Plus Size Look and Fit Strategies For Ladies

Women come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important for everyone to feel confident in their clothes. When it comes to plus size clothing, there are a few strategies that can help ensure a comfortable and flattering fit. From choosing the right styles to paying attention to details, these tips will help you rock any outfit with confidence.

Understanding Your Body Type

Understanding your body type is the first step to finding clothes that fit you well and make you feel confident. Plus-size women come in all shapes and sizes, and it’s important to know your unique body shape and how to dress for it.

The most common body shapes for plus-size women are apple, pear, hourglass, and rectangle. An apple shape has a larger upper body, a pear shape has a larger lower body, an hourglass shape has a defined waist and proportional upper and lower body, and a rectangle shape has a more straight up-and-down silhouette.

Once you have determined your body shape, you can start to look for clothes that flatter your figure. For example, if you have an apple shape, you might want to look for tops that create the illusion of a smaller waist, like a flowy tunic or a top with ruching. If you have a pear shape, you might want to focus on balancing out your figure by wearing tops with embellishments or patterns and bottoms that are more tailored.

Dressing for Hourglass Body Shape

The hourglass body shape is often considered as the ideal shape for women. It is characterized by a well-defined waist, with the bust and hips being roughly the same size. If you have an hourglass body shape, it is important to choose clothing that flatters your figure and accentuates your curves.

Here are some tips on how to dress for the hourglass body shape:

1. Highlight Your Waist: One of the most important aspects of dressing for the hourglass body shape is to highlight your waist. This can be achieved by wearing belts, fitted tops, and dresses that cinch at the waist.
2. Emphasize Your Curves: Your curves are your best assets, so don’t be afraid to show them off. Opt for clothing that accentuates your curves, such as fitted tops, dresses, and skirts.
3. Choose the Right Fabrics: Soft and flowy fabrics like silk and chiffon will accentuate your curves and create a soft, feminine look. Avoid stiff fabrics that can make you look boxy.
4. Avoid Baggy Clothing: Baggy clothing can hide your curves and make you look shapeless. Instead, opt for clothing that fits well and flatters your figure.
5. Opt for V-Necklines: V-necklines are flattering on hourglass body shapes as they draw attention to your waist and create a long, lean silhouette.
6. Invest in Shapewear: If you want to smooth out any lumps or bumps, invest in high-quality shapewear that will help create a smooth, streamlined look.
7. Choose the Right Accessories: Choose accessories that complement your figure, such as belts that accentuate your waist, statement jewelry that draws attention to your neck and décolletage, and bags that are proportional to your figure.

Remember, dressing for your body shape is all about creating balance and accentuating your best assets. With these tips, you can look and feel your best in your hourglass figure.

Dressing for Apple Body Shape

If you have an apple body shape, you have a fuller upper body, with broad shoulders and a wide torso. Your hips and legs may be slimmer in comparison. The goal is to create a balance between your upper and lower body, and to highlight your assets while creating a streamlined silhouette. Here are some dressing strategies to consider:

1. Emphasize your legs: Since your legs are often slimmer, show them off with a great pair of jeans or pants. Bootcut or straight leg pants can help to balance out your proportions, while skinny jeans or leggings can highlight your legs.
2. Choose the right tops: Look for tops that drape over your midsection without clinging to it. Avoid tops that are too tight or too loose. V-neck or scoop necklines can elongate your neck and create a flattering line.
3. Show off your assets: If you have great arms or shoulders, wear tops that show them off. Off-the-shoulder tops, halter tops, or sleeveless tops can all be flattering.
4. Cinch your waist: Adding a belt to your outfit can help to create a waistline and emphasize your curves. Avoid belts that are too wide, as they can overwhelm your frame.
5. Layer with care: If you want to layer, choose lightweight fabrics and avoid adding bulk to your midsection. A structured blazer or jacket can add polish to your outfit, while a flowy cardigan can add movement without adding volume.
6. Choose the right accessories: Long necklaces or scarves can help to create a vertical line and elongate your torso. Avoid chunky necklaces or statement pieces that can overwhelm your frame.

