Wear this to flatter your assets, wear that to hide your flaws.

Style rules are in place for well-intended reasons, but they can also be limiting at times and even make you self-conscious about things that you shouldn’t necessarily be. What if you really want to hop aboard that trend because it looks fun? Should you really be hiding those problem areas? Are they even problem areas at all?

We issued a challenge to our g.spot writers: Style an #OOTD with an outfit they’re uncomfortable with and share photos online for the world to see. Here’s what they came up with, as well as their realizations after taking their photos.

Let us know if you agree!

Low-Rise Jeans

Having a round-shaped body, I always stick to wearing high-waist pants or skirts to hide my heavy abdomen. I tend to steer clear of two-piece swimmies too! On top of my apple bod, I was also diagnosed with myoma at the back of my uterus and it keeps growing every year it makes me so embarrassed to wear low-rise bottoms.

While I agree that there should not be a stigma around women’s preference for dressing up, I also agree that women should dress to feel good—that includes hiding our imperfections and choosing styles that would best complement our bodies. 

That being said, I don’t think I would be embracing this low-rise jeans trend anytime soon. — Joymie Arnaiz

Sleeveless Shirts

Growing up, I was terrified of wearing sleeveless shirts. I had big arms and I wanted to hide them with the clothes I wore.

It got to the point where I would question why other people who had bigger arms would wear sleeveless shirts out. It wasn’t until the body positivity movement that a lot changed in my mindset.

I do still struggle with my body image, but there are more good days than bad. What I’ve learned though now as an adult is that nobody really cares about the insecurities you have.

What you see as a flaw is nothing more than a unique characteristic of YOU. Big arms, big legs, stretchmarks, hair—everything you’re insecure about is not a big deal to everyone who loves you. — Kor Estrada

Halter Tops

I have broad shoulders and I noticed that halter tops emphasize my frame in an unflattering way. Whenever I wear a halter, I usually layer it to hide my wide frame, so I make sure I put on a blazer or a blouse to balance out the entire look.

I realized that wearing uncomfortable clothes makes me self-conscious and so I only don pieces that boost my confidence. It helps me focus more on my tasks and accomplish more for the day. — Ching Sadaya

Crop Tops

As much as I love being a hubadera during the summer season, I will always have this love-and-hate relationship with crop tops!

I love it because it accentuates my boobs (which is my asset lol) but it also shows my belly fats. It restricts me to do certain movements such as raising both of my hands if I need to because it just stretches ‘til the top of my breasts, so I have to keep on pulling it downwards. Also, I have to match it with really nice high-waist shorts or pants so it does not make me look like a barbecue with layers. I need to pair it with something that gives me curves, too. Screams for a headache!

Yet, wearing crop tops made me appreciate my body more. So what if my body shrieks all the love handles I have? It just shows how I have been pampering myself with Grab bites and Foodpanda free deliveries, free pizza during photoshoots, and dumplings at Chinese events. I have now grown to love wearing clothes that show my imperfections and flaws <3 — Dee Valle

Tube Tops and Heels

I used to hate wearing tube tops. I felt so uncomfortable wearing them because I’m not blessed with boobs and I used to be so insecure about it. 

It also shows my scolio (protruding bone on my chest, which is barely noticeable unless you stare at it) and some people would call me out asking if I’m scoliotic and I didn’t like that before. 

I also got so conscious when I wore heels. I didn’t like that people stared at me. No one would stand beside me because of the height difference. I was so bothered by the fact that nobody wanted to be friends with me because I’m taller than them. I used to adjust according to what people wanted me to wear because I didn’t want to be left out nor stand out. 

But, I’ve eventually learned to move on. I’ve learned to embrace my flat chest and see my height as an advantage. I realized that if people can’t handle me standing out in the crowd, that shouldn’t be my problem. 

My so-called imperfections make me unique and that’s okay. If you can’t accept me for who I am, that’s on you. I love who I am, all that I am. When you learn to embrace this, it will radiate from within. Regardless of your shape or size, regardless of what imperfections you have, you will feel limitless and more confident, and that’s beautiful. — Chennie Montero