16 Espadrilles All of Your Summer Outfits Need

Summer will always be our first love. And the anticipation of reuniting with her is beyond exciting. While the heat may be overbearing and the streets may be overcrowded, we will always appreciate those long days with watermelons in our hands and sun on our faces. With that in mind, we think summer fashion needs to be just like the season — fun, comfortable and easygoing. That’s why espadrilles are one of our fave closet staples come summertime. We’re here to convince you with these rad picks.

1. Peep-Toe Flats ($56): Don’t these just scream vacation? Pack these espadrilles in your suitcase along with your sun hat and maxi dress.

2. Metallic Rose Gold Leather Espadrilles ($91): Add a bit of sophistication to your casual outfit by slipping on these rose gold espadrilles.

3. WEEKDAY Espadrille Wedges ($85): Even though they are named after the less fun days of the week, we bet it would be okay to bring these guys out during the weekend for some much-needed relaxation.

4. Susu Two Band Slides ($79): This snakeskin print looks much more classic when paired with a pale pink band. Slide these espadrilles on with ease for a comfortable-yet-girly finish.

5. Lena Mesh Espadrille Flat ($39): We want these espadrilles on our feet right now. Who wouldn’t want the color of the blue summer skies on their shoes?

6. Espadrille Ankle Boot ($195): These lace-up ankle boot espadrilles are perfect to bring an extra bit of edge to any summer outfit. Pair them with shorts, a loose tank top and some arm candy for any summer concert event.

7. Corsica Espadrille Wedges ($128): Wouldn’t these look lovely with a flowy tropical-print maxi? The color is perfect for any skin tone and yearns to be paired with a sangria or two.

8. Picnic Espadrilles ($65): Do like the flamingos do when wearing these shoes: Eat shrimp, relax by the water and hang with your flock of friends.

9. Joker Espadrilles Sliders ($22): We don’t need to joke around about how cute these shoes are. Bring them to the beach along with your stylish tote for major fun in the sun.

10. Auerlia Leather Espadrille Sandal ($100): Whether you are eating some popsicles or hanging by the pool, sport these metallic sandals for some majorly reflective style.

11. Woven Leather Espadrilles ($100): The laser cutout details on these shoes are so spot on, especially with the small gold detail on the tassels. These may or may not already be in our shopping cart ;)

12. Lace-up Espadrilles Shoes ($15): What a lovely bunch of pineapples we have here. These espadrilles are yearning for a bike ride with your close group of pals under the summer sun.

13. Faux Leather Wedge Espadrilles ($30): Nothing is more perfect than a leather open-toed shoe. Pair it with some jute and you have the ultimate summer-lovin’ essential for those date nights with your SO.

14. Alfie Espadrilles Sneakers ($136): These are just as yummy as mint chocolate chip ice cream. We just wish chocolate chips were included with these cuties.

15. Striped Espadrilles Flats ($18): The white ribbon adds a girly finish to these nautical flats, and will have you saying bon voyage to cold weather and boots.

16. The Brandon Shoe ($90): How can you pass up a fun pair of shoes like these guys? With chevron print on the jute and a multi-colored canvas weave, these shoes will amp up any outfit.

What do you love about espadrilles? Tell us in the comments below!

If I could persuade you to buy one thing for fall to make every outfit feel complete and oh-so-chic, it would be a pair of tall black boots. They come in so many different shapes, sizes, and cuts, so you're sure to find one to meet your standards, no matter what! I love wearing them with pretty much every look for fall, whether they're paired with jeans and a sweater, or a mini dress and a trench coat.

Tall, black boots are just that girl when it comes to fall shoes. Don't believe me? Here are the 10 pairs that totally prove it.

Reformation

Reformation Frances Boots

#1 on my current "to buy" list are these phenomenal boots from Reformation. I'm pretty obsessed everything they're selling right now, but these chunky boots really take the proverbial cake. I love the juxtaposition of more masculine style boots paired with feminine and dainty sweater dresses, or even mini skirts and trench coats.

