Let’s remove it from our vocabulary.
Through her personal platform, she lends her voice and personal style to raise awareness for size inclusivity.
How many times in your life have you heard the word “flattering?”
@katiesturino
For me, it feels like this number is for sure in the millions… or maybe even more.
Flattering according to whom?
And to what rule book?
I love being naked.
I think Id really thrive in a nudist colony.
Just ask my neighbors.
- But at the same time, I love fashion.
And if youve ever seen what I wear onInstagram, youll see I am no wallflower.
You definitely cant miss me in a crowd.
And I want you to do the same.
Many full moons ago, I bought amint-greenshearling coat.
It was comically puffy.
You know the pop in.
I looked like a stuffed animal in it, and I loved it.
Who wouldnt want to feel warm, cozy, and chic during a New York City winter?
I thought it was cool.
I still think about it.
I ended up returning it because so many people said to me, “Youre already big.
You dont need more volume.”
It made me sad to say goodbye to it.
When it comes to style, thats my new mantra: If I like it, I wear it.
But one personwho I should have listened tosaid: “This coat isnt meant to be ‘flattering.’
This coat is meant to make a statement.
Its meant to make you happy.
If you like the coat, keep the coat.”
And that person was right.
When I saw that coat hanging in my closet, it did bring me joy.
And this is the part where I really learned my lesson.
When it comes to style, thats my new mantra: If I like it, I wear it.
My wish for you is to find your own version of that mantra.
(Feel free to use mine since its easy to remember.)
Ask yourself, “What inspires me?
What do I want to say today?
How do I want to feel?”
Wear what makes you feel good.
It may take time.
It doesnt have to happen overnight.
Be patient with yourself.
Wear it around the home when youre alone.
Put it on again tomorrow, and this time, leave the house.
Walk down the block in it.
Run one errand in it.
Get to know it!
Wine and dine it.
Really, really well-dressed (and fun!)
Just remember: You dont have to wait until you reach a goal weight.
You dont have to wait for some extreme makeover.
You dont have to wait for a special event, a birthday, or a vacation.
This is your moment.
There is truly no better moment than now.
*But if anyone wants to start an all-bodies-welcome nudist colony on the beach somewhere, let me know.
Ill bring a thigh chafe stick and sunscreen.
Reprinted from Body Talk.
Copyright 2021 by Katie Sturino.
Illustrations copyright 2021 by Monica Garwood.
Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Random House.
