Whether you’re looking for a new dress or a shirt to wear with jeans, shopping for plus-size clothing can be a uniquely frustrating experience.
As someone who wears an 18W and has shopped at all of the major retailers, I’m here to help guide you through what can sometimes seem like a fruitless search.
With these ten tips in mind, you’ll be able to look and feel fabulous no matter what size clothes you wear!
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Invest in well-fitting underwear for a smooth silhouette. |
| 2. Embrace your body shape and choose clothing that flatters your curves. |
| 3. Experiment with different styles to find your personal fashion sense. |
| 4. Accessorize strategically to elevate your outfits and draw attention to your best features. |
| 5. Layer clothing to add depth and create stylish, cohesive looks. |
| 6. Choose fabrics that drape well and enhance your figure. |
| 7. Opt for tailored clothing to accentuate your waist and create a flattering shape. |
| 8. Balance proportions by pairing fitted and loose-fitting garments. |
| 9. Pay attention to color and patterns to create visual interest in your outfits. |
| 10. Above all, wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. |
Say Yes To A Tailor
Once you find some clothing that fits well, you’ll want to keep it that way. A good tailor can help with this.
Tailors are trained to make adjustments to clothing so that they fit perfectly, whether it’s shortening a hem or taking in the sides of your dress (and making sure there’s no extra fabric bunched up around your waist).
If you prefer buying clothes off the rack and want them to fit better than they did when you first tried them on, consider having them professionally fitted by a tailor.
Your tailor will be able to advise you on how best to wear certain outfits as well as give expert advice on which pieces will work best for your body type and size.
He or she will have plenty of knowledge about the latest styles from different designers, so ask him or her for input when shopping for new clothes! This will ensure that every part of each outfit looks its best no matter where it’s being worn!
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Avoid Horizontal Stripes At All Costs
Horizontal stripes are a tricky pattern to pull off. On the one hand, they’re not as popular as vertical or diagonal ones; on the other, they can make you look wider than you actually are and that’s just not good when you’re already dealing with being plus-size and therefore trying to mitigate the effects of looking wider than normal.
The key here is to avoid horizontal stripes at all costs! You’ll want to stick with vertical and diagonal stripes instead.
Vertical stripes will help elongate your silhouette by adding vertical lines that make it appear shorter (since we naturally perceive longer objects as thinner), while diagonal stripes do something similar by drawing our eyes outwards towards their ends (again making us think they’re longer).
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When In Doubt, Go For The V-Neck
V-necks are incredibly flattering on most body types. They draw attention to your collarbones and make them look instantly slimmer, which is why they’re so popular with celebrities.
Plus, if you have a busty figure (as many plus-size women do), a V-neck can showcase your cleavage without being too sexy or risqué.
V-necks are also great for dressing up jeans and leggings because they create the illusion of longer legs by making your waist appear smaller than it really is.
| Occasion or Outfit | V-Neck Options |
|---|---|
| Casual daytime look | Old Navy Women’s V-Neck T-Shirt |
| Office attire | Banana Republic V-Neck Sweater |
| Evening event or formal occasion | Halston Heritage Deep V-Neck Dress |
| Workout or activewear | Nike Dri-FIT V-Neck Top |
| Summer beach outfit | Roxy Women’s V-Neck Cover-Up |
| Weekend brunch or social gathering | Madewell V-Neck Tank Top |
| Date night or evening out | Reformation Silk V-Neck Blouse |
| Everyday essential wardrobe piece | Everlane Cotton V-Neck Tee |
Add An Unexpected Element To Your Look
For example, if your dress is long and sleeveless, add a statement necklace in lieu of other accessories.
If you’re wearing a short-sleeve top or shirtdress with lots of volume through the bust area and waist, try pairing it with a long cardigan that reaches past your hips or even down to mid-thigh.
If you want to wear a bold print as an outfit feature but are afraid it might be too much for your body type, consider pairing it with neutrals like black and white or even better: another strong color that complements the print (e.g., red).