Anthropologie

Schutz Raffaela Boot

I'm normally a pointed-toe boot gal, but these take pointed-toes to a whole new level — and I love it! They're the perfect staple shoe that most definitely still make a statement. Plus, since they're a block heel and more comfy, you'll get plenty of wear out of them. The leather is incredibly high quality on these bad boys, so they're sure to last many seasons more.

Target

Target Tall Platform Stretch Boots

These platform boots will have you looking like the Sabrina Carpenter in no time! They give all the pop star, cutesy vibes — and they also add quite a lot of height since they're platforms! Grab these to step up (get it?) your fall fashion game!

Anthropologie

Jeffrey Campbell Checkmate Boots

These are probably #2 on my "to buy" list! They're such a classic — and classy — style of boot! I have a few pairs almost exactly like this, and they're:

  • Very comfortable
  • Incredibly chic
  • Look good with every outfit

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Suede Boots

Sale alert! Ann Taylor has these high-quality faves listed at 40% off right now, which is an awesome deal. Suede is one of my favorite trends at the moment, and I simply can't get enough of it! I will definitely be grabbing these babies!

J.Crew

J.Crew New Stevie Boots

Everyone's favorite, classic boot is back and better than ever! The classic Stevie boot from J.Crew just got some re-vamps, like stretchier fabric in the top to make it easier to slide on and off, as well as a more refined heel. These boots are going to be a closet staple for years to come — just watch!

Target

Target Tamara Boots

These boots are simply everything. They look so incredibly sleek and high fashion — TBH, nobody would guess they're from Target. I can already envision these with a mini skirt, a sweater, and an oversized trench coat. You'll have the picture perfect, off-duty model look.

Anthropologie

Coconuts by Matisse Carla Boots

These croc-print boots are definitely on the more affordable side — and thank goodness! I've seen these types of boots go for upwards of $300, so this is the lowest I've seen for a pair that's got great quality and is on-trend. And while they're an animal print, I love how versatile these boots are. They can be worn as a statement, or you could style them as a staple, everyday shoe since they're a classic style and color.

J.Crew

J.Crew Piper Boots

Um, these amazing boots are 40% off right now, so definitely run to grab them while they're still in stock! They would look so good with shorts, a sweater, and a chore jacket for a more bohemian look. The leather's also really durable and thick, so you don't have to worry about them getting too damaged or scuffed up.

Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Block Heel Leather Boot

Block heels are essential given how comfortable they are, all the while still looking incredible chic and put-together. They definitely make it easier to walk for longer periods of time, so these are ideal if you're a student, work in an office, or need a cute look while you're on-the-go, but want to be comfortable at the same time.

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Tom Holland and Zendaya are the "it" couple right now, and they're both at the top of their game. Tom Holland took a recent break from acting and has been doing phenomenal charity work with his Brothers Trust foundation, while Zendaya's had hit after hit with Euphoria, Dune 2, and Challengers. And it looks like the couple, who met doing Spider-Man: Homecoming, could be doing another new Marvel movie. Here's everything we know about Spider-Man 4.

Is Tom Holland's Spider-Man 4 coming?

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Yes, we're getting a Spider-Man 4! Tom Holland finally confirmed the news during an October 22 appearance on The Tonight Show, and in true Tom fashion, already revealed a huge piece of news: the movie will start shooting next summer. "Everything’s good to go — we’re nearly there,” he said. “Super exciting. I can’t wait!”

Before the movie was confirmed, producer Amy Pascal told Variety (when asked if they're making a fourth film), “Of course, we are."

It might feel like a new movie conflicts with the fact Spider-Man: No Way Home set up an MCU without Tom Holland's Peter Parker, especially since Tom said he needed to take a break from acting after The Crowded Room "broke" him. ("I’m now taking a year off, and that is a result of how difficult this show was," he tells Extra.)

However, Tom's also been very vocal about how much Spider-Man means to him, and how much he loves the movies. He also told Variety at The Crowded Room premiere in 2023 that he was already “having meetings” about the next installment.

