As you remember from my Plus Size Fashion Spotlight featuring Dressbarn, they have a great selection of clothing for us plus size and/or curvy girls! Me and my size 16 self go shopping there quite often! Besides gracing me with some great pics from their Fall collection, they have also given me some awesome tips for choosing the right clothes for your plus size figure! From choosing the right skirts to defining your waist, Keith Fulsher, their Chief Merchandising Officer, covers it all!
Skirts:
- Stick to solids (dark blue, black or grey is best) or medium-sized graphic patterns. Remember, it’s the space between prints that makes them unflattering so pick prints with overlapping designs.
- Pencil and A-line cuts can be most flattering, just select ones that have a hint of stretch.
- Stay away from unstructured skirts. Think fitted, not clingy, unflimsy fabric.
- Avoid skirts that button down the front as they can bunch at certain points; skirts that fasten at the side with an invisible zipper are best.
- Opt for skirts that hit at the knee.
Dresses:
- When choosing a dress, remember – dark colors have a camouflaging effect whereas lighter colors attract attention.
- Semifitted styles are best, hugging you in the right areas. Think empire-waist, wrap dresses and other belted shirtdresses and sheaths that cinch at the waist and flow away from the body.
- Avoid dresses that are too loose or too fitted (including cuts that cinch the waist too tightly).
- Seek medium-weight knits and soft fabrics that hang well.
- Remember, showing skin can make you appear slimmer so lower cut necklines and shorter hems may be a good investment.
If You’re Heavier on the Bottom:
- Utilize vertical lines and patterns to create an up-or-down illusion.
- Wear long tops (tunics) that go past your hips.
- Wear prints on top to draw attention to your top half.
- Opt for jackets, tailored suits, and dresses with straight, classic cuts.
Heavier on Top:
- Choose loose fitting tops that also slim down to hug the hips and waist.
- Opt for thinner materials, such as cotton or cotton jersey, to avoid bulk.
- Wear one color, down to the shoes, for an overall elongated look.
- Choose long jackets without shoulder pads to create a balanced silhouette.
- A pleated skirt will bring the attention to your lower half, and don’t be afraid to wear shorter hem lengths.
Define a Waist:
- Make the most of your defined waist by choosing styles that draw to attention to it. This could range from using a belt to cinch a dress or sweater, or opting for a pencil skirt with a bit of stretch and tucked-in V-neck blouse.
- V-shape necklines and the tucked-in-top will draw attention to your waist. Wrap dresses are also an easy way to define a waist at the smallest part of your body.
Overall Fit:
- Choose fabrics that don’t cling and avoid stiff or bulky textures. If you dress frumpy, you’ll free frumpy.
- Wear proper undergarments including all-in-one shapers and control top pantyhose.
- Baggy clothes won’t make you look slimmer. Body-conscious clothes that accentuate curves, without being clingy or tight, are most flattering.
- Opt for empire waists or A-line styles to create a smooth, lengthened look. Be cautious of pleats as they tend to add bulk to the mid-section.
Photo courtesy of: Dressbarn
Fierce 