There are too many tired misconceptions on how women who wear clothes above a size 10 “should” dress. You know the repeat offenders: avoid prints because they tend to widen your proportions, wear cinched belts for a slimming effect, and play it safe with black and other dark colored clothing. All of these outdated restrictions can really make a girl dread getting dressed for the day, defeating the purpose of developing your own style because a certain group of so-called experts are dictating what ladies of various body types can and cannot wear. Model Candice Huffine tells Vogue, “Playing by the rules all the time will box you in. You should never be afraid to try new things.”
The whole point of fashion is to love what you wear, and just as the “plus” women’s brand Woman Within reiterates, being comfortable with and loving your body all starts with a great fit. In order to find that great fit, it’s important that you lay a good foundation for your chosen outfit, which means finding great lingerie to wear underneath. Your undergarments define your ensemble and should celebrate your shape, so supermodel Ashley Graham advises that you invest in good bras and panties. Seamless nudes and neutrals are a solid place to start.
Next, don’t be bogged down by the numbers on the tag. As much as we hate it, every brand has their own sizing chart, with one label deeming you a t-shirt size M while the next says you’re an L. Learn to adjust by trying on everything. In addition to the varying sizes, some garments look flattering when they’re not tailored to your exact measurements. Blogger Gabi Gregg explains that when she shops for a cool utility dress, she tends to go up two sizes for a better fit for her shape while she’ll go down two sizes for a bodycon dress to accentuate her curves.
And if you can’t find an item that fits your idea of a perfect fit, there’s always the option of getting your clothing altered. Everyone is made from a different build, and having a good tailor can make all the difference in your outfit. Whether you raise the hemline of your skirt or ask tighten the calf area of your pants, do whatever you want to highlight your assets.
Photo courtesy of CosmoGirls