“The simple answer is that I’ll always want to do Spider-Man films,” Tom tells Deadline at the Sands Film Festival. “We have the best in the business working toward whatever the story might be. But until we’ve cracked it, we have a legacy to protect...The third movie was so special in so many ways that we need to make sure we do the right thing.”

What has Tom Holland said about returning as Peter Parker?

Jay Maidment/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Tom Holland recently revealed that he's actually already read a script for Spider-Man 4 — and that he loved it! “We have a creative and we have a pitch and a draft, which is excellent,” he tells the Rich Roll Podcast (via Variety). “It needs work, but the writers are doing a great job. I read it three weeks ago and it really lit a fire in me. Zendaya and I sat down and read it together and we, at times, were bouncing around the living room like this is a real movie worthy of the fans’ respect.”

“One of the things is that, with Marvel, your film is a small cog in a large machine,” he continues. “That machine has got to keep running. You have to make sure you can fit into that timeline at the right time to benefit the bigger picture. That’s one of the challenges we’re facing. The time in which we need to get that done is a tall order but definitely achievable with the people we have working on it now.”

Peter Parker is one character fans take very seriously, and I know that with Tom and Zendaya at the front, this movie is going to be just as special as Spider-Man: No Way Home!

Will Zendaya be in Spider-Man 4?

JoJo Whilden/Sony Pictures/Marvel

With the recent news that Euphoria season 3 was delayed — and the cast has been given the greenlight to take other projects — it's totally safe to assume Zendaya will return for Spider-Man 4. And fans are hoping for even more characters they love! "Hopefully Kingpin, Scorpion, Daredevil and Black Cat," says one Reddit user.

Forbes has also recently reported Sydney Sweeney could be joining the cast of Spider-Man 4. Sydney was in Madame Web earlier this year, and after rumors she booked the role thinking she was joining the MCU, this newest Tom Holland film would give her the opportunity to do just that. We could see her as Gwen Stacy, or as Felicia Hardy/Black Cat. Considering we've already gotten an extensive plotline surrounding Peter and Gwen in Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone's universe, I'm hoping we'd see her as Felicia!

Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Ringsdirector Destin Daniel Cretton is in talks to take over from Jon Watts, who directed the first three movies.

Has Spider-Man 4 started filming?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Spider-Man 4 will start filming in "next summer" according to Tom Holland, which we're taking to mean the summer of 2025. Based on the schedule for Spider-Man: Far From Home, we could see Spider-Man 4 in the summer of 2026.

What will be the title of Spider-Man 4?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

We don't have an official name for Spider-Man 4 yet, but fans are already coming up with new ideas. Some fan titles include The Spectacular Spider-Man,Spider-Man: Homeless, and Spider-Man: Home Again. I'd love for Spider-Man 4 to continue with the "home" theme, but switching things up with a brand new title would provide a fresh feel we haven't gotten before. I'm excited to see what Marvel goes with!

What are the Tom Holland Spider-Man movies in order?

Columbia Pictures/Sony Pictures/Marvel

Tom Holland has three Spider-Man movies, but he also shows up in some other MCU titles. If you want to watch all the movies Tom Holland plays Peter Parker, here's how you should watch them:

  • Captain America: Civil War
  • Spider-Man: Homecoming
  • Avengers: Infinity War
  • Avengers: Endgame
  • Spider-Man: Far From Home
  • Spider-Man: No Way Home

What do you want to see in Tom Holland and Zendaya's Spider-Man 4? Let us know in the comments!

This post has been updated.

Though the hype around certain sneakers like theAdidas Samba and the Onitsuka Tiger is certainly still hot, I urge you to turn your attention to Puma sneakers. From the classic Palermos to suede-clad Easy Riders, Puma’s current sneaker lineup is nothing but comfy and on-trend. They’ve got the perfect neutral shoes and pairs with pops of color to suit your personal style. These 9 Puma sneakers are the absolute must-have silhouettes of the season – scroll on to shop!

