You wanna know the truth behind this shoot? It was a chilly 40 degree day when we did it. This light spring/summer dress was definitely not warm enough. A woman literally came over to me when I was sitting on this stoop and was like, “I’m cold just looking at you.” Thanks for your input, babe. I thought it would have warmed up by now, but after a two day tease of warm weather, New York City is acting like it’s still winter! Regardless of winter holding on, when it finally does feel like spring here, I know we’re going to want to shed the chunky layers for fun printed dresses, and I have plenty of them for you to choose from. And they’re all under $30. (Yass, please) Swipe through below to check them out.

*BODY POS SIDE NOTE* – Are you someone who is afraid to show their legs in a dress? I used to feel the same way. In high school through early college years, I was self-conscious of the stretch marks running down the backs of my knees, and my voluptuous calves. I suffered through brutally hot midwest August days under the sun at band camp (yes, band camp…), marching in jeans because all I could think about was what the person behind me might think if they saw my bare legs.

When I moved to New York and realized I had to walk everywhere, even in summer (SATC is not real New York, people), when the city seems to hold the sweltering heat in sidewalks and building, I had a ‘fuck it’ moment and bought a dress that hit above the knee and a pair of shorts. I’ll admit, the first times I wore both of these pieces, I was terrified. Embarrassed. Distracted by the thought of my thick legs and stretch marks out there for the world to see. But then as I wore them more and more, the shock started to wear off. It became less and less scary. And you know what? No one ever said a damn thing about my legs. I realized no one gave a shit about the stretch marks. Let me repeat: NO ONE GAVE A SHIT (and if someone did, wouldn’t it be weird if a person fixated on a body part of someone else?).

Ultimately, I was much more comfortable…in the heat and in myself. Sometimes I guess it just helps to rip off the bandaid of insecurity. I encourage you to get your legs in a dress this spring and summer. I know you’ll be beautiful, and I promise you won’t be so hot. And that the insecurity will fade. As for the problem of  butt sweat in the heat? (Which happens 100% of the time for me in summer regardless of what I wear). That’s a whole other can of worms that we can open up once the temperatures get above 80. Love you all!

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GET THE LOOK:

SPRING DRESSES UNDER $30