The fashion world has no shortage of advice on what to wear and what not to wear, and on things to do and to avoid. Plus size fashion is equally filled with tips that can help you look your best, and also includes some advice that you should ignore. Let’s examine some of the myths that concern fashion for larger women.
Plus size women should not display any bare skin. This seems less like a real fashion tip than an admonition for larger women to cover themselves up as much as possible. No woman should have to hide herself within “fat clothes.” You owe it to yourself to flaunt your best features. So wear short skirts if you have great legs, or a V-neck to display a swelling bosom, and don’t worry about this “fashion tip.”
One piece of fashion advice for plus sized women is to never bare your arms. Although it has long been thought that sleeveless tops are not for larger ladies, this is completely untrue. It can be very flattering and sexy to bare a little skin yet if you feel uncomfortable doing so there are many things you can do to avoid this. A cute shawl or shrug draped over your shoulders, or a lace- or chiffon-sleeved shirt will cover your upper arms. So there are ways in which you can show your arms yet not bare too much flesh!
Plus size women should not wear horizontal stripes. This is just silly. Stripes, in any direction, vertical, diagonal and, yes, horizontal, can be flattering. There are a few rules, such as, placement of the stripes. If your hips are the widest point on your body then the horizontal bands or color should be placed on the upper part of your body, near your head, and around your legs instead of around your waist area.
Though bold prints can flatter a large frame, plus girls would do better to stay away from certain types of big and expressive prints. This is because it is not the prints themselves but the space between the prints that is the issue. More the space, less flattering the dress on a plus size girl. However, prints with overlapping edges are not that bad.
Larger girls should try to avoid tight fitting clothing, at least that is what everyone is told. This is untrue, unless you are hoping to hide your figure from everyone. No one, especially plus size girls, should be forced to wear nondescript piles of clothing that hang unflatteringly. By selecting clothing that fits your figure appropriately, you can make any outfit shine. A tighter, fitted tank top covered with a slightly looser jacket can be a staple of your wardrobe. Don’t let everything cling your problem areas, but do let your positive features shine through.
A plus-sized figure doesn’t mean you have to be a drab dresser. While you might automatically reach for darker colors for their slimming effects, fit is more important than color. However, color can be used to create the look you want. Plus-sized women should avoid the color white. Wear a darker color in a smaller pattern on the part of your body that needs minimizing. For example, balance larger hips with navy slacks and a blouse in a bright, bold print. Expand your palette–but use it effectively!
Andrea writes about Plus Size Clothing. Visit us for plus size deals on a Plus Size Dress
- Andrea Dilea