Updated on July 10th, 2023 at 04:38 pm
Women’s bodies come in a variety of different shapes. To make the most of their fashion choices, women should customize their clothing choices to fit their body types.
It’s especially important for plus-size women to make smart wardrobe choices. These plus-size style tips are designed to help women with plus-sized bodies be comfortable in the clothes that they wear!
Style tips for plus-size women
1. Define your waist
Defining the waist creates a horizontal division in your body. One of the best ways of defining the waist is through the empire line. Just keep in mind that empire-line skirts and dresses will fit certain body types better than others. For instance, empire waists don’t tend to complement women with an apple body shape, and that can really matter if you are learning how-to dress professionally when you are plus size or even if you are going out for a night.
2. Understand your body
Don’t feel like you need to conform to beauty standards that dictate ideal body shapes for women. Instead, you should embrace your body and learn to understand it. Plus-size women have different shapes, such as apple shapes or pear shapes. Once you’ve identified the shape of your body, you can find clothes that best suit it. Our how to dress plus size apple shape guide can help.
3. Try on different sizes
Often, the clothing tag isn’t the best way of telling whether an outfit will suit you. Instead, the best way to determine this is to try on different clothing sizes. This is because some clothes may be too big or small for you. When shopping online stores, keep an eye out for free returns to make this process more affordable.
While you are at it, it’s important to learn how-to hide belly fat in jeans for a sexy and confident look.
4. Accessorize
Accessories are often the finishing touches of an outfit. A simple accessory can make an entire look work. Therefore, you should consider adding some well-chosen accessories, like earrings or belts, to your outfit. Just refrain from adding too many accessories, as this can make your outfit look too busy.
5. Embrace tailoring
Though tailoring can be expensive, it can be a great way of ensuring that clothes suit your shape. Many clothes designed for plus-sized bodies tend to be devoid of shape. With the aid of tailoring, you can ensure that your clothes fit perfectly. It’s especially recommended that you get your formal attire tailored.
6. Find the right pair of skinny jeans
Plus-size ladies are often told to stay away from skinny jeans, especially if they have large thighs. But the truth is that this body shape can look great in a tight pair of jeans. It’s all about finding the right pair of skinny jeans or jeggings and matching them with an outfit that complements this body type.
7. Avoid baggy clothes
Some women feel the need to hide their bodies by wearing baggy clothes. But the truth is that these clothes can just make curvy women appear large and shapeless. Instead of doing this, women should wear clothes that complement their plus-size bodies. In fact, tight dresses can look great on you. The trick is in ‘How-to hide belly fat in a tight dress‘.
8. Avoid super-tight clothing
Just because baggy clothing should be avoided, this doesn’t mean that you should instead go for the opposite fit. Extremely tight clothing will not benefit anybody, no matter their body silhouette. Not to mention, it can be uncomfortable. Instead, you are best suited to wearing skinny, fitted, or slim-fit clothing.
9. Wear a pencil skirt
If you are a plus-size woman with a curvy body, a pencil skirt is a must-have. This type of skirt will have a slimming effect. These skirts will highlight all of your curves. Knee-length pencil skirts are particularly great for elongating this body type.
10. Don’t be afraid to wear patterns
Do you love to wear bold patterns? If so, you shouldn’t stop wearing them because of your body type. However, it’s best to opt for large patterns, as this will be more flattering.
11. Opt for dark colors
Dark colors, like black, are said to be slimming. This doesn’t mean that you should avoid bright colors. It just means that you might want to incorporate dark colors into your outfit, especially around the thighs. If you are wearing black, consider adding a pop of color so that you’re more eye-catching.
Speaking of slimming, did you know you can look slimmer in photos despite being plus-size? You just need to learn how to pose for pictures to look thinner.
12. Search online for outfit inspiration
It’s now easier than ever before to find good outfits online. Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are great places to find outfit inspiration. Here, you can find inspiration designed specifically for plus-sized bodies.
Plus-size women buyer’s guide
When shopping for clothes, here are some of the factors you should consider:
- Comfort: Don’t just buy something because you think it will look good. You should also consider comfort. After all, there’s little point in wearing an outfit if you are constantly uncomfortable.
- Fit: As mentioned, plus-size women should steer clear of overly baggy or skinny clothes. Find a fit that gives you a brilliant body silhouette.
- Color: Both dark and light colors can work wonders for this body type. Though black is considered slimming, you shouldn’t be afraid to experiment with different clothing colors.
- Fabrics: Never try to save money by buying flimsy fabrics. Stretchy fabrics are phenomenal for plus-size women.
What looks good on plus-size women?
Wrap dresses are particularly well-suited to plus-size ladies. They create the impression of an hourglass shape even if you don’t have this figure. A wrap dress will also define the waist and enhance the bust.
Peplum tops are also a wardrobe essential for plus-sized women. They create a flattering silhouette and highlight the hips.
In terms of accessories, belts can be a brilliant way of creating a balanced silhouette. A wide belt is another piece of clothing that accentuates the waist.
What should plus-Size women avoid wearing?
Of course, you can wear whatever you want. Yet, if you want to make the most of your clothing choices, here are some of the clothes that plus-size women should refrain from wearing:
- Clothes without waist definition
- Small prints
- Overly tight clothes
- Clothes without shape
- All black clothes
- Empire waists
Wrapping up
Making some small changes to your wardrobe can massively elevate the appearance of curvy women. These amazing styling tips are designed to make women with plus-size bodies feel more confident and stylish! For more information, be sure to check out Extra Large Living.
Other articles you’ll be interested in: