Talking Chic: Revamping Rules of Plus Size Style

Swayed that you’re bound by definite style guidelines coz you’re Plus?  Get ready to change your mind.

The Old Rule:“You Should Never Wear White”

The new rule: The key to a flattering dress/attire comes down to fit, not color. White does not make you look larger if you find the right pieces, just as black will not make you look smaller if it doesn’t fit properly. However, the exception: On camera, wearing white can make you appear bigger. When shopping for white clothing – avoid flimsy fabrics, which will highlight any bumps. Instead, pick materials with substance and structure; not only will they provide support, but that extra thickness will ensure your undies won’t play peekaboo whenever you’re in the sun.

The Old Rule: “Button-Down Shirts Are Unflattering”

The new rule: Button-down shirts complement curves. Look for one that has stretch and design details that create shape, like darts, pleats, and wrapping. For an even more slenderizing silhouette, “layer the shirt under a blazer, jacket, or cardigan – it will shrink the appearance of your midsection and elongate you.

The Old Rule: “Bright Colors and Prints Will Call Unnecessary Attention to Your Shape and Make You Look Bigger”

The new rule: There are no rules when it comes to color – just make sure it complements your complexion. Even bright red can be slimming when the cut and fit flatter your shape (If you’re still nervous about jumping into multicolored waters, dip in a toe first: Start with small, vibrant details – shoes, jewelry, or bags – before trying bigger pieces.) As for prints, make sure they’re in proportion to the scale of the body. If a larger woman wears a tiny print, it may get lost. An especially forgiving option? Watercolor prints. One color melts into the other and it’s really flattering.

The Old Rule: “Dressing in Monochrome Is Always Slimming”

The new rule: Use it, don’t abuse it. Monochrome can indeed work wonders by creating one long, lean, continual line; but simply throwing on random pieces in the same shade can also make you look sloppy. To avoid that trap, play around with different fabrications. Add an item with texture or a material like chiffon – and accessorize with a pop of color – rather than wearing the same fabric from head to toe. Color shade also matters: “People love nudes, but it shouldn’t be the exact same color as your skin tone or there will be no definition between where your clothes end and you begin.

The Old Rule: “Stripes Are the Enemy”

The new rule: Don’t broadly draw the line at stripes. They’ve gotten a bad rap, and – truth be told – with some justification: Chunky, straight-across horizontal bands won’t do anybody any favors. Look for stripes that angle inward to help slim your waistline. Additional secrets: Thinner stripes tend to make you look more elegant than thick ones do, and a dark background with lighter-colored stripes is far superior to the other way around.

The Old Rule: “Following Trends Is Too Risky. Just Stick to the Basics”

The new rule: If it floats your boat, by all means go for it. The trick is to adapt a trend in a way that works for your shape. Dying to wear a crop top? Opt for one that’s cut longer and pair it with a high-waisted pencil skirt. Want to give color-blocking a go? Wearing multi-toned pieces can be slimming if vertical panels and darker shades are positioned on areas you want to downplay. Even hard-to-pull-off harem pants get the green light. Find a pair with stretch and draping; noting that women who carry their weight on top look especially good in this cut because the pants balance the silhouette. It’s common to come across plus women saying ‘Oh, I could never wear that’. How do you know if you haven’t tried? You might have already dismissed something that could be your best friend.

The Old Rule: “If You’re Plus, an Empire Waistline Is Right for You”

The new rule: Despite what you may have been told by some boutique stockist or stylist, there’s no such thing as a one-style-fits-all solution – not even the Empire waist. If you’re smaller-busted or more bottom-heavy, the Empire waist can indeed fulfill its intended purpose – by drawing attention upward and focusing on the waist and neckline. However, women who carry most of their weight in the midsection or are full-busted should steer clear of the style – or risk an unwanted maternity look.

The Old Rule: “Baggy Clothing Hides a Multitude of Sins. The Bigger the Better!”

The new rule: About the only thing that cocooning yourself in yards of billowing fabric will accomplish is to make you appear much larger. Bulk isn’t great on anyone. Instead, show your shape in clothing that follows your curves; it doesn’t have to be tight-fitting. With new technology, fabrics have the perfect amount of stretch to give a smooth and sexy look without riding up or looking too inviting. When wearing items with more volume, practice moderation – no exaggerated cuts – and team them with something more fitted. Volume on either the top or bottom is okay, as long as it’s not all over. A head-to-toe swelling look doesn’t flatter anyone.

The Old Rule: “Fussy Details Like Ruffles Will Only Draw Unwanted Focus”

The new rule: Put those details to work for you! Of course rocking a massive fabric flower on your least-favorite feature is an awful idea. But when properly placed, little extras can be like waving a sorcerer’s wand. “Pleats or Ruffles are really good at forgiving areas where you need a bit more support by creating shape without adding volume. Curved princess seams in the sides of jackets and shirts will give you more of a designated waist. And, yes, even ruffles can do their part. Be strategic about where they’re placed – vertical ruffles on one side of a skirt or dress are elongating, and they’re also pretty on sleeves, cuffs, and the hem of the skirt for drawing the eye.

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