Puma

Easy Rider SN Sneakers

I am in love with these cool sneaks. The brown colorway is fall time's BFF, but you can also take them deep into the winter and spring since they really pair well with anything. These shoes are undeniably sporty, thanks to the contrasting side stripes and visible gum sole with tons of traction to support every single step.

Puma

Palermo LaModa Vintage Sneakers

Look at that platform! These boosted shoes look super chic with a medley of materials like suede and mesh. If your looks need a good boost, opt for this pair. You can also shop 'em in bright red and electric blue colorways.

Puma

Suede XL Sneakers

Another playfully chunky silhouette, the Puma Suede XL's boast ultra-wide, vintage-inspired laces and a maximized tongue. These also come in 10 more colorways so you can find your perfect fit! I'd opt for these easy black and white ones, since they'll be easy to match with *all* of my casual fall outfits.

Puma

Palermo Leather Sneakers

An absolute classic, – and some would argue the classic – the Palermo Leather Sneakers boast an easy-to-style low profile, bold side stripes, and suede paneling along the toe box for that familiar, yet unmissable effect. You can currently shop 'em in 4 other colorways, from bright hues to more toned-down nuetrals.

Puma

Suede Trippy Sneakers

The wavy design on these sneakers is everything. The detailed paneling and stitching gives this pair extra 'oomph' that'll definitely turn heads and inspire confidence wherever you go. I thoroughly enjoy the mellow earth tones on these Puma sneakers in particular.

Puma

Scuderia Ferrari Suede Trippy Sneakers

Flaunting Ferrari-esque details within the tongue logo, these suede Puma sneakers are absolutely dripping in curb appeal. The unique rubber outsole stacks a clear layer atop a red color to create an eye-catching effect, plus adds a nice wash of color you can play around with, mixing or matching with your outfits!

Puma

Mayze Brushed Suede Sneakers

Talk about some stacked sneaks. This edgy pair mixes leather and synthetic materials up top, while the contrasting bottoms are made of durable rubber. The Puma logo is stylishly spotted throughout the shoe on the tongue, sides, and soles. These Puma sneakers are the perfect pair to add to your capsule wardrobe since they'll wear well with just about anything – especially if you specialize in nuetrals!

Puma

Suede Classic Sneakers

Colorful shoes like these are the ultimate pair to pull out if your 'fit is lacking a bit of star power. This lapis-blue shoe immediately pulls together any everyday, basic ensemble since the bold color can't be missed! You'll love the comfort of the low-profile silhouette and the sporty look of the side stripes.

Puma

Suede Podium Sneakers

Dotted in blues, yellows, and reds, color takes these what would've been boring sneaks to the next level. The color-switching laces are definitely the star of this shoe, customizing your look beyond compare.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Every year since I was old enough to choose my Halloween costume, I've gone with my current fictional character hyperfixation. We're talking Amy March from Little Women, Lucy from Narnia (twice), Belle from Beauty in the Beast (three times), and even Eurydice from Hadestown. So I know a good pop culture Halloween costume when I see it.

New York Comic Con 2024 was filled with people who love movies, TV, and comics — and who know how to put together a good costume. This past weekend I saw everything from Disneybounds (a catchall term for easier, streetwear version of iconic costumes) to cosplays involving lights and smoke. And I catalogued them all away because they make incredible Halloween costume inspo. The best news is these are all pretty easy and they're definitely recognizable. So no more having to explain who you are! Here are 17 of the coolest pop culture costumes I saw at NYCC to use for your own 'fits this year.

Glinda & Elphaba from 'Wicked'

Universal Pictures

My jaw literally dropped when I saw two cosplayers in full head-to-toe costumes from the new Wicked movie. And when I say full costume, I mean it — people were having to step around Glinda because her ballgown was so big! If you're not so sure about a full gown, opt for a pink corset and mini skirt for G, or a little black dress for Elphaba, instead.

