New: Hate my legs! - YouLookFab Forum

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New: Hate my legs!

Chloe88

I'm new. Why did I wait so long to find a message board like this. I'm not overweight but I have legs that are in bad shape. They actually don't have shape! I have cankles and thick calves but the rest of my body is slim. I'm also short. I've had 2 surgeries to try to correct this. The results only last a few years and now fluid just pours into the ankles and I have a lot of cellulite and loose skin. (Been to the doc, it's a genetic thing)

I dread warm weather. I see such cute dresses and shorts in the stores and it makes me sad because I can't wear them and look cute.
So, I don't wear shorts. EVER. I never wear a swimsuit. The only dress I will wear is a maxi. I simply don't know how to dress this body without covering up my legs.

Is there anyone out there like me? How do you cope?

Thanks!
(whew, I feel better just venting)

Body Type

27 replies

Latest reply was from CocoLion

Anonymous

Angie's recent post on body image may be of some help:

http://youlookfab.com/welookfa.....e-reminder

(We're trying to be more positive about body issues on here.)

columbine(erin)

Veteran

I'm still learning to be at peace with my flaws. It personally helps to wear clothes that I feel good in and exercise and wear makeup. if you like to wear maxis, I have seen some pretty ones on Angie's round ups, I think, it's hard to search on my phone though. Maybe a new maxi and pretty sandals could be a good pick me up.

rachylou

Veteran

Welcome!! Good timing! We're on The Love Your Summer Body roll here

I think having so much fun with fashion that it shows and includes other people goes more than a long way. This is on a whole other level - but there's a lady who plays banjo in my town, a busker if I remember the word right. She was born with facial disformity. Eyes at different levels. But she wears these crazy cute country hats. Really a doll. She's yummy cute.

But to get back on topic, if you aren't feelin' your ankles, what do you think about breezy palazzo pants and some bare shoulder?

citygirldc

(website)

Veteran

I understand how you feel and believe me there are lots of things that I want to wear but I can't for certain reasons so I try not to dwell on the negatives. I wear those things that DO make me feel good like favorite pants, or a cute top, or fun accessories and maybe a great hair do. My big thing: red lipstick which always makes me feel pretty.

Chloe88

Thank you! What a warm and (empathetic) welcome! Columbine: I'm actually ordering more Maxi's today and platform wedge slides (no straps around chunky ankles). I think I will focus on my upper body assets and hair.

Beth Ann

Veteran

Maxis and trousers give you lots of options, without revealing your ankles --- although it is hard to find full length skinnies this time of year! And highlighting your shoulders is a great way to draw attention to your assets and your face.

Are you familiar with the blogger Alison Gary?
http://www.wardrobeoxygen.com/

She has fuller ankles and lower legs, too, and she doesn't let it stop her from having fun with fashion!

There are many ways to be stylish, vibrant and beautiful, and perfection eludes us all anyway.

Jane

Veteran

Lovely to have new maxi dresses and good plan with the shoes. Good plan! Please do show photos when they arrive!

catgirl

Veteran

You know what? I always hated my legs because of comments on how scrawny they are (like "chicken legs", for instance). YLF was the first time I ever heard otherwise. You've come to the right place for advice and support and props.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

Palazzo pants save lives. Lol yep I love them and have quite a few.

We have to accept what is sometime and make peace with it. Accentuate the positive a beautiful smile a cold shoulder. A body that works.

Laurinda

Veteran

If your legs can kick when you swim, and if your legs can take you where you want to go -- you have amazing, fantastic, wonderful legs!

Enjoy them and take them everywhere with you.

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I emphasize. I have a love/hate relationship with my legs -- they are long and strong, but not particularly shapely or pretty, and I have cellulite, keratosis pilaris (chicken skin-like bumps), and saddlebags -- so I understand what you are saying. However, I am trying to be kinder to myself, and an important first step is to stop saying "I hate" about any part of myself. I try to get regular exercise (which does help my muscle tone and in turn has improved the appearance of my legs, even if their basic shape never changes), eat well, and focus on all the wonderful things my legs are able to do -- ride a bike across an entire state, run half marathons, hike mountains.

I do wear swimsuits and shorts, despite my "flaws," because it gets hot here and I love to swim. So I say dress to emphasize the things you like about your body, and keep reminding yourself that your body is amazing, and that no one notices things that you do!

Chloe88

I am so touched by all of your responses! I will check out the links you recommended also.
I have been looking for so long on how to shop for clothes for my heavy legs and would just stumble upon shopping sites. It never occurred to me a forum like this existed!
The last time I felt fully accepted and not subconscious when I was at 4 day music festival last summer, where "anything goes" as far as apparel (or lack thereof!) I wore short dresses and skirts every day! As soon as I got back home, it was different for me.
So, I can post pics and will get constructive criticism and tips? That would be awesome!
Thanks again. Truly. All of your input has been so helpful and encouraging. Time now to start taking baby steps...

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Absolutely! Please post pics -- this community is very helpful. I've always been thankful for the honest yet kind feedback here.

Your music festival experience is telling. I feel the same way when I go on a beach vacation -- I get used to seeing myself in a bikini and start feeling more kind and accepting of my body, because EVERYONE is in bikinis and it's easy to see that none of us are "perfect." Now, if we can hold onto that realization and feeling when we're back home...

Laurinda

Veteran

Janet, you have a great idea with the beach vacation (or festival).

I take a swim class for all ages and abilities and it has helped my own body image outlook. One gal has a BMI north of 45, and she always wears the cutest swim suits. Another gal comes in a wheelchair (an attendant helps her in the pool) and she is decked out in pretty prints as well.

Sure, I am a bit jealous of the tanned & toned younger gals, but the point is to get in the water and have fun.