Dressing for Pear Body Shape

If you have a pear-shaped body, your hips and thighs are wider than your shoulders and bust. To dress for this body type, it’s important to balance your proportions and draw attention to your upper body. Here are some tips for dressing for a pear-shaped body:

1. Emphasize your waist: A-line dresses and skirts that cinch at the waist and flow over your hips are perfect for pear-shaped bodies. You can also try wearing a wide belt over a dress or blouse to draw attention to your waist.
2. Choose the right pants: Avoid pants that are too tight or too loose. Opt for straight or bootcut styles that balance your proportions. Dark colors and vertical stripes can also help elongate your legs.
3. Experiment with tops: Look for tops that add volume to your upper body. Try boatneck or off-the-shoulder styles, or opt for tops with ruffles, lace, or embellishments. You can also try wearing statement necklaces or earrings to draw attention to your face.
4. Layer strategically: Use layers to balance your proportions. Try wearing a fitted jacket or blazer over a flowy blouse, or layer a cardigan over a sleeveless dress.
5. Choose the right fabrics: Look for fabrics that drape well and don’t cling to your hips and thighs. Avoid shiny or clingy fabrics like satin or spandex.

Tips for Flattering Your Figure

Flattering your figure is about dressing in a way that emphasizes your best features while downplaying areas you’re less confident about. Here are some tips for dressing to flatter your figure, no matter your body shape:

1. Invest in well-fitting undergarments: The right undergarments can do wonders for your figure, providing support and smoothing out any lumps or bumps. Consider investing in a good bra, shapewear, or even a slip.
2. Choose the right fabrics: Certain fabrics can be more flattering than others. For example, fabrics with a bit of stretch can help to smooth and contour your shape, while fabrics like cotton or linen can add bulk.
3. Emphasize your best features: Choose clothes that emphasize your best features, whether that’s your legs, waist, or arms. For example, if you have great legs, consider wearing a shorter skirt or dress to show them off.
4. Create balance: If you have a fuller bust or hips, you may want to balance out your silhouette by wearing clothes that add volume to your shoulders or upper body. Alternatively, if you have broader shoulders, you may want to wear clothes that add volume to your lower body.
5. Accessorize strategically: Accessories can be a great way to draw attention to your best features. For example, if you have a great neckline, consider wearing a statement necklace to draw attention to it.

Remember, the most important thing is to wear what makes you feel confident and comfortable. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and trends to find what works best for you.

Emphasize Your Best Features

One of the keys to looking and feeling your best in your clothes is to emphasize your best features. Every body type has features that can be highlighted to create a flattering look. Here are some tips on how to do just that:

1. Show off your waist: If you have an hourglass or pear-shaped body, showing off your waist can create a more balanced and flattering silhouette. You can achieve this by wearing clothes that cinch at the waist or by adding a belt to your outfit.
2. Highlight your legs: If you have long and lean legs, wearing skirts or dresses that hit above the knee can showcase your best feature. If you have fuller legs, consider wearing a longer skirt or dress that flares out at the bottom to create a more balanced look.
3. Accentuate your neckline: If you have a long and elegant neck, consider wearing tops or dresses that have a high neckline or collar. If you have a fuller bust, opt for tops or dresses that have a V-neck or scoop neckline to draw attention to your chest.
4. Show off your shoulders: If you have broad and shapely shoulders, wearing tops or dresses that show them off can create a strong and confident look. You can achieve this with halter tops, off-the-shoulder styles, or by wearing statement necklaces.
5. Embrace your curves: No matter what your body shape, embracing your curves is key to feeling confident and beautiful in your clothes. Instead of hiding your curves, consider wearing clothes that hug your figure in all the right places and showcase your natural shape.

