Plus Size Fashion: Dress the Body You Have – Top 4 Hints

Robyn Volker

Every day we are inundated with images of what it means to be a fashionable woman. And that usually entails wearing a size that is as small as possible, despite the fact that more than 40% of us wear a size 14 or larger.

The body you have is curvy and voluptuous – but most importantly it is the body that you have right now, today. And to feel good, pretty, sexy, smart, and capable, you need to dress it the right way to enhance the positive aspects and minimize the negatives. That means wearing Clothes That Fit.

The two biggest mistakes are made at both ends of the fit spectrum. Some women wear clothes that are too small, creating a tight casing that looks as bad as it feels and highlights and exaggerates figure flaws. Some women dress in clothes that are too big, thinking that they are “hiding” problem zones, when in fact they are making themselves look bigger and, quite frankly, sloppy.

Take a deep breath. The size on the tag is a number only YOU see. What everyone else sees is a confident woman in clothes that are suited to her figure and that fit correctly. So get out of those jeans and pants you can’t breathe in; and the baggy, droopy tops that you should only wear to clean the bathroom – and get into figure flattering clothes in the right size for YOU.

Where to start? Here are a few hints to get you started:

• Lingerie – Pretty Is As Pretty Does. The basic foundation for how clothes will drape on your frame. If your lingerie is too tight, you’ll get exaggerated bulges and cuts that make you look lumpy. If it’s too big, you won’t get the fit and foundation you need. Get thee to a lingerie expert and get fitted for a bra and panties that suit your figure. You need help on this, and will want to try on a variety of styles.
• Skirts – Take the A Train. An A-line skirt is the most flattering for just about any figure. It fits at the waist and skims the hips, drawing the eye outward. It won’t cling or look baggy, and it’s a great figure balancer. Here’s a great example from my store.
• Pants – Shoot From the Hip. Look for pants that fall at or just below your natural waist. A wider waistband is flattering, and a bit of stretch in the fabric will allow ease of motion and prevent gaps when you move. Most important is a pant that falls in a straight line from hip to ankle, which elongates the leg and hides any bulges. Designer Abby Z. makes a great basic pant and a super jean.
• Tops – Wrap It Up. A wrap top is an integral part of your wardrobe. It elongates the neck, hugs your curves in a modest fashion, nips in at the waist to create an hourglass shape, and moves with you.

It’s critical to treat yourself with respect, and wearing the right style of clothing in the right size will give you a big confidence boost in your on-the-go lifestyle.

Robyn Volker is a plus size fashion wearer and expert. She is always searching for the best in plus size fashion – not items that are cut “bigger”, but that are made expressly for real women, with cut and details that enhance the figure. She receives no compensation or consideration from any of the companies or products that may be mentioned. She can be reached at robyn@chiquelife.com.