CCW's Top Plus Size Fashion Tips

2009-04-26T08:09:00.011-04:00

Let’s get real, regardless of what size you are, size 0-26, every woman has certain body features that they are not happy with. Some women have larger hips and thighs, while others are heavier in the waist. Regardless of where your “problem” areas are, there are many fashion tricks you can use to minimize their appearance.

Here are our tips on how plus size curvy women find the right clothes to fit their bodies:

1. Start with the basic foundation.

Did you know that 85% of women are wearing the wrong size bra! Ill fitting bras are the number one killer of a great outfit. We have all seen her, a woman walking down the street with a totally gorgeous outfit on, but the girls are resting on her belly, why, because she is wearing the wrong size bra. Ladies, please do not skimp on undergarments! The old adage you get what you pay for is very true when shopping for a bra. Visit your local department or foundation store and get professionally fitted for a good support and/or minimizer bra. For plus size women, wearing the right bra not only makes you look slimmer but your clothes will fit you better. Another item to look for is a great one piece body slimmer. Today’s popular fabrics include jersey knits and soft tees which tend to cling to the body. A body slimmer will smooth out some of those bulges giving you a longer, leaner line. For lingerie sizing advice click here.

2. Fit, Fit, Fit – The best way to lose 10 pounds without dieting, buy clothes that FIT!

If you have to lie down on the bed to zip your pants or the buttons on your blouse are straining to stay closed leaving you with gaping holes, then forget it sister, you need to buy the next size up. On the flip side, wearing baggy shapeless clothes does not hide figure flaws it accentuates them. Most women tend to focus on the number on a tag instead of paying attention to the way clothes fit their body. Here are some tips that you need to pay attention to when shopping for plus size clothing:

Plus Size Pants - A great fit is imperative when shopping for plus size pants. Pants should fall from waist to hem in one continuous line. They should not hike up or stretch tightly across the tummy or hips. Look for pants that have a mid-rise and hit you at your natural waist. Avoid pants with tapered or skinny legs; they give you that ice cream cone look. Instead look for a slightly wider or boot cut leg pant. You also want to make sure that pants hit the top of the shoe, making your legs look longer and leaner. Flat front pants are more flattering for plus size curvy figures, pleats tend to accentuate a tummy. If you have a smaller waist in comparison to your hips, you more than likely own pants that have that big gap in the back. To solve this problem, find a good tailor to take in the waist. Putting on a belt and pulling it tightly is not an option. Trust me, the extra cost is well worth it.

Plus Size Tops: The goal when shopping for plus size tops is to buy tops that accentuate a smaller waist or if you have a thick waist, create the illusion of a waist. The best way to do this is to opt for styles such as a wrap, surplice, or empire (om peer) tops. Another great illusion is ruching (rooshing). Fabric is gathered across the problem area thus camouflaging it. These styles work best because they are fitted giving the illusion of an hourglass shape. If these styles have darts and seaming that accentuate the waist, even better. To elongate the neck look for tops that are V-neck, or square neck, they draw the eyes upward to your face and give you the appearance of a longer torso. Avoid styles that are too clingy, fabrics that are too clingy or too stiff are very unflattering. Choose a fabric that is of good quality. It has to have nice drape, which moves easily around your body and allows you to move gracefully. Plus size tops should fall just below your tummy bulge or to the top of your hip bone. Lastly my plus-size sisters, never, ever wear body revealing styles such as halters, tube tops, backless or midriff tops or anything closely related. Need I explain why?

Plus Size Skirts & Dresses: Skirts & Dresses that have an A-line or a fit and flatter bell shaped style look especially attractive on plus size curvaceous women because they skim over larger hips and thighs. Make sure the fabric has some weight on it so it can move when you move, falling at or just below the knee. Wrap dresses just like wrap tops slims a thick waist and empire waist dresses accentuate the smallest part of your waist.

Plus Size Jackets & Blazers: One of the biggest mistakes women make when shopping for jackets or blazers is the fit. Some plus size women tend to buy boxy, shapeless styles that add extra pounds to the waist and hip areas. The thought process is that they are covering up problem flaws, WRONG! Plus size jackets & blazers should always be structured and fitted to the body. Seaming and darts give the jacket shape, giving the illusion of a smaller waist. They should fall just below your tummy bulge or to the top of your hip bone.

3. Accessories & Shoes – Take an outfit from drab to FAB!

Accessories can:

Make your wardrobe seem larger – By mixing and matching earrings, bracelets, rings, handbags, scarves and necklaces, you can totally change the look of an outfit, pulling together the whole look into a complete ensemble.
Add a splash of color – In order to spice up basic colors, add bold accessories in great colors to give your wardrobe an extra kick.
Make or break an outfit – Accessories as I have already stated can really accentuate an outfit but over accessorizing will detract from an otherwise great outfit. The rule of thumb is accessories should accent not overpower an outfit.

Shoes can:

Add length and height to the torso giving the illusion of longer leaner legs. How you ask? high heels I say. Invest in a great pair of black stiletto pumps or strappy heel sandals; both of these styles go well with almost any style of pant, skirt or dress.
Dress up or dress down an outfit – If you are wearing a great pair of jeans, swapping a pair of ballerina flats for a pair of stilettos takes you easily from day to night.
Make or break an outfit – Mixing the wrong shoes with the right outfit is akin to fashion suicide. Remember, shoes are the first thing many people look at, me included. You don’t have to pay top dollar for great looking comfortable shoes but you do have to pay attention to fit and style. If your heels hangs off the back of the shoes or if your foot puffs out of the top, giving you Miss Piggy feet, size up, size out or both. Most importantly, and I repeat, most importantly, please stay away from the chunky heel shoe, unless the look you are going for is the bride of Frankenstein.

Understand, no two plus size women are alike, so play around with various styles and colors to find out what looks best on your body. Use fashion to let your personality shine through. Remember the most important aspect of a plus sized women’s beauty is her self-confidence.

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CCW's Top Plus Size Fashion Tips

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