In a world of growing plus size acceptance and fashions we are starting to see that more and more styles are becoming available for the full figured woman. Styles such as skinny jeans, one strap shoulder tops and gorgeous sweater dresses are some that stand out in my mind just to name a few. When I was growing up the only plus sized fashions that were available were way in the back of the store and included ugly and sometimes very loud prints such as huge leopard, cow, zebra, polka dots and florals. Even though these prints are beautiful on some outfits, back in the late 80's these prints did nothing for the full figured woman.
Today we have all sorts of styles and designs available, regardless of your budget. You can find great plus sized fashions from places like Dots & Walmart to Ashley Stewart, Lane Bryant and even high end boutiques such as Monif C and more. Now even vintage shops for the curvy are available in some areas and online shopping has much to offer as well! What does this mean? Whether your style is Bold and Funky, Urban, Glam or Conservative, you can find most styles made for our skinnier sisters finally available for us! Fashion reflects personality and it is important to be able to dress how you feel and feel comfortable in what you wear.
Some great fashion styles for the curvy include:
Wrap Dresses/Dresses: These types of dresses cinch your waist and gently envelope your curves for a smooth silhouette without demanding too much attention, complimenting your best areas. Dresses in general help to make all plus sized women look very pulled together, polished and stylish. Pair this up with a belt, pumps, fishnets or tights and some banging accessories and you are looking fabulous! Try wearing more of these to compliment your shape.
Pencil Skirts: Great for the office, or even just hanging out. This is a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down with cardigans, wraps, ruffle blouses, small jackets, pumps, flats, belts or any other accessory you put together with it. The high waist on the pencil skirt helps to create the illusion of an hourglass figure or just accentuates those curvy divas who already have one.
Bootcut Jeans: This is my personal favorite style of jean as the small flare on the bottom tends to balance out my top heaviness. Finding a great pair of jeans is essential for every woman, especially us full figured women. Jeans can easily be dressed up or down as is one of the most versatile pieces of fashion in your closet. Find the style that best compliments your shape to avoid "muffin top" and other issues that we sometimes come across when shopping for a great pair of jeans. You are free to choose whichever style you like as long as it fits you well, keeping in mind that darker washes like indigo and black are more versatile.
Accessories: Every woman should have pearls! Pearls add instant class to your look so make sure you have at least some studs, faux or real they both look great. Whether you like chunky jewelry, or not this year is the year to try adding layered/chunky jewelry to your look. Don’t overdo it though. Wearing any more than 5 accessories is dangerous, thanks Shira ;) So make sure you balance this well to fit your style or you will look tacky. Everyone is different so what works for one, will not work for us all but chunky jewelry is great for the full figured woman and adds style to your look, just look at some of the ads for Ashley Stewart and Lane Bryant. These models are always wearing some bangles, layered necklaces or big stylish earrings. I love it! This season pearls mixed with heavy metals (usually silver) is really in and gold necklaces and earrings are starting to make a comeback so why not try something different if you haven't done so already?
Belts: Sometimes the skinnier the belt, the bigger it makes your waist look, so opt for bigger wider belts with some stretch to them, this helps in actually smoothing out any bumps with shaping and creating the look of a smaller waist, plus it helps to keep the belt in place.
Shoes: Right now shoe booties are really hot, so if you don't have a pair yet...you still have time. These look so sexy and stylish on thick divas with curvy legs. Also, you can never go wrong with some flat boots either tall or ankle length as they provide support when you can't rock some platform pumps or shoe booties ;)
Stockings: Ladies get all kinds of textures! Do not sleep on the importance of tights, these are fun and they help smooth problem areas. Don't forget you can layer fishnets on top of thicker stockings for colder days for those who love to wear skirts and dresses like me.
Hats & Scarves: Dare to be different by trying bold colors and different textures. You can wear scarves in many different ways and they also help to add some fashion flavor to your look. Beanies are great to protect your hair from the cold winter air without really messing your hair style up, plus keep you looking stylish but I love almost every type of hat that is out there so the choice is up to you. It's okay to be trendy but some trends only work for some people...that decision is yours to make. It is important to remember that whatever hat you wear, it should fit you well - not too tight and not too loose. It should look neat and cute, framing your face like hair does and making your look even more polished and well put together.
Hope you enjoyed these fashion tips for the plus sized diva!
Thanks for reading and God Bless!
Limarie Lewis
Photo credit: Plus Model Veronica C - Photographs by Rick Day (both of them) | Plus Model Marisa Balletti - Photograph with hat & scarf by Sassymouth Photography