'The Handmaid’s Tale'

Brit + Co

A white cap and a red cape? Babe, it literally doesn't get easier than this.

'Agatha All Along' Costumes

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

Agatha All Along is Marvel's newest hit show, and as a costume girlie I was so excited to see outfits from the series IRL! I was also shocked at how easy they are to recreate. Billy just wears a sweater and jeans (which you probably already have in your closet), while Agatha opts for a teal trench.

Scarlet Witch's Suit From 'WandaVision'

Chloe Williams/Brit + Co

And of course it wouldn't be a comic con without dozens of Scarlet Witches! Wanda Maximoff is such a beloved character, it only makes sense that fans would wear full cosplays, or turn her iconic costume into a sweater & jeans look like I did! If you're feeling crafty like me, I was inspired by @MagicWithMeg's jeans and painted the design on a pair of black jeans. The only thing you'll want to note here is that I made sure to paint white on the base before the red — it made it stand out perfectly.

Obviously, I wore my Scarlet Witch shirt to meet Wanda herself, Elizabeth Olsen.

'Game of Thrones'

Brit + Co

Winterfell will never go out of style! Reuse that red cape from The Handmaid's Tale costume, or go for a leather look. Either way, you'll look very stylish.

Megan

Geoffrey Short/Universal Pictures

One pop culture costume that made me laugh out loud was M3gan from the 2022 flick of the same name. Buying the costume dress will save you a ton of hassle (meaning you can focus on scaring your neighbors), but all you need to recreate it is a khaki mini dress.

Anne and Marilla from 'Anne of Green Gables'

Ken Woroner/Netflix

Anne of Green Gables is one of the stories I hold closest to my heart, and I was so excited to see a duo dressed up as Anne Shirley and Marilla Cuthbert! Especially since it's just an excuse to wear cottagecore dresses all Halloweekend long.

'Everything Everywhere All At Once' Costumes

Allyson Riggs/A24

Everything Everywhere All At Once costumes are so easy to recreate — and this Elvis costume x pink wig combo is simply too iconic to pass up. I'll take any excuse to have a bagel in-hand.

Princess Irulan and a Sandworm from 'Dune 2'

Warner Bros. Pictures

Dune 2 has a lot of iconic duos. Paul and Chani, Feyd Rautha and Baron Vladimir Harkonnen. But the combo I didn't expect to see at Comic Con was Princess Irulan and a sandworm. But now I need this tan dress and chainmail ASAP.

Harry Potter and Hermione

Brit + Co

I also saw plenty of Hogwarts students during my time at NYCC, and Harry and Hermione are always a great choice for a Halloween costume. Grab some Wizarding robes — after you figure out your house of course.

Troy and Gabriela from 'High School Musical'

Disney Channel

Troy and Gabriela might be the easiest couples's costume of all time. An East High jersey and a red mini dress are all you need! (Microphones not needed, but encouraged).

Glen Powell in 'Twisters'

Universal Pictures

White tee? Check. Cowboy hat? Check. Tiny, adorable dog? Check. My friend, you've got yourself a Twisters Halloween costume!

Cinderella

Jonathan Olley/Disney

The 2015 Cinderella rewired my brain, and seeing someone show up to Comic Con in Lily James' gorgeous blue ballgown rewired it all over again!! If the full gown is too much, try our easy DIY Cinderella outfit instead!

'Star Wars'

Brit + Co

Dressing up as a Jedi really just means wearing the most comfy Halloween costume ever. Just grab some leggings and wrap some fabric around your body and you've got an easy Rey costume for the holiday.

Baby Yoda

Disney

And in the Star Wars of it all, I also saw a baby dressed up as Grogu and I couldn't handle the cuteness! This onesie is a must.

The Powerpuff Girls

Amazon

While I saw someone rock a Powerpuff Girls tee, you can also grab a matching set in blue, green, or pink to make this costume more screen-accurate.

