Despite the growing number of women falling into the plus size category in the Western world, it can still be surprisingly difficult to find plus size fashion tips that weren’t written by a skinny size 4 fashion editor. As part of the plus size sisterhood, I’m here today to share with you some tried and true fashion do’s and don’ts that really work. Get ready to embrace your curves, ladies.
1. DO: Select dress styles and belts that accentuate your waist
For a lot of fuller figured ladies, getting dressed just means finding something to hide our bodies with. I’ve got news for you: trying to camouflage your shape under extremely loose, free-flowing dresses and shirts can actually be less flattering than donning a figure skimming outfit. Why? Because it causes your body to lose definition. Instead of hiding away, the first of my plus size fashion tips is to minimise your problem areas and emphasize what you love.
A great way to give a rounder figure some sexy, feminine definition is to select a dress that cinches in at the waist, like the gorgeous Polka Dot Swing Dress (Torrid - $64.50) pictured above. The sweetheart neckline, as boasted by this swing dress, is both flattering and ideal for subtlety drawing attention to the bust for a flirty look. The main reason I selected the Polka Dot Swing Dress, however, is the inclusion of an inbuilt belt.
While chunky belts should be avoided, as they make the waistline appear thicker, skinny belts are great for accentuating your waist and helping you achieve the ideal hourglass silhouette. If your dress is one flat colour, you can get away with a sassy, patterned belt, like the Leopard Reversible Belt (Torrid - 15.48), for a sexy infusion of confidence, but if you’re rocking a louder dress, play it safe and select a plain coloured belt to avoid overwhelming your outfit.
Enamoured by the Polka Dot Swing Dress? Wear it with a pair of black wedges. I love the Lucite Wedge Sandal (Lane Bryant - $69.95), because the wedge heel is just thick enough to be comfortable while still being high enough to elongate the wearer’s legs.
When it comes to other accessories, bigger sometimes is better. Sporting an eye-catching, ornate bracelet, like the Dominique Aurientis Bracelet (Yoox - $270) can give the illusion of thinner wrists while drawing the eye away from fuller upper arms.
Quick Plus Size Fashion Tips: To turn any dress into a figure flattering and punk-chic ensemble, a studded belt, like the Torrid Black Silver Studded Crystal Belt ($19.50), will do wonders.
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2. DON’T: Pull on a Pair of Mum Jeans
Mum jeans. Most of us have a pair. They’re the comfortable, high-waisted and totally unflattering jeans that are super easy to pull on in the morning in between feeding fussy toddlers and planning out the day. As tempting as it is, ladies, please put them away. One of my biggest do’s and don’ts when it comes to plus size fashion tips is as follows:
Don’t: Settle for baggy, high-waisted jeans.
Do: Find a pair of jeans that flatters your shape instead of concealing it.
Fortunately, there are some great fashion solutions out there for larger ladies – you just need to know where to look. If you’re a fan of straight leg jeans but feel like they emphasize your stomach, check out these amazing Straight Leg Jeans with Tighter Tummy Technology (Lane Bryant - $69.95). These stylish dark rinse jeans have a built-in elastic band which will give your all the comfort of your baggy old Mum jeans while helping to suck in your stomach.
Loving the Boyfriend Jeans trend? You go girl! They’re perfect for a casual style that’s effortlessly sexy. Just be sure to select a pair that sits well at the hips and falls in a flattering straight line right down to the hem. Look for cuffs that end around the ankle, as this will help you show off the most slender part of your leg. Colourwise, dark wash is the most slimming, but medium wash jeans like the Torrid Boyfriend Jeans (Torrid - $56.48) can be just as figure-enhancing, especially if they come with cuffs that can be rolled all the way down.
Finally, every woman needs a pair of bootcut jeans. We’re not talking 80’s bell-leg here, but a slight flare from the knees downward is a great way to create a more balanced silhouette. The Torrid Slim Boot Jeans in dark wash (Torrid - $64.50) are perfect, because they fit snugly at the hips and thighs then break into a slim boot style around the knee to create a longer, leaner leg shape.
Quick Plus Size Fashion Tips: Both the bootcut and slim leg jeans look amazing when paired with pleather ankle boots, such as the exquisite Bruno Premis (Yoox - $89.00). Again, a slight heel will make your legs look more toned and ornate buckles or studs are an easy way to let everyone know you’re up with the latest trends.
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3. DO: Bring Back Pin Up Dresses
Some fuller figured women avoid dresses like the plague. When it comes to my fashion do’s and don’ts, I have to say that this is a big mistake. Men love to see their ladies in something feminine from time to time, whether or not they’re a svelte size six.
While maxi-dresses or short skirts may not flatter your shape, pin up dresses almost certainly will. They look great on most curvaceous girls, but ladies who have a full hour-glass figure or a pear shape will particularly shine. Why? Because pin up or rockabilly dresses accentuate the waist and flare out at the hips to create an idealised, extremely feminine body shape. When selecting a pin up dress, don’t be afraid to be bold. Patterns like cherries, hearts, birds and flowers are what rockabilly dresses are all about. They’re not just flattering, they also lend you a quirky style that’s sure to turn heads for all the right reasons.
If you’d prefer to start with something just a little sassy but not too extravagantly patterned, you might just love the Retro Chic Leopard Trim Halter Dress (Torrid - $43.97). This dress is predominantly decked out in classic black, but sports a racy leopard print halter and mid-section to help bring out your wild side.
Meanwhile, the Stop Staring! Cherry Print Jennifer Dress (Torrid - $104.48) is a perfect example of a flirty, retro style that’s been stylishly revamped for the twenty-first century. Patterned with cherries and polka dots, it’s as sweet as it is sensual. The sweetheart neckline emphasizes the bust and draws unwanted attention away from fuller arms.
For a truly classic 50’s style, you can’t go past this Black Tattoo Halter Dress (Torrid - $58.50). This vintage inspired beauty comes with an eye-catching tattoo parlour motif and boasts a lovely sweetheart neckline.
Quick Plus Size Fashion Tips: Self-conscious about your arms? No problem. Just pair your pin up dress with a cute jacket or bolero, like this Stretch Jacquard Jacket (Lane Bryant - $99.95). Wear it open so you don’t hide any more of that gorgeous body than you need to!
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And there you have it, ladies. Three plus size fashion tips and do’s and don’ts that really work. Next time you’re choosing an outfit, whether it’s to pick the kids up from school or for a big night out with the girls, adventurous. Instead of focusing on hiding the bits of yourself you don’t like, play up the bits you do with skinny belts, bold accessories and vintage dresses that rock. Good luck!
