For the fuller figured lady who wants to flaunt their fashionable side, it’s never been easier than today. Plus size fashion (a bit of an umbrella term if you ask us) has changed a lot over the last few years and the shopping landscape is better than it ever has been before. From high street brands like Marks and Spencer who have just launched their new Curve collection to a myriad of plus size boutiques online, brands are finally proud to be putting curves back on the agenda. To celebrate, here are 5 IDEAL plus size fashion tips.
FORGET THE OLD ‘AVOID STRIPES, WEAR BLACK’ MANTRA
First things first, forget all those fashion rules you’ve learnt over the years. There are hundreds out there which are just plain nonsense, and the ‘no horizontal stripes’ rule is one of them. While it’s rumoured that horizontal stripes can make you seem larger, in actual fact they can enhance your natural figure and create more of an hourglass silhouette, depending on your body shape. Either way, if you enjoy how stripes look on you, there should be nothing stopping you from incorporating them into your style. They say rules are made to be broken after all.
TRY ON DIFFERENT SIZES WHEN YOU’RE SHOPPING
Think a size 16 is the same size 16 at the boutique across the street? Think again. Sizes differ from shop to shop, so don’t fret if a certain item isn’t exactly your fit – size after all ain’t nothing but a number and we’re all different. When you’re trying on clothes, take several sizes (both bigger and smaller) with you into the changing room and pick which one fits best, no matter what the label says.
USE A TAILOR
We know what you’re thinking – expensive. However, tailoring isn’t just for fancy clothes. Alterations are a game changer when it comes to wearing clothes that are the perfect fit (in other words flattering) for women of all sizes. We know that getting your clothes adjusted may cost a little extra at first, but the amount of wear you’ll get out of your ‘perfect fit’ clothes is well worth it in the long run.
FIND CLOTHES THAT FLATTER YOUR SHAPE
From triangle to hourglass to oval – not all curvy girls have the same frame. Like dressing for any shape, it’s all about emphasising your best bits to make you feel great. While the variation of styles and dresses available for women over a size 20 used to be limited to frumpy frocks, there are now a variety of plus size dresses in an assortment of styles and colours. Try out different cuts to see what suits you best. Also, don’t make the mistake of wearing oversized baggy clothes which will swamp your silhouette. Whether it’s your derrière or décolletage, if you’ve got a favourite part of your body, then show it off. Embrace your shape and don’t be afraid to wear figure hugging clothes to emphasise your best bits.
LAYERS WON’T MAKE YOU ‘LOOK BIGGER’
Despite what you may have heard, adding layers won’t necessarily make you look bigger: and even if they did, would it really matter? Layers can be a great way to add depth to your look, and also provide you with a way to accommodate unpredictable weather, without needing to lug a coat around everywhere you go. Check out whowhatwear.co.uk for tips on the best ways to layer your clothes this year.
The most important thing in plus size fashion is to find your own unique style, comprised of clothes which make you feel confident and allow you to express yourself fully. End of.