Too often, clothing stores and fashion magazines overlook a significant portion of the population. Plus-size fashion has come a long way, but it still has a long way to go.
Many women say clothing stores either make matronly, tent-like clothing or completely neglect to provide options for curvier frames.
There are more trendy options beyond the run-of-the-mill Ashley Stewart and Torrid variety. Fashiontofigure.com offers clothes and accessories exclusively for plus-size figures. This site allows users to shop by trend or occasion to create the perfect look. From peplum to high-low hemlines, Fashion to Figure carries current trends at a reasonable price.
The mistake many designers make when creating plus-size clothing is failing to embrace curvy figures. Shapeless, oversized clothing with busy prints or boring pastels is often the norm when browsing through plus-size stores. However, that does nothing but hide the curves you should be showing off.
My mantra is work with what you’ve got. If there’s a bit more junk in the trunk, embrace it.
Sheath dresses and wrap dresses are excellent for curvier physiques. The sheath dress is great because the cut is forgiving in the midsection while displaying shape that’s still appropriate for daytime wear. Body-con is fabulous, but save it for evening-wear only.
The wrap dress is the saving grace for every woman, and plus-size is no exception. If you’re running late and need something to throw on, the wrap dress is the way to go. Pair it with flats or gladiator sandals for an instant chic, polished look. The wrap creates the illusion of an hourglass figure, regardless of if you actually have one.
Whether plus-size or petite, most people have at least one thing they’re insecure about. It may be a little cellulite on your backside, or maybe a couple extra inches on the waistline. Shapewear is the answer.
Want to wear those daring high waist pants but have a little extra tummy? Invest in a set of slimming shapewear. I use Spanx. It may be a bit costly, but it is a worthy investment. Spanx has a line of shapewear exclusively for plus-size women.
Another challenge plus-size women face often comes when shopping for boots, particularly of the calf-height variety. As a stocky-calved girl, I have the issue of finding boots that actually fit over the calf, too. With the equestrian trend still going strong, the search for the perfect riding boot may require a bit more effort. Widewidths.com has a variety of boots made especially for those with wider calfs.
Hopefully, with time, designers will create more chic plus-size clothing. In the meantime, get out there and be the full-figured fashionista you are.
