I’ve been bullied for my weight since I was in the third grade. Now, at 18 years old, I’m a size 14 and still struggling to love my body. I fight a battle everyday as to whether or not I’m going to be comfortable in my skin. Some days, I don’t win that battle and I go through my day a little uncomfortable and self conscious. However, I don’t let that stop me from living my life.

What doesn’t help my insecurities, or any other young girl being picked on for their weight, is the societal belief that thinner is more beautiful. Even if it’s not said directly, every magazine we see has cover models that are tall and slender, with headlines describing a new workout or diet that will make you drop 2 dress sizes. Everywhere you look there’s something new degrading plus size girls in a very passive aggressive way.

Although many companies are becoming more and more inclusive regarding their sizing, shopping for clothing that is comfortable and trendy is beyond difficult. Not only because of lacking options but also rare availability. Often times the plus size section of a shop is a small corner of a few things rather than having a genuine selection like the general sizes would.

Of course there are brands that cater to those of us looking for trendy options in our size. Places like Torrid or Lane Bryant are genuinely god sends for us. However, it’s not enough.

Not only is the fashion industry against us, whether they admit it or not, you can find way too many articles on what plus size girls can and can’t wear, and there’s an idea that these “rules” have to be followed in order to be kind of accepted in our society.

I say to hell with those rules.

I am allowed to do whatever I want with my body, especially regarding my clothing. I may be a bigger girl, but if I want to wear a crop top without high waisted pants, I’m going to. If I want to wear a loud print or horizontal stripes, I’m going to. And sure, I’ll have days where I don’t feel to great in my skin, but I need to combat the insecurity that was instilled in me at a young age by combating the insecurities that society puts into the young plus size girls of our nation.