This will allow your eye to rest on something else while still letting people know that yes you do own this garment!
Embracing your curves and enhancing your natural beauty is a journey worth taking. Check out our guide on Plus Size Beauty: How to Embrace Your Curves and Look Amazing for tips, inspiration, and empowering advice on embracing your body and feeling confident in your own skin.98
Try On The Impossible.
The best way to find a new favorite piece of clothing is to try on everything. Try on the impossible: clothes you think won’t fit or are out of your comfort zone, or just plain ridiculous. When I first started shopping at plus-size stores, all I wanted were basic pieces in black and white that didn’t make me look like an overstuffed marshmallow!
But then I discovered fashion! And now my closet is full of bright colors, prints and patterns even some things that are downright loud (but oh so fun).
I hope these tips help you feel more confident about your wardrobe choices as a plus-size woman and encourage you to experiment with styles outside of what you usually wear. You never know what might become your new favorite piece!
Always Accentuate Your Favorite Feature
You can accentuate your favorite feature by wearing a scarf or jewelry. For example, if you have big beautiful eyes and want to draw attention to them, try putting on a necklace that highlights them.
Or if you have a great smile and want people to notice that more often, find some earrings that will make them pop when they catch the light.
Whatever your favorite feature is, it’s helpful in finding clothes that fit well when they’re accentuated by other accessories like scarves, bracelets and necklaces.
| Feature | Accentuation Techniques |
|---|---|
| Waist | Cinch it with a wide belt |
| Legs | Opt for high-waisted bottoms |
| Shoulders | Highlight with statement shoulder detailing |
| Bust | Wear V-necklines or wrap tops |
| Curves | Embrace fitted silhouettes |
| Arms | Choose sleeve lengths that flatter |
| Neckline | Accessorize with statement necklaces |
| Eyes | Enhance with flattering eye makeup |
| Lips | Wear bold lip colors |
| Cheeks | Add a pop of blush or highlighter |
Accentuation Techniques for Your Favorite Feature
Utilize these techniques to accentuate and highlight your favorite features. Whether it’s your waist, legs, shoulders, bust, curves, arms, neckline, eyes, lips, or cheeks, these strategies will help you emphasize what you love most.
From cinching your waist with a wide belt to selecting high-waisted bottoms for your legs, and from choosing statement shoulder detailing to wearing flattering V-necklines or wrap tops for your bust, enhance your features with style and confidence.
Don’t forget to incorporate brand-specific products like bold lip colors from your favorite makeup brands and accessorize with statement necklaces to draw attention to your cherished attributes.
Invest In A Good Bra
Invest in a good bra. In order to look your best, you need a bra that is both comfortable and supportive. This means it should fit well, be in good condition and not dig into your skin. Luckily, there are many options out there for women who wear plus-size clothing; however, finding the right one can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for.
Consider whether or not you are ready for a new bra before purchasing one because this can make all the difference when it comes to choosing which type of lingerie best fits your body type and lifestyle needs!
When buying new bras: choose ones made from high quality materials such as cotton or silk rather than synthetic fabrics like polyester which tend not too breath well at all times!
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Don’t Be Afraid Of Fit And Flare Styles
Fit and flare is one of the most flattering styles in plus-size clothing. It can be worn with a variety of different accessories and worn for both formal and casual occasions.
Fit and flare clothing is great for showing off your favorite shoes because it accentuates the shape of your legs.
This style also works well if you have an hourglass figure as it draws attention to your curves without being too tight or revealing.
Buy Pants That Have Built-In Stretch
One of the most important things to look for when buying pants is whether or not they have built-in stretch. This makes a world of difference, as you’ll be able to move around more easily and comfortably while wearing them.
Plus, they’ll last longer since they’re less likely to rip or tear at the seams.
