I’ve not been abroad in years – and in that time I’ve gained four stone and had a c-section.  When I received an invite to a hen weekend in Spain this weekend I was excited – four days of sun, blue seas, girly fun and probably lots of food and drink.

And then the discussion started about a pool party we would be attending.  My heart sank – how could I attend a pool party, feeling as large and horrific as I do?  Part of me wants to rock the figure I have, scars, cellulite and all; yet part of me wants to hide away.  I hate the summer for the very reason that it means baring more flesh – winter clothes cover everything.

And I know that covering up and hiding can be unflattering and make me appear larger than I am – yet I’m not ready to strut my stuff on the Costa del Sol wearing a thong bikini.

So what is out there for plus-size ladies?

There are loads of websites that offer a huge selection of swimwear, including one-piece swimsuits that have tummy control panels and underwire to support the more buxom ladies amongst us.  I love this swimsuit with the cold shoulder ruffles – I’d wear it with a black skirt or denim shorts.

I’m a huge fan of swim-dresses – they are really comfortable and they cover the tops of my legs which is the part I’m not so keen on showing.

I love the stripey vintage-style high waisted bikini like these – they even have a built-in control panel and they create such a classic vintage silhouette – curves in all the right places!  Bikini tops come in all sorts of shapes and styles, personally, I like a halter neck or classic strapped bikini with underwire for support.

Pool parties don’t mean you have to wander around in only swimwear – you can get kaftans, kimonos, beach dresses and wraps in all sorts of shapes and styles.  I’d love a green or blue floral kimono over a black swimsuit and shorts – casual, comfortable and very much on-trend.

I’m rubbish with heels – but flat sandals are very much in fashion.  The infamous slider has made a comeback and not only are they comfortable but everyone is wearing them!  there are also some lovely low wedges around at the moment, some in a lovely coral colour like these from H&M would brighten up a black or dark coloured swimsuit.

I love to clash – why not mix it up a little and team a black swimsuit with a bright cover-up and shoes?

I love these floppy straw hats with the swirly names on them, I’m definitely getting one of those.  Sunglasses are a must – such as these vintage style ones.  And whether you are at a pool party or hanging out around the pool, a beach bag is perfect for slinging your purse, a book, and anything else – I love this one from Accessorize…

**This is a collaborative post**