Everyone knows that it is unfashionable to be overweight. What some people don’t seem to understand is that it isn’t always a choice. Some women diet until they are on the brink of a mental, emotional, and physical breakdown. Still, they don’t ever achieve America’s new perfect size – – two.
When I was growing up, I remember that models had real figures. While they were obviously still very slim and trim, they were by no means a size two. So I wonder exactly when anything above a size eight began to be considered “fat?” Where was I at the time? Why didn’t I get the memo?
I was a size eight on my wedding day. At five foot, eight inches, I weighed around 115 pounds. I was by all standards of the time considering about 10 pounds underweight. In today’s world, however, I would have been considered bordering on “fat.”
I’m no longer a size eight and I recognize that I could stand to lose more weight. I’m working on that. However, in the meantime, I still want to be fashionable. Unfortunately, the fashion world doesn’t like to design fashions for real women; those above a size twelve. They seem to think that we “fatties” want to wear audacious colors, huge floral prints, and nothing but muumuus.
Today’s plus size woman, for the most part, has come to accept herself for who she is. Rather than focusing on what she cannot be – – a size two – -she focuses on her brains and her heart. And because she is so confident and strong, she deserves to be treated with respect.
Even those designers who believe that anyone over size twelve doesn’t deserve their respect, should recognize the size of the market they are neglecting. According to American Demographics, today’s plus size market represents more than $25 billion a year. That equates to about one-quarter of all clothing sales. With those figures, one would think that some designer out there would want to solicit our business.
While the market is slowly changing, in the meantime, plus sized women have to figure out what to choose from the limited fashions available. So here are some tips to help my voluptuous sisters:
First, it is important for all women to choose clothes that fit. Clothes that are too big end up looking baggy, wrinkle easily, and can actually make the wearer look larger than she is. Clothes that are too tight don’t work well either. They exaggerate every single figure flaw.
All women should dress in youthful styles. Please notice that I said “youthful” and not “young.” There is a difference, which I will get to in a moment. Most people automatically associate “old” and “outdated” with being overweight. Therefore, clothing that is obviously out-of-date starts transmitting a negative message.
Now for the difference between being “youthful” and “young.” Youthful refers to current fashion trends. While not all women can wear every trend, there are always one or two pieces that can be chosen to spice up a wardrobe. Young refers to types of fashion cuts, colors, and styles that should only be worn by those who have the right body type. For example, plus size women should never purchase belly baring tops or jeans with writing across the tush. That type of clothing is made for a specific target market and it isn’t the one for plus sized women.
Overall, keep clothing styles simple and avoid too many frills or exaggerated embellishments that might add extra pounds. Stay away from slinky fabrics that hug all the wrong places. Instead, opt for tailored clothing that accentuates the positive parts of the figure.
Wear color. Black is not automatically flattering to every woman’s body. In fact, dark colors like black and navy can wash out lighter skin tones. Consider an outfit in any monochromatic color. The right color in clothing should accent the wearer’s skin tone, hair color, and personality. Monochromatic doesn’t mean boring. It is simply the backdrop for remaining clothing and accessories.
Add contrasting colors or textures with a blazer, cardigan, or wrap. Choose pops of color in belts, handbags, jewelry, and other accessory pieces. Mix textures to keep the look interesting (i.e. knits with leather). However, plus sized women should always avoid big, wide belts that cut the body in half.
Avoid fabrics that shine or have any type of sheen like metallics and lames. Metallic clothing is going to make plus sized women look even larger. To be on trend with metallics, opt for a cute pair of metallic shoes or boots and/or a matching handbag. Better yet, let the metal in jewelry do the talking.
Back away from huge and over colorful patterns and prints. Taller women can often pull off a larger print, but on a shorter woman, the same print can overwhelm its wearer, making her look short and dumpy. Plus sized women, on the whole should avoid wearing prints from head to toe. Instead, choose one piece of clothing in print and mix it with solids.
All plus sized women should wear foundation garments like all-in-one shapers, body slimmers (like Spanx) and/or control top pantyhose. These garments help to smooth out flaws and make clothes look and feel better. Try adding shoulder pads to make tops hang properly. Match pantyhose and tights to the color of the corresponding skirt, pant, or shoe.
One key “must have” in every woman’s wardrobe is a proper fitting bra. One that is too small or fits incorrectly will make clothing hang improperly and make its wearer look even bigger.
Stay away from cropped outwear. For most women jackets should be at least hip length. Tunic and longer lengths are great for those who are tall and can easily handle the extra length. Petite women, on the other hand, should choose jackets that fall between the waist and hip. Always leave blazers open to continue a nice vertical line. Choose softer knit fabrics for sweaters. Heavy, chunky knits will add even more pounds.
Purchase medium low-rise pants and jeans that fit below the waistline and sit on the hips. These help to avoid the dreaded “muffin top” look and will help make the bottom looker smaller. Avoid pants and jeans that are tapered in the leg. Look for boot cuts and flares that drop easily from the hip.
Opt for A-line skirts that are longer than they are wide. Leave the minis to the younger crowd. While taller women might be able to pull off a longer length, shorter women should keep the length just above to just below the knee. Stay away from large patterns and bulky fabrics that add extra pounds.
Choose V-necks in tops and dresses. They help to give elongate the neck. Avoid tops that cling as well as fabrics that shine. Every woman can wear knits if she takes care in choosing the right kind. Don’t shy away sleeveless tops if the rest of the garment fits beautifully. With all of today’s short jackets, shrugs, sweaters, and shawls, women have plenty of options to cover up their flaws.
Use accessories to express your personality. Choose beautiful scarves for accent. Opt for vertical looks with pretty embellished ends for a more upscale look and feel. Use larger sized pendants and long necklaces and stay away from chokers. Wear earrings that make the eyes sparkle. Scale jewelry choices to body size. Petite jewelry on a larger woman just doesn’t work. Huge, overdone jewelry looks equally out of place on a smaller frame.
Focus on the body’s best features. Women with great legs, should show them off with a knee-length skirt or a skirt that has a leg-flattering slit up the front or side. Women with toned upper bodies should choose tops that accent it. All women should choose accessories that show off their beautiful faces.
Some of the best sources for plus sized clothing can actually be found online. Both Home Shopping Network and QVC offer all of their clothing from size extra small to 3X. Some specialty retailers like Cato, Fashion Bug, and Lane Bryant carry some excellent pieces for women size 14 and above. Many standard retailers like Sears, Target, Macy’s, and J.C. Penney also carry plus size lines.
In truth, clothing choices should always reflect the style and personality of the wearer. It gives women a chance to express themselves and to let everyone know they are a force to be reckoned with.
