If you have varicose veins and your legs aren't your best feature ....

[MrsMcGregor]

.... what are you wearing in the heat? Are you exposing your legs and saying 'to hell with it' or do you keep them under wraps? Is there any way to distract from the veins?

I've been such a mug ... I've known for weeks that we're going away tomorrow to a nice hotel for a few days. What am I packing? Jeans. Bloody jeans! I've gone through my wardrobe but my summer trousers are old, tired and worn. I don't possess a single summer dress and have only one skirt which is an ancient Boden number suitable only for around home.

I really do have awful legs - skinny, really skinny and with horrible varicose veins to boot.

So I can't do anything about going away tomorrow but can order a couple of things so tht when I come back I can put lighter layers on.

Does anyone feel like inspiring me please?

I've got spider veins. I used to cover up all the time but then I decided 'to hell with it'. My legs are strong and toned from running and hiking. They may not win any beauty prizes but I sure do appreciate them . And yes, self tanner and body butter go a long way...don't fret!

Hi OP

No words of wisdom, but am watching with interest.

We were close to 28 degrees today and I spent the day in my dark long bootcut jeans.

I was hot and felt like a complete idiot.

I also dislike my vein-y legs, but mine are chunky and a completely different shade to my hands and face which are brown. My legs are just pale. I haven't even bothered to shave them as I have no confidence to where anything other than my one pair of jeans. I don't actually own anything summery apart from a few tops which I really shouldn't be wearing anymore as they've seen better days.

Really wish I could be more like those of you who have the confidence to wear stuff that exposes bits that you're not comfortable with.

I totally get it. And I am overweight so have flabby slap together thighs too.

Courtesy of MN I have learned that you get this chaffing cream that makes me able to wear dresses and skirts.

But honestly, my mantra is 'there are lots of people who don't legs who would love my problem.'

Whatever you take with you don't forget to enjoy every second of your weekend and don't beat yourself up about it.

ps I don't mean any of that in a patronising way.

I think if my legs were a better shape then I couldn't feel just so self-conscious but they're skinny and the veins now bulge and bubble. Ugh! Someone up thread mentioned having them treated - one day I will but no idea when! It would have to be summer holidays as I am sole driver in our family but maybe next year .... or the next!!

Sorry the rest of you are also suffering but glad I'm not the only one!!

I know that i have bad veins, but I don't really know how bad because, to be honest, I just don't look at them!

I used to wear a lot of long skirts but think they look a bit frumpy now that I am older (38). So knee-length it is - mostly dresses too! I don't even look at the lower half of my legs in the mirror - I just check the fit and look of the dress, put on my sandals and off I go...

I find that by the time i have found a dress or outfit that fits, shoes that are comfy and work with the outfit then my mental energy for worrying about other stuff is totally depleted.

I saw a cheap black jersey maxi dress at our Sainsbo's last week, gathered in underbust so ok for less-than-washboard tums. It did have a black & white belt but I thought it could be taken off or replaced for a different look. If you had a bold bright necklace, bag & flats (maybe floppy hat) it would look perfectly serviceable & then with a lightweight cardy it would do for evening. Price was around £15 IIRC.