub-shorts

I always wear cycling shorts under dresses in summer! I bet you look fab in your dresses - try wearing one out and see how you feel, hopefully it will start to build up your confidence. I feel the same as you, a bit nervous after months of wearing leggings & jumpers. But ive tried out a few dresses and actually received some compliments! I've bought a few oversized dresses so they're forgiving around my stomach. Team with a cardi, denim jacket or biker jacket. Good luck OP!

Primark do cotton cycling shorts for a couple of quid - flesh coloured as well.

I used to be the same as you OP - hated my legs and also got thigh rub. Also got a disproportionally big bum so some dresses don't 'sit' right on me.

I discovered Snag Tights' Chub Rub shorts and they are AMAZING! Now I love wearing dresses (about knee length or longer).

I still don't feel as elegant as I think a lot of women look in them, but actually the older I get and also with kids taking up all my mental energy, I don't actually care much anymore. If I like the dress and it's sunny, I'll wear it!

Thank you so much everyone. You’re all so lovely. The marks and spencer shorts and decathlon look good. I think I’ll order them.

@gorillalala im off to Google that now. Never heard of it! Thank you.

I haven't worn shorts under dresses for years, but when I did they either cut into my legs and made me very bulgy, or rode up and bunched up very uncomfortably.
Are they better designed these days? I've put on a stone, and I think it's all gone on my thighs!

I used to be like this - I’ve got a few pairs of Snag chub rubs now and they’re fantastic, I wear whatever I like and I’m so much more comfortable.

definitely cycling shorts or leggings. Personally that’s only way I can wear skirts due to rub, and avoided them for years anyway due to giant (unearned) calf muscles. they are still there but I no longer care because life is too short.
Also, if you are worried about having a Marilyn moment, skirts in non-flighty fabrics eg jean skirts or corduroy pinafore dresses are handy when getting used to a non trouser situation, esp when scrambling after toddlers. And they tend to have decent pockets!

Cycling shorts are brilliant for dresses as prevent chub rub! I'd look for dresses not too short or low cut so you don't feel self conscious, wider straps or short sleeves may work better for you.

Sainsbury's have really good cycling shorts (or did last summer) which also hold in wobbling bellies

Also itnis not a binary choice between delicate floaty dresses or jeans. May be start with something like a calf length light denim or chambray skirt and t shirt so you don't worry about it being see through.

So something like this

https://www.whistles.com/product/zip-detail-chambray-midi-skirt-32817.html

This is pretty much my day time summer style.