A Camp Half-Blood Student From 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians'

Matthias Clamer/Disney

I'd definitely consider Percy Jackson'sCamp Half-Blood my home away from home, and if you snag this camp shirt, you can wear it all the time — not just on Halloween. Grab some cosplay armor and your favorite pair of denim shorts and you can be a camper ready to fight evil!

Check out 65+ Last-Minute Halloween Costume Ideas Perfect For Procrastinators for more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

The perks of having an older sister means I've been able to ask her all my more embarrassing questionsgrowing up. My whole life, we've chatted about everything from periods to sex to giving birth. Then one day, right before I graduated high school, she gifted me a book that changed everything: Nancy Redd's Body Drama: Real Girls, Real Bodies, Real Issues, Real Answers. It not only helped me understand my body more, but it also helped soothe some of the insecurity I had before my postpartum body developed into what it is today.

I eventually gifted Body Drama to someone else, but I never forgot about how beneficial it was, and I always thought there should be more work like it out in the world. As it turns out, Nancy Redd wasn't done normalizing bodies and questions bout sexual health — the author and Wirecutter journalist just released The Real Body Manual: Your Visual Guide to Health & Wellness! Not only is it a great resource for those who are looking for answers to more specific health questions, but it's something I continue to revisit on the days my insecurity dampens my mood!

I chatted with Redd to understand more about her work — and I came out understanding even more about myself and how I want to help raise the future generation.

The Difference Between 'Body Drama' And 'The Real Body Manual'

Amazon

If you've had the pleasure of sticking your nose in Nancy Redd's Body Drama, you're familiar with how well-researched and thorough it is. In that regard, The Real Body Manual is no different — but Redd highlights it's still a "totally different book." She says, "The world has changed dramatically, and we're talking so much more about bodies, and we see a lot more bodies."

Despite seeing all those "real" bodies on TV and otherwise, women — and people in general — still don't feel great about themselves. According to a 2022 study, 32% of teens had a negative opinion about their acne, while 31% weren't comfortable with their weight. Meanwhile, another study shows that 80% of women have referred to themselves as "fat."

To combat troubling statistics like those, Redd hopesThe Real Body Manual can help. "I think we're all operating with not enough information about the world we live in, and I think the more information we can receive in a safe, educated, medically-accurate space, the better," she explains.

Centre for Ageing Better

Redd also really wanted to write a book that taught both her son and her daughter about their changing bodies — and she feels this is the perfect time for everyone to come together and learn about the way bodies not only look, but function. She likens these lessons to learning about world geography. "We don't just need to know about the small town we live in. We need to know about the state, country, the world-at-large," she stresses. And she thinks The Real Body Manual can help you "learn about your own body, your friends, and the people in society you live with."

If you look at the group of friends I have today, everyone doesn't have the same body shame. One of my friends is a little taller and curvier than I am while another is shorter and rounder. I dealt with acne-prone skin and dark spots while my best friend Cookie didn't really struggle with that. It's honestly rare that everyone will look the same — and that's okay! But learning about what's going on with all of us helps bridge our experiential gaps and creates better shared understanding.

And with that in mind, here are the 4 things I learned about my body — and all bodies — when chatting with Nancy and reading The Real Body Manual.

1. Understanding Your Body Doesn't Have To Look Like Everyone Else's

MART PRODUCTION

I grew up during a time where certain body types were celebrated more than others in media, and it had a negative effect on how I perceived my own body. I believed I wasn't supposed to have stretch marks because video vixens didn't, and became horrified when I discovered them in middle school as a slender girl. Not only that, but I didn't really develop curves until after I gave birth which made me feel like an outlier in my community.

Recent studies found there's a link between teens aged 16-18 years old developing body dysmorphia and social media...which doesn't sound surprising. And while there are countless body positive accounts that also exist — and I really do promise I'm not saying to completely ditch your socials — sometimes you have to take a step away from it (and other influencers) if it's having a negative impact on your self-esteem.

