The Ultimate Plus Size Dressing Guide
Curvy women often find it difficult to dress up. With body parts like a bulging stomach and flabby arms, many plus size women resign to plain black dresses that seem to be the only clothing item that fits and flatters them. We at Hello Curve are here to show you that things can be done differently. There is a better way of dressing up your curves while showing off your character!
1. Choose firm fabrics
Choose clothing made out of harder fabrics like chiffon and knitted ponte. These fabrics are able to skim past flabby portions of the body and hide them effectively. Soft fabrics like sheer cotton and stretchy polyester will cling onto and emphasize your bulging stomach. The below plus size work wear is an example of a dress made out of a firm fabric that is sure to fit and flatter curves, and any body type:
2. Wear larger prints
It is well-known that plus size women will look larger while wearing clothing with a smaller print as compared to a larger print. It is true! To illustrate, we shall use the timeless print; polka dots. Most girls love this pattern but many a curvy lady will find it hard to work it. There is a smarter way to wear dots for curves. Instead of small polka dots that are spaced closely together (risking you looking like you're a confetti party), opt for large polka dots that are spaced further apart. The "Nadette Plus Size Art Print Shirt Dress" is an example of clever print design. As you notice, the print is big, and the spacing between the print items are large. Well designed plus size dresses like this will give the optical illusion of a smaller body!
3. Wear well constructed clothing
Well made clothing is essential if you would like clothes to fit well on you. Instead of simply sizing up from regular clothing sizes, the designer of plus size clothing should take into account the unique body shape of plus size women. Well constructed plus size blazers are a plus size woman's best friend. As a blazer will give shape and the skim through the stomach and lumps you want hidden, it is the ideal clothing type if weather affords it. Thus, it is advisable to shop at plus size fashion brands that truly cater to the curvy body.
4. Wear closely fitted clothing
Another plus size dressing tip that all curvy ladies should know about is to wear clothes that are fitted. In most cases, this simple dressing method will assist in you appearing slimmer! As the visual surface area is smaller, the mind will assume that the item (or person in this context) is smaller. In contrast, loose dresses are not advisable as the visual mass is bigger, giving the illusion of a larger body. Don't treat yourself unfairly by wearing oversized clothes! Here is an example of closely fitted plus size midi dresses that will flatter your curves!
5. Wear clothes with clever designs
Look out for curve-friendly design details like colourblock and vertical stripes. An intelligent design is a darker colour at the side and a lighter one in the middle of the clothing so attention is placed only on the lighter colour portion of the dress. The wearer instantly appears slimmer. Another ingenious design is vertical stripes with its instant elongating effect. Here is a pictorial example of a dress designed to slim the wearer. Stripes are cleverly used to give a lengthening effect.
6. Wear longer dresses
Longer lengths will give the appearance of a longer frame. As such, it is advisable for women with curves to wear long dresses if they desire to appear slimmer. Recommended dress lengths are the midi dress length or maxi dress length. The below is an example of a plus size evening dress that is sure to lengthen and slim down a plus size woman's frame!
7. Wear clothing with a longer neckline
A longer neckline visually lengthens the frame. If plus size women desire to look slimmer, a long neckline like a V neck or a U neck is an ideal clothing neckline to wear. In contrast, a covered up neckline may make one appear larger. Here is an example of plus size formal dresses with a long V neck that is flattering for plus size women.
8. Wear jewelry with a long length
Wearing a long necklace with a pendant or without will make plus size women appear taller. You can wear any clothing style and a long jewelry will instantly lengthen your frame. Wear a necklace with a minimalist design or a complicated one; it does not matter what the pattern is, but the length of the necklace has to be long for this trick to work!
9. Wear clothing that don't emphasize the waist
If you are a plus size woman with a bulging stomach and you would like to reduce attention to it, it is imperative to wear clothing that does not focus on your waist. Steer clear of designs with details at the waist, a waist tie or are cinched in the waist. Instead, go for plus size dresses with a loose dress hem like A-line designs or straight cut designs. Here is a beautiful example of such a dress!
10. Wear dark coloured bottoms
If you have a heavier bottom and would like to have it covered up, try wearing dark coloured pants or skirts to bring attention to your top instead. There are a plethora of suitable options out for plus size women, like brown colour trousers and dark floral print skirts. You can wear a brighter coloured top in contrast to further highlight your upper body than your lower one. Here is a pictorial example of a dark bottom that flatters curves:
In conclusion
So there you go, ten golden tips for plus size dressing from us at Hello Curve! To recap, while shopping, remember to choose firm fabrics, larger prints, well made designs, close fitted designs, clever patterns, longer clothing length, longer necklines, wear jewelry with a long length, clothing that doesn't emphasize the waist and dark colour buttons. Follow this guide and you can be sure to shine in the style department as a plus size woman!