A good way to tell if something has built-in stretch is by looking at the fabric tag sewn onto it (if there is one). If it says “stretch” on there, that’s a good sign!
In addition to department stores and online stores, you can also find pants with built-in stretch at specialty stores like Lane Bryant and Torrid. Some brands make clothes that are not visible on the surface but still provide this feature for an optimal fit (and style).
| Benefits |
|---|
| Allows for easy movement and comfort |
| Provides flexibility for various activities |
| Enhances range of motion |
| Prevents restriction and discomfort |
| Promotes better fit and shape retention |
| Accommodates different body types |
| Reduces fabric wrinkling |
| Ensures long-lasting durability |
| Popular brands offering pants with built-in stretch: |
| Levi’s, Lululemon, Athleta, Adidas, J.Crew, Everlane |
Be Prepared To Do Some Digging
The key to finding great plus-size clothing is being prepared to do some digging. The best way to find a store with a large selection of high-quality, fashionable items is to ask friends for recommendations or try the following:
Try out several different department stores and specialty boutiques in your area if you’re not sure where you can find great clothes for plus-size women.
Look for stores that are known for catering specifically to plus-size women; these will typically have lots of options and may even hold special events such as trunk shows that showcase new styles every season!
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Conclusion
Whether you’re shopping for a new look or just looking to refresh your current wardrobe, these tips will help you look amazing.
So go ahead and take a deep breath! We know it can be hard to shop for plus-size clothing when it feels like there are so few options out there, but don’t worry we’re here to help.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources to further explore the topic of looking fabulous in plus-size clothing:
Plus Size Fashion Tips: Discover expert advice and tips on styling, trends, and finding the perfect fit for plus-size fashion.
How to Look Good in Plus Size Clothes: Learn valuable insights and strategies to enhance your appearance and feel confident in flattering plus-size outfits.
Plus Size Clothing Tips: Gain knowledge and guidance on selecting and styling plus-size clothing to flatter your body shape and boost your confidence.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about looking fabulous in plus-size clothing:
How can I find the best-fitting plus-size clothing?
Finding the best-fitting plus-size clothing starts with knowing your body measurements and understanding your body shape. Consider trying clothes from brands that specialize in plus-size fashion and offer a variety of sizes to ensure a comfortable and flattering fit.
What are some effective styling tips for plus-size individuals?
- Opt for clothing with strategic tailoring and structure to accentuate your curves and create an hourglass silhouette.
- Experiment with layering to add depth and dimension to your outfits.
- Embrace high-waisted bottoms to elongate your legs and create a defined waistline.
- Choose monochromatic outfits to create a streamlined and elongated appearance.
- Incorporate statement accessories to draw attention to focal points and divert attention from areas you’re less confident about.
Are there specific fashion trends that are particularly flattering for plus-size individuals?
Yes, many fashion trends can be flattering for plus-size individuals. Some trends to consider are wrap dresses, high-waisted jeans, A-line skirts, peplum tops, and wide-leg pants. These styles can highlight your assets, create a balanced look, and flatter different body shapes.
How can I boost my confidence while wearing plus-size clothing?
Building confidence starts with embracing your body and wearing clothes that make you feel comfortable and empowered. Experiment with different styles, colors, and silhouettes to find what makes you feel confident. Surround yourself with positive body image influencers and seek inspiration from plus-size fashion communities and role models.
Where can I find inclusive and trendy plus-size clothing brands?
There are several inclusive and trendy plus-size clothing brands available. Explore both online and in-store options such as ASOS Curve, Eloquii, Lane Bryant, Torrid, and Universal Standard. These brands cater to diverse body shapes and offer fashionable and inclusive clothing options for plus-size individuals.
Hi, you! I’m Hellen James. I’m a beauty and fashion writer who loves to make the world a little more stylish and I’d love for you to join me in the fun! I’ve been writing about beauty and fashion since I was a kid, but it wasn’t until recently that I really knew what it meant to be a real expert.