"Some bodies naturally look like those in music videos. I think separating that from being able to find love or have purpose in your life — they're completely separate things," Redd insists. She breaks things down even further by explaining why you not looking a certain way doesn't discount you from enjoying life. "Some people are born with the ability to be tennis stars, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't pick up a tennis racket because you're not Serena Williams."

The main point she drives home is that "every person can have a great time with their bodies" which is why The Real Body Manual reads like an encouraging, evidence-based love letter to readers.

2. Loving Yourself Is A Choice

Anna Tarazevich

Just like I had to make the decision to fully accept the body I have, it's something Nancy says everyone has the ability to do. "It's literally a choice," she says before one of her kids quickly pops into our convo. In a tender moment, she asks her child, "Hello, do you love your body?"

This brief encounter circles back to the reason why The Real Body Manual matters — it opens up these conversations with our kids, offering a tangible resource for others. I know I try to have more conversations like this with my son, and I've even encouraged him to hug himself when he needs a little dose of self love.

"The things that matter — having purpose in life, feeling love, being a good community member — don't have much to do with whether you have hyperpigmentation, freckles, cellulite, etc.," she says. "The more you know from the beginning of your journey that bodies look different, the easier it is for you to accept [yourself]. But if the only bodies you're seeing are sexualized in pornography, videos, and magazines, you don't have a real basis."

It's one of the biggest reasons she intended for The Real Body Manual to be a visual guide.

3. Your Naked Body Is Beautiful

cottonbro studio

"I really like showing people what the body actually looks like for the most part," Redd says. Yeah, that's right — The Real Body Manual features real people's bodies, not just illustrations. In doing so, she says, "Everyone can see someone who resembles them." It doesn't matter if you're heavy-set, a person with different sized breasts, or anything in-between. The point is that you'll be able to find yourself somewhere in The Real Body Manual.

My mother told me how little information her own mom shared with her about bodies. Because of that, my mom always stressed that she wanted my sister and I to have access to whatever information we needed. She wanted us to be informed, and never inhibited by her own lack of comfort over a topic. But not all parents feel comfortable sharing with their kids.

Redd says, "I don't think it was done with malice. I think people are just working with whatever they have which is not a lot." She further notes people have chosen to refer to genitals as "down there" for both men and women instead of saying the proper term for them for their autonomy. I'll be honest — growing up in a religious background often means sexual shame was attached to very normal things like breasts and penises.

Not everyone was on board with me telling my toddler he has a penis instead of saying "pee pee" — or not talking about it at all, if we're being honest. But I wanted him to feel comfortable with what he was born with, and to know that his dad having the same anatomy is normal. "We just don't use the proper names for things which increases this shroud of secrecy about it. We aren't taught health literacy," Redd says.

4. 'The Real Body Manual' Is A Must-Have For Pre-Teens, Teens, And Adults

Yan Krukau

Funnily enough, Redd informs me that October is actually Health Literacy Month, making all this really round out. We should know what's going on with our bodies, whether it's the proper terminology, what changes we're going through, what we can look like. Ignorance only makes our experiences more confusing and harder — especially when we're young and probably have a million different questions.

She explains that if you ask people specifics like 'How does a period work,' then they may not know the answer. "The same goes for if you ask what's the difference between a freckle and a mole," Redd explains. "It may not seem like these things are a big deal, but when something goes wrong, you need to know 'I need to get this thing checked out.'"

Information is power, and when armed with information about our bodies we can lead safer, healthier lives. Instead of wondering why we don't talk about things enough, Redd decided to take the bull by the horns and talk about them — and she thinks you should talk about them, even (and sometimes especially) when they're uncomfortable. She says, "Any time you feel shame or discomfort discussing your body, that's a sign you don't have enough information."

If you find yourself unable to ask other people questions, but want to start feeling comfortable in your body, I highly recommend that you read both Body Drama and The Real Body Manual because they're equipped with detailed explanations — and helpful imagery — about how bodies actually look, work, and feel.

Buy 'The Real Body Manual' Here!

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The Real Body Manual

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