I know I go on about the power of clothes and how they can make you feel, but honestly. I feel like I’m at an age/point in my life now where I’m not willing to put up with wearing clothes that don’t make me feel good. I refuse to wear something because it’s deemed more flattering or because I’m just making do with clothes that kind of fit. No! I’m wearing clothes that I love, I’m wearing them how I like and I’m wearing clothes that fit me the way I want them to.

Brands have a big part to play in this too. They need to make sure their plus-size collections are what we want and that the fit is great too. Remember, no second bests anymore! We actually have choices now! I was taking all of the above into consideration when a few new pieces arrived from Taking Shape. I remembered them from a few years back when I went to their shop in Kingston, but they’ve done a kind of ‘relaunch’ in the UK and I have to admit, I’m loving it!

These pieces all fit great and are actually a generous fit with a bit of stretch in them all. I have to give huge praise to the pink jacket though. It is actually a lightweight jacket, perfect for summer evenings, but I’m obsessed with wearing it as a shirt! It’s a gorgeous strawberry milkshake colour and is perfect for the warm weather. I do love pastels though! It also comes in five, yes FIVE other colours, including a gorgeous avocado green.

I also wanted to touch on the fab ‘mom’ style jeans. They’re slightly oversized but not baggy and are super comfy. I’d actually suggest sizing down on these. All of these pieces together make the PERFECT summer outfit. Whether you’re on the school run, shopping trip, weekend brunch…. it ticks all the boxes.

TOP TIP: Please, I’m really asking you nicely, give ‘tucking in’ a try. Try and tuck in a tee or even a shirt. I know we’ve spent many, many years trying to have baggy tops to hide our bellies but honestly, try tucking your top in and I really believe it can actually do wonders for confidence! It can actually make you look more put together, it can help create shape and can actually detract from your tummy (if that’s what you’re worried about, I mean, I totally get that we all have insecurities!) but give it a try and you might just surprise yourself!

I love that Taking Shape hasn’t hidden away from strong colours, shapes and designs. It’s nice to have choices. Am I right or am I right?