Greetings lovelies! I was asked by a reader to cover how to dress for plus size so, I invited the fabulous Miss Chanelle to give us some tips! I hope you enjoy her article :) Stay Sassy xo Gigi
Hey curvy girls! Dressing your plus-size body means either accentuating your curves, or creating a slimmer silhouette. You may have been told, full figure women can’t wear prints, horizontal stripe tops, or bright colors – I say, why not break all the “rules!” Many women out there may think it is difficult dressing for your voluptuous curves, but it doesn’t have to be. Yes, it does takes a lot of persistence and trying on clothes - but hey, that’s the fun part! Fashion of the plus size industry has advanced tremendously in the last five years – there are so many styles, designers, and ways to dress. You just have to know and understand your body shape and what works for it. There are different body shapes and styling requirements for full figure women, but just like straight size body types, there are four common shapes in plus size women – hourglass, rectangle, apple, and pear. There are other shapes that are used to define your body type, but we’re going to discuss the most common ones:
Hourglass –
The most well balanced, proportionate body shapes around. Think of Marilyn Monroe (who was a size 14, by the way) – full bust, small defined waist, and a full round bottom. Women with this figure can wear just about anything, with the exception of loose tops and dresses. Your figure can get lost if you do not choose the right pieces. You want to aim for more structured and classic cuts to define your figure. Curve enhancing dresses, structured jackets, peplum tops, and pencil skirts are your best friend.
Rectangle –
This shape can look a little boxy and boyish. The bust and hips are the same size while the waist is undefined. For women with this shape, the goal is to find clothes that create a curvy figure. You want to go for asymmetrical cuts, peplum tops, cinched-waist dresses, and wide leg pants / jeans. And don’t feel too shy on color either – since your body is proportionate, go crazy with bold prints and colored bottoms.
Apple –
The common characteristics of an apple shape are large chest, slim legs, and most of your weight is distributed in your stomach and top half of your body. Creating a waist is the main objective here. With the right clothes, you can create an hourglass shape, drawing attention away from your full middle area. You want to go for skater dresses, empire waist shirts, A-line skirts, V-neck tops, and skinny and boot cut jeans. Also, placing a belt at the smallest part of your waist can achieve the shape you want.
Pear –
This is the shape we all have seen throughout the plus size fashion industry. Designers are using many pear shaped models to showcase their pieces. Pear shapes have narrow shoulders, small defined waist, wide hips, and thick thighs. Balancing your upper body with your lower half is key. Shoot for fit and flare dresses, printed tops, A-line skirts, high waisted pants / jeans, and long blazers and jackets. Because most women have a hard time finding bottoms to fit their waist-to-hip ratio, belts are necessary!
No matter what shape or size you are, go out there and work with what you got! Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. We now have celebrities, models, and bloggers who have shown us the way! I mean, I totally get it – dressing for your body type can be challenging, but don’t let that stop you for showing off your curves! Show off your waist line, show some skin, and be daring!
Stay beautiful <3 Miss Chanelle