Plus Size Woman

The following topic on what to wear when you are a plus size, is only an indication and my personal opinion on what plus size woman should wear and what would look best. Pictures have been cropped and modified in order to show different designs of suitable clothing.

Firstly, lets talk about faux pas or rather what not to wear when you are a plus size.

Fashion designers normally design clothes specifically for very thin and tall woman, like the models you see on the catwalk. Everything they put on and combine always look great! The fact is that not every woman is able to wear these items.
The picture above gives good examples what not to wear.
DO NOT wear tight clothing. You are NOT a size 6!
DO NOT wear too big and too loose tops or your partner's t-shirts. This makes you look out of proportion and frumpy.
DO NOT wear too tight or too short skirts if you have big thighs.

The following will give you a better perspective on what to choose and still look fashionable.

Wear tops that are a little more fitted around the bust area and let is flow below the bust line.
If you prefer to wear a t-shirt, combine this with a flared top.
Capri pants/ above the ankle pants, look great with a bit of a heel. This gives an illusion of elongated legs.
If you are going to opt for tights, wear a longer top that will hide all the flaws.

Hide those rolls!

These examples above are great ideas to keep in mind when shopping for clothes.
If you have a tummy, remember to try clothes with details around the waist.
Choose soft frills, slight gathers, wrap around looks great!
DO NOT wear a belt if you have a very big tummy. This accentuates it more. Try clothes with dark patterns around the belly.
Always remember that the top or dress must fit loosely around those areas.

Body Shapers

When I say body shapers, I mean shaping your body by working with two colours and shapes in your outfits.
Dresses with different panels are great to mould the shape of your body.

These give an illusion of hour glass bodies.
It takes the emphasis away from the bigger parts of your body.

Stripes

When choosing stripes, go for vertical, diagonal, slanted.... instead of horizontal stripes.

If you do buy a top with horizontal stripes, try to wear an over garment of one solid colour over the stripes.

Diagonal stripes

Horizontal stripes

Break the stripes by wearing a solid colour over the stripes.

 Vertical lines

I love medium to thicker stripes for bigger woman. Thin stripes does not do much justice to the shape.
Remember only to accentuate your waist when you DO HAVE ONE. If you have a slight belly, move the belt just below your bust line or between your waist and bust line.

  Cap sleeves are great. This style broadens and covers the shoulder slightly, giving the upper body a triangular shape. What I am trying to say is that the balance between the shoulders and the hips will be the same.

Horizontal and vertical lines

This style is great when your upper body is much bigger than your bottom.

The dark stripes will narrow the chest area.

If your waist is extra small, the white belt will broaden the waist.

If you have a tummy, the thicker, darker lines will hide that area, while the thinner lines and flared hem will broaden the bottom.

These effects will give you the illusion of a perfect hour glass shape.

Unstructured Jackets/cardigans

I call these items, unstructured,as it is not fitted or of similar shape on both sides.

The centre front is cut into a block. It falls loosely into a soft frill, detracting the eyes from any flaws.

Great to hide large chests.

 In order to look good, is all about creating ILLUSIONS.
The secret is to shape your body into an hour glass. Obviously, you will still look big, but more voluptuous and sexy.
Try chunky jewellery.
Dark/neutral colours over too light and bright colours. Bright colours in accessories work well.
The overall look should be 10% colour and the rest in neutral. This is if you are colour blocking.
Keep in mind that white / light colours, enlarges and black / dark colours, diminishes.
Try wear high heels, as this elongates your legs and makes you walk taller and with more confidence.

Before and After soon to follow.