03 Aug Body Positivity After 50- Swimsuits

Happy Friday Ladies!

Well, it is hard to believe we are in August already! Lots of family plans/obligations in the Fall months and we are planing a trip in October! I think everyone needs a holiday, as it certainly helps with our mental health and enjoyment in life! Today I thought, since summer is still here, and we are still wearing bathing suits, that I would talk about body positivity after 50.

Its funny, when I was younger, I never wore  a bikini. I think I was so self conscious in my teens and twenties, i would have examined every part of me and thought there was no way I should wear one. I think, at 40 and 50, i was more confident in myself, and happy with what shape I am in, I began to think, “why not?”

No one is perfect.

I think every lady has areas of their physique that they think are fabulous. Why not tell yourself that! Wake up and find 3 things you like about yourself.

I like my legs. I do exercise and eat well. ( I will write about my nutrition  in another post) . I think it is all about wellness and how we want to feel.

I have always had strong abs. ( well, at least after 30!) I love using the medicine ball and will do exercises at home for care strength. The core muscles support many of the back muscles, and it is important to strengthen this area for less problems in other muscles.

I think back in my 30s as was researching breast reduction. I thought back then, at a 34C that I was too big on top. II am  a 34B now ( Just from gravity- and going South)! But it just makes me think how we can scrutinize and be too hard on ourselves.

Really, it is about self- love. As I mentioned there is nothing perfect about anyone in the world. We do try to do our best and look our best, and  live a healthy lifestyle.

I was never one to believe that anyone should abide by “fashion rules’. Life is too short to not wear what we want, and be creative with our style choices. Yet, if you go on ‘google’ and look up style or fashion after 40 or 50, you may find a myriad of articles that say what we should not wear. No jeans, no bikinis, no shorts, no minis, no long hair. … etc. etc.

I have always ignored anything like that. I wear what I enjoy wearing. What gives me the most confidence and makes me happy!

That same philosophy applies to swimsuits.

I remember some of my suits. I loved a suit that had a half moon cut out on each side of the middle of my body. Cute! But kind of funny when tanning. I think I had this suit as a teenager.

Then I decided on a white polka dot one piece when I was 18 and went out with this boy I liked to the wave pool. A lifeguard called me over and told me quietly that my suit was see-through and I was mortified! ( I never wore that suit after that!)

Later in life, i enjoyed mesh swimsuits and floral bikinis. I think as long as you are happy, feel free and enjoy what you are wearing, it is ALL GOOD!

I had to laugh, as according to the Daily Mail UK, the “gran-bod movement” ( and I was never aware of such a movement ) and fashion retailer JD Williams, “the survey  revealed that this summer, more women aged 50 and over have bought a bikini compared with recent years.”

What does this say about women, aged 50, as a whole? We just don’t care? We finally feel comfortable with ourselves? I would love to hear your thoughts! 

I am sharing some of my summer swimsuit looks from the last couple of years. I loved this reversible 2 piece-

Yes, this girl doesn’t tan! I am ok with that. I will wear a hat and cover up when i hit the beach. This was in the backyard of a house we rented in Charleston a year and a half ago before going to the beach. 🙂

I think any woman can and should wear what they want. If you feel confident and comfortable in a bikini, at any age, then go for it! I will wear a bikini or a one piece depending on my mood. Mood plays a big role in my clothing choices throughout the year, even swim suits.

I have this same suit in a blue gingham- a fun retro throw back. via a Target. ( last yr) This was from a photo shoot collaboration with Rose Fulbright, a British Designer. You can read the post below.

Love this bikini with roses and a vintage vibe. A great line from ASOS called Paper Dolls. ( Last years suit)

Target has some really cute suits. I go back and forth thinking about whether to buy a more expensive suit or one that may last a few years.

I also love Ted Baker, UK designer. Here are some examples I love!

How do you feel about wearing a bikini after 40, 50+ Do you wear what you want?

Id love to hear from you. Leave a message in the comments.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Jess xo

Other posts

If you enjoyed this, read this post about Rose Fullbright, a Luxury British Brand, who has been in Vogue and various fashion magazines. I was sent a handpainted beach kimono last summer to style.

You may also enjoy this post, Our Outer Banks Beach Vacation from last year.

Our Savannah vacation and the beach