We already showed you how to navigate summer dressing if you don’t love your arms, but maybe you’re not in love with the idea of showing off your legs. (And that’s OK. We’ve all got an area or two we’d rather keep to ourselves.) Here are a few helpful tips for dressing your legs for summer without resorting to sweat-inducing jeans.
How to Dress for Summer If You Don't Love Your Legs
Stay cool, look cooler
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Published May 23, 2016
Wear An A-line Midi
Tea-length skirts and dresses have been on-trend for some time and aren’t showing any signs of fading away. They’re perfect for concealing thighs and knees (if those are your areas of reservation). Just make sure to find pieces that are on the longer spectrum of midi--meaning that they don’t stop at the middle of your calf (which creates width) but instead hit closer down to the ankle (the slimmer area for some women).
Get the look: Madewell ($88); J.Crew ($90); Miguelina ($320)
Belt A Maxi Dress
Ah, the good old maxi dress. Cool, comfortable and basically pajamas. Sure, it gets some slack for not being the most flattering, but that’s where a belt comes in. A belted maxi dress draws in a slim waist while still covering your legs and keeping things airy.
Get the look: Old Navy ($40); Loft ($98); Banana Republic ($158)
An Apple a Day
Embrace Wide-leg Pants
It might seem counterintuitive to wear bold pants when you’re trying to steer attention away from your legs, but a pair that’s loose and flowy (coupled with a slimmer-fitting top) is far more flattering than you’d think. And honestly, palazzo pants are kind of a dream. They’re breezy and effortlessly chic and can easily be dressed up (with heels and a structured top) or dressed down (with a fun tee and wedges).
Get the look: Chico's ($99); Cupcakes and Cashmere ($105); Parker ($242)
Consider Culottes
It’s like a midi skirt and wide-leg pants had a supremely chic baby. Just remember to keep length in mind (the closer to the ankle, the better). Other than that, treat them just like you would any other full bottom (meaning go fitted with your tops).
Get the look: Olivia Palermo ($59); Kendall + Kylie ($89); DVF ($398)
From the Corners of the Curve
Draw Attention On Top
It’s pretty simple: If you don’t want people looking at your legs, make them look somewhere else. This visual trickery can be accomplished with everything from a statement necklace to an eye-catching printed top or kimono (or both!).
Get the look: Bauble Bar necklace ($48); PJ Salvage kimono ($72); Melissa McCarthy kimono ($98)
Go Long Up Top
OK, if you’re the most comfortable sticking to traditional pants (even in the heat), you can at least be breezy on top. Opt for a breathable tunic to balance out the proportions--and your core body temperature. Just think of it like the ’90s dress-over-pants look, which just so happens to be back anyway.
Get the look: Target ($45); Kensie ($69); Anthropologie ($98)