Welcome to the forum, you will find many kind and helpful folks here.

Wear that swimsuit.

Nishaa

I was told never to wear sleeveless because of thin arms.. Looks like hanger..I was told .didnt wear them 25 years of my life..
I'm not offering solution.. One fine day I just decided I've had enough and the people who don't like it can go to hell.. Helped that I was angry and fed up.. And guess what .. May be some noticed.. I didn't care. No one came and told me.. Felt like a badass..
If you're ever in that kind of mood .. Take advantage.. ;-))

Joyce B

Veteran

Think of it this way: do your legs allow you to walk from here to there? To walk faster of maybe to run? If so, your legs are beautiful, they are doing a job well done. If you can walk but maybe have a limp, your legs are beautiful because you can still walk. Try to go for the positive, there is always something good and not everyone can be or wants to be a supermodel. Be patient with yourself and look at the good in what you feel is imperfect.

KikiG

Veteran

Like Janet's beach vacation experience, dark sunglasses and a day at a water park makes me much, much kinder to myself when I look at other people's real bodies, and they are all out in their body, which they wore to a water park, having fun with friends and family. Good for them and good for me! The only people who actually look like I think I'm supposed to look, in my head, are a few 14 to 16 year old girls, and I am a middle aged woman. That is a pretty mean standard for a middle aged woman to base her beliefs about her body on, right? It is what it is. It sounds like anyone who glances at your legs would pretty instantly realize that they constitute a medical problem. Would you think mean thoughts to other people out in the world in their bodies that have medical problems, and think they should hide? Of course you would not. And anyone who would isn't someone you would want to spend time with, so there is that! If you think you'd be more comfortable in a seriously concealing (but also cute) bathing suit bottom, they have some at the Coolibar website; I was just over there looking for sunscreen clothing, and I noticed and thought of this thread.

catgirl

Veteran

Along the lines of what KikiG said beautifully above, there are lines of swimwear for women who do not expose skin due to modesty, including something called the burkini. Many women in India go in the water fully clothed. Not taking a position on this, just mentioning it as another option. No one should be deprived of the joys of the beach or pool because of how they look or feel.

Beth Ann

Veteran

If you follow the women in the Forum for awhile, you'll see that we all have different bodies and styles. You'll also soon see that women who post outfits grow in their style and in their confidence. I learn from everyone here! Don't be afraid to jump in and join the fun!

Anonymous

I'm chiming in a little late here, but I want to welcome you to the forum. I don't have unshapely legs, but I have suffered from chronic leg pain since age 18, and still haven't received a diagnosis after a multitude of diagnostic tests. I'd say that first of all, we all have figure flaws we have to deal with. I think you could cover up your legs, if you wish, with long skirts or dresses, and wide-legged pants (stay away from skinny pants). You shouldn't ever feel like you have to hide your legs, though! Remember you are beautiful as you are. I'm sure you'll find lots of help here at the YLF forum. Again, wecome.

Ledonna N.

Veteran

I think it is something about the virtual world that you can feel a certain type of freedom. Kind of like you experienced when you went to the festival. You might not have known anyone but you felt comfortable in your own body. It is when we are in our own environment do we sometimes feel inadequate. I used to experience that when I went HOUSE Dancing. I took myself because I loved to do it. I felt a certain level of freedom of self expression. I felt sexy also because I felt powerful and comfortable in my own skin. I know you will find your way with us and we will learn with and from you also.

Chloe88

Again, I am absolutely blown away by your warmth, compassion and great sense of humor! I can't even begin to tell you how encouraged I am and actually excited to start living!
BC - I'm sorry to hear about your leg pain. Mine doesn't compare but I have bulging veins in my left calf only and it gives me restless leg syndrome and swelling in the ankles. I should be thankful that I can walk and have strong legs. Good reminder. Thank you!

So, I have some news to report. My dear, sweet significant other bought me two news dress and some cute sandals on his lunch hour! They are both maxis but one has slits on each side. Whoo Hoo, baby steps, right?!

I'm going to start jumping in on the convos. This is so liberating!

Chris987

Veteran

I want to repeat exactly what Janet said, except that my exercise adventures are less strenuous than hers. Janet you said it all just perfectly. My body is a lot like yours (just shorter) and I also try very hard to adopt your positive attitude.

Chloe88

Janet and Chris: I am actually a certified personal trainer and have this hangup! Exercise hasn't helped at all with my the shape or size of my legs. Both my maternal and paternal grandmother's had heavy legs. I essentially was doomed from the beginning.
(Or as my grandma said, "We have farm girl legs.")

Gaylene

Veteran

Legs come in all shapes and sizes. My muscular, thick legs were inherited from my dad's side of the family--sturdy mid-European peasant stock. These legs have helped me compete in track events, play varsity basketball, go bike touring on hilly islands,, and ski black-diamond runs. I love my legs and show them off without any hesitation even though they now sport the veins and spider trails of 67 years of carrying me around.

Wear those cute summer dresses and a fun bathing suit --and show the world that strong, muscular legs are beautiful legs!

Chloe88

Thanks Gaylene!

CocoLion

(website)

Veteran

Welcome to the forum! We all have body issues I think, and it takes a lot of strength to work through them and love ourselves anyway.* Big hugs to you. Since you are a personal trainer, I bet you have an awesome toned torso. What about a slim, fitted maxi, perhaps with a slit in it for ease of walking, combined with a fitted top that really highlights your upper body?

* The main I've learned is to thank our bodies for getting us through the day, and for being in good health, if we have it. If you want to know my hang up, it has been my non-existent eyebrows. They are white. I use make up now but as a kid people would stare and comment, "you don't have any eyebrows." It took me a long time to figure out how to fill in the few hairs I do have...