Chic Plus-Size Style

 

There are quite a few blogs out there offering rules for plus-size fashion. There are dos and there are don’ts, and while such lists can be helpful, I’m here to tell which ones ring true, and which rules were made to be broken.

Read on to find out.

Monochromatic: Wearing the same color head-to-toe does create a straight line which makes you look longer and leaner, but it can also be very, very boring. To jazz it up, pair different intensities of the same color such as lavender and grape purple. Don’t forget to add some contrasting jewelry for just the right spice.

Black: You’ll be happy to know (or maybe not) that black doesn’t necessarily make you look slimmer. Black is very somber, and believe it or not, is not something that everyone can wear well.

Most people look better in a less intense neutral such as charcoal grey or navy blue. If you’re in the warm color category, dark olive green.

Ignore what you’ve heard about wearing black and have fun with color.

Prints: It doesn’t matter what size you are, when it comes to prints, it’s all about moderation. In plus-size fashion, it’s all about paying attention to the pattern and size of the print.

Small prints on curvier women can tend to make you look heavier. A larger print (not huge) looks more in line with body structure and fits in nicely. Colorful prints are fine. I’d stay away from large florals, which often look dated,  and focus more on geometric or paisley style patterns.

Horizontal Stripes: Yes, the dreaded stripes. Unless you’re a size zero (and how many people really are?) horizontal stripes are not your friend. Then why do so many designers make clothes with them? 

Unfortunately, I can’t answer that question because I ask the same question quite often. My advice is to stay away from horizontal stripes. On the other hand, vertical of diagonal stripes are great and quite flattering. Tiny stripes, as tiny patterns, aren’t the best choice but larger stripes will do you good.

Leggings: The biggest issue with leggings is that many people wear them as pants. Whether you’re a size 4 or 14, leggings most definitely are NOT pants. They’re closer to a thick pair of tights. The shortest top you should wear with leggings is a long tunic that completely covers your hips and butt.

You should be able to bend over, turn around, look in the mirror and only see your top. Leggings also look great with short dresses, mini-skirts and trench coats.

Animal prints: Animal prints should always be worn with restraint — no one should do animal prints head to toe. Pick one garment (not including a dress or coat) or an accessory such as a purse or pair of shoes to rock your look.

Short skirts or shorts: Again, unless you’re extremely thin or under the age of 25, these two types of garments are not very complimentary. They’re also not appropriate in many venues such as work, weddings, places of worship and sometimes traveling outside of the country. If you absolutely have to wear a short skirt, pair them with leggings (see above).

In general, I’m not a fan of uber-short shorts. A longer pair, such as bermudas, are fine — just make sure they’re not skin-tight. There are many pants made from light fabrics that are just as cool, if not more so, than shorts (linen, blends, cotton, silk).

Tailor: Your tailor is your best friend! This rule holds true no matter what size or gender you are. This is the most important rule about dressing in general.

A tailor can make something new out of a fabulous vintage garment you found at steal, but that needs some repair or updating. A tailor will take pants that are too big in the waist or too long in the crotch and make them fit perfectly. A tailor will hem your pants to all of the different heights of your heels.(Just remember, when you hem them for a certain height, you’re stuck with wearing them at that height-either flats or high heels.)

Depending on your tailor, they may even be able to custom make clothing.

As you can see, guidelines for plus-size fashion are much the same as other body types. There are designs for every body type, you just have to find what looks best on you. Keep these tips in mind (and feel free to offer your own tips in the comments section!) for your next shopping trip and you won’t be disappointed.

P.S. Men, the same guidelines hold true for you (you can ignore short skirts, though).

Special thanks to Sonsi.com – a marketplace with over 380+ Brands for women sizes 12 & above.