THUNDER thighs, tree trunks, when it comes to our legs women have been subjected to cruel taunts, particularly if they don’t fit the ‘long and lean’ beauty standards seen on the catwalk.
But Fabulous celebrity style editor Nana Acheampong is proud of her super-strong thighs – and she says they’re making a comeback.
Here Nana reveals why stick thin pins are making way for broader shapes this summer…
Let’s talk about legs. You might have forgotten what they look like but after the sun finally had a proper outing this week, they’re back.
Freed from black opaque tights and long trousers, the nation has had a pleasant reminder of how glorious those things that carry us everywhere, really are.
And regardless of what the weather does over the next few weeks, my bare legs are not going anywhere. I’ll be showing them off in minis, shorts and thigh high slits all summer.
After 34 years of being physically attached to my pins, I love them. I run half-marathons on them, lift weights on them, dance on them and strut around the shops on them.
Plus, they look wicked in a pair of denim hotpants – so much so, that I own 25 pairs.
As a teenager growing up in the nineties and noughties, my legs didn’t fit the mould – the long and lean limbs of Kate Moss and Paris Hilton were en vogue back then.
There were times I thought my ankles were too skinny and my thighs too big. But today, thank God, strong is sexy – and fashionable, too.
You only need to look at Dina Asher Smith – the fastest British woman ever – on the cover of this month’s digital cover of British Vogue to see that.
The 25-year-old sprinter – hoping for more medals in the Tokyo Olympics – looked incredible in a silver bodysuit and thigh hugging green shorts.
In another shot she wore a red swimsuit and matching heels, and in others she wore glitzy minis and ra-ra skirts. In every shot her toned, muscular legs looked fantastic.
I thought “hallelujah – Vogue is showing what real legs look like.”
Strong and sexy legs are finally being celebrated in a way that I’ve never seen before and I’m so here for it. It’s made me love my legs even more.
Don’t get me wrong, I never disliked my pins. Sure, catwalk models are often waiflike, but I always looked up to stars across the pond like Mary J Blige, TLC and Janet Jackson.
Strong and sexy legs are finally being celebrated in a way that I’ve never seen before and I’m so here for it. It’s made me love my legs even more.
They all had incredible legs, clothes and dance routines that I would try to emulate in my childhood bedroom, naturally.
Fast forward to more recent years and whilst stick thin legs are not a thing of the past, there is a much wider variety of body shapes and sizes being celebrated.
From the Kardashians to Rihanna to Cardi B and everyone in between, the representation of women’s figures is broader than ever – and we’re all lifting each other up, too.
Last year Khloe Kardashian responded to Eastenders and Strictly Come Dancing star Maisie Smith’s Instagram post describing how ‘insecure’ she was about her legs.
Khloe wrote: “You have the most beautiful legs….envy worthy!!! I can not build my legs for the life of me! So I’m drooling over yours…!”
And 19-year-old Maisie is not the only one making athletic pins stylish.
One of my favourite women, Serena Williams, never fails to stun on the tennis court with amazing looks, but my favourite of all time was her look at this year’s Australian Open.
She rocked an asymmetric black, pink and red unitard, with one full-length and one bike-short length leg. Incredible.
Beyonce also knows how to turn heads when showing off her legs – her Homecoming set at Coachella 2019 is number one for me, and is one of her most iconic outfits.
Notably because she also rocked one of my favourite items for showing off legs – denim shorts. Who knew we had so much in common?
As well as my 25 pairs of denim cut-offs, I love to show off my pins with my fashion choices.
As soon as my parents allowed me to, I started wearing mini skirts and as I grew up and learnt to dress for my body shape, I noticed that my legs were a great asset.
I think I was about 14 when I stopped wearing Adidas tracksuits and discovered dresses – and not the ones I wore to church.
I embraced showing off as much leg as I was allowed to and grew with confidence as the years went on. I’ve always been surrounded by women and role models who have never made me question my figure.
My top tips
Wear heels It may sound very obvious but high heels will instantly elongate your legs.
All about the slits A great way to show off your legs is with slits in a skirt – super sexy but classy, too.
Get a good razor I use Gillette Venus ComfortGlide for a smooth close shave and it lasts for ages. The moisture bars lock in moisture to make sure my legs don’t feel dry.
Moisturise I personally use coco and shea butter for a silky smooth and glowing finish. For any extra shine Fenty Beauty Body Lava Body Luminize is the absolute best.
Exercise – there is no better way to tone up your legs than with some running, or low impact exercises such as squats and lunges.
Nowadays, I keep my pins in shape by running. I took it up four years ago and haven’t stopped running since – it’s true that you catch the runners’ bug.
I’ve run four half marathons and am building myself up to do a full one. Thanks to running, and regular strength-building gym sessions, my legs are now super toned and sculpted.
Confession, I don’t own a single pair of jeans. I much prefer to show off my legs and while everyone I know still finds it mind-blowing that I don’t wear jeans, I don’t find them flattering on me, and there are so many other fabulous pieces of clothing to wear.
So ladies, join me and whatever shape your legs are, celebrate them and get them out!
See the full feature with Dina Asher Smith in the August issue of British Vogue available via digital download and newsstands now.
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