Don’t Be Afraid to Accessorize

Accessorizing can elevate any outfit, regardless of your body shape or size. Accessories add a finishing touch to an outfit, and they can also help draw attention to your best features.

When it comes to accessorizing for plus size women, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the scale of your accessories. If you are a plus size woman, you may want to choose larger accessories that are proportionate to your body size. For example, a larger statement necklace can look great on a plus size woman, while a delicate pendant may get lost.

Next, think about the colors of your accessories. You can add a pop of color to a neutral outfit with a bright scarf or a bold statement earring. Alternatively, you can use accessories to tie together a colorful outfit by choosing accessories in complementary colors.

Finally, don’t forget about your shoes and handbag. Shoes can be a great way to add a touch of personality to an outfit, and a great handbag can tie an entire look together. When it comes to handbags, consider the size and shape of the bag, as well as the color and texture. A larger tote bag may be more practical for everyday wear, while a smaller clutch can be perfect for a night out.

Choose the Right Fabrics

Choosing the right fabrics is crucial when it comes to achieving a comfortable and flattering fit for plus size women. Here are some tips to help you choose the right fabrics for your wardrobe:

1. Look for fabrics that stretch: Fabrics that have a bit of stretch to them, such as spandex or elastane, can provide extra comfort and flexibility. They can also help to smooth out any lumps or bumps, creating a more flattering silhouette.
2. Avoid fabrics that cling: Fabrics that are too clingy can highlight areas of your body that you may not want to draw attention to. Instead, look for fabrics that drape well and skim over your curves.
3. Choose breathable fabrics: Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and bamboo are great choices for warmer weather, as they allow your skin to breathe and prevent overheating. For cooler weather, choose fabrics like wool, cashmere, or fleece that provide warmth without adding too much bulk.
4. Consider the occasion: When choosing fabrics, consider the occasion you will be wearing them for. For example, if you are dressing up for a formal event, you may want to choose a fabric like silk or satin, while for more casual occasions, cotton or denim may be a better choice.
5. Pay attention to patterns: Patterns can be a great way to add interest to your outfit, but it’s important to choose them carefully. Large patterns can overwhelm a curvy figure, while smaller patterns can help to create a more balanced look.

By paying attention to the fabrics you choose, you can create a wardrobe that is not only comfortable but also flattering and stylish.

Invest in Proper Undergarments

Proper undergarments are essential for achieving a flattering and comfortable fit for any outfit, especially for plus size women. The right undergarments can help smooth out lumps and bumps and provide the necessary support for your body shape.

First, choose the correct bra size and style. A well-fitting bra will provide the necessary support and lift, while also creating a smooth silhouette under clothing. Make sure to get measured for your bra size, as it can change over time. Look for styles that fit your body type and the outfit you plan to wear, such as a T-shirt bra for a fitted top or a plunge bra for a low-cut dress.

In addition to bras, shapewear can also be a useful tool for creating a smooth silhouette. Look for high-waisted shaping shorts or leggings that can smooth out the tummy and hips. Bodysuits can also be a great option for creating a seamless look under fitted tops and dresses.

Finally, don’t forget about the importance of comfortable and well-fitting panties. Look for styles that fit well and don’t create visible panty lines under clothing. Plus size women can choose from a variety of styles, including briefs, high-cut briefs, boyshorts, and thongs, depending on personal preference and outfit requirements.

By investing in proper undergarments, you can ensure that your plus size outfits look and feel their best.

Final Thoughts on Plus Size Fashion

Plus size fashion is a rapidly evolving industry that is finally starting to prioritize inclusivity and body positivity. The key to finding the right look for you is understanding your body type, choosing the right fabrics, and investing in proper undergarments. Remember to embrace your curves and don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and accessories to find your perfect fit.

Ultimately, fashion is all about feeling confident and comfortable in your own skin. With the right mindset and a little bit of knowledge, you can create a wardrobe that not only looks great but makes you feel great too. So go out there and rock that plus size fashion!