Cool & Comfy: 12 Looks to Keep You Feelin' Both

It is hot. 

As we head into late summer in Las Vegas, we are seeing daily highs in the 108°F range. Now, I know most of you are going to say, “But Franki! It’s a DRY heat!” To this I reply that so is your oven, but you don’t want to hang out in it, now do you?

As a fluffy girl, I have always posited that I would rather deal with the cold than with the heat because nature, in her infinite wisdom, provided me with an insulating layer. As confident as I am with my own skin, there is another reason. Adding layers of clothing is, in its own way, a type of armor that helps cover and conceal body issues. Using patterns and layers to disguise those areas I’m not so happy with is ingenious. However, when it’s hot, you take clothing off, or wear things that are cut to expose skin and keep you cool, thus removing the camouflage that fashion provides.

We recently had a company event at a waterpark, and I think one of the most difficult things I’ve done in recent months was taking off my adorable capris and funky shirt to walk around in my bathing suit.

This is even odder considering that at Zappos, we truly are a loud, boisterous, loving and crazy family, constantly praising and pushing each other to achieve and be the best version of ourselves. However, I’m human, and though I am proud of my curves, of the body I work on in the gym and on runs every day, I was scared being compared to everyone else.

Truthfully, I work with some of the most beautiful people you’ll ever meet (both inside and outside), and deep inside every confident, curvy woman lurks that shy, chubby kid who always wore T-shirts in the pool in the hope of no one making fun of her.  

Do you want to know what happened when I finally decided it was going to be much cooler in the water than walking around fully dressed in 110°F heat, and got into my awesome swimsuit and sheer Steve Madden topper? Nothing. No one screamed or ran away in fear. No one tried to harpoon the white whale (sunscreen is an Irish girl’s best friend, seriously!).

In fact, I heard two things from some friends who were too nervous to swim. They were, “You look so comfortable and cool, I wish I’d brought my suit, but I didn’t want to scare people, ” and “Wow! You look awesome, let’s go ride a waterslide!” It was a great reminder that in the end, I’m still going to be my greatest critic, and I should not be so focused on what I think other people are going to think. What matters most is how I feel, and I feel a lot better when I’m not sweltering to death in layers to cover myself up.

So, in celebration of that, this week I’m bringing you beautiful, soft, comfortable and light pieces designed to help you stay cool through the dog days of summer. And as a reminder, the only opinion that matters about how you look is yours. In fact, how would you react if someone talked to your best friend the way you talk to yourself inside your head? If the answer is you’d kick their butt, perhaps it’s time to kick your own and take the self-negativity down a notch. Be you, be comfortable, be happy and celebrate the amazing person you are, even if you feel like the outside parts are still works in progress.

1. Culture Phit Plus Size Ayden Dress
2. Mynt 1792 Plus Size Sheer Bodice Jumpsuit
3. MICHAEL Michael Kors Plus Size Rain Print Maxi Tank Dress
4. MICHAEL Michael Kors Plus Size Solid Matte Jersey Logo Maxi
5. Rachel Pally Plus Plus Size Kathy Dress White Label
6. Karen Kane Plus Plus Size Contrast Maxi Tank Dress
7. Calvin Klein Plus Plus Size Sleeveless Print Top w/ Chain
8. Karen Kane Plus Plus Size Midnight Iris Double Layer Top
9. MICHAEL Michael Kors Plus Size Embroidery Tassel Top
10. Kiyonna Bohemian Crochet Bellini
11. MICHAEL Michael Kors Plus Size Tie-Dye Wide Leg Pants
12. Rachel Pally Plus Plus Size Wide Leg Trousers

If you’re staying cool and rocking any of the looks you’ve seen here, tag us in your selfies or pics with #zapposWRW — we’d love to see your style!