How to Look Polished When Overweight
We are in an era where overweight people are starting to realize that they don’t need permission from society to enjoy their bodies, and the fashion industry is fast evolving to positively connect with all its consumers.
If you’re an overweight person looking for ways to appreciate your figure and step up your fashion game, one of the things you should do is re-evaluate your wardrobe. Do a little bit of decluttering. Get rid of those items you’ve had for years that no longer fit or are not your style.
This helps create room for other items and gives you the feeling of a fresh start. It will also help you make the right decision when it comes to what best flatters your body.
Here are some tips to stay classy and stylish even when you are on the larger side:
1. Understand your body type and dress accordingly
The first step toward achieving a polished look is to understand that you have a unique body shape that comes with a lot of curves and that is completely okay. You must understand how your body works and how to dress it in outfits that you feel most comfortable with.
Trying to force yourself into false ideal body shapes will never be successful and you’ll only manage to make yourself miserable.
There are plenty of options that you can choose from to make outfits work effortlessly in your favor.
If you’re pear-shaped, with your bust measurement significantly smaller than your hip measurement, wearing loose blouses and form-fitting skirts and pants will help your smaller half look more proportionate to your fuller bottom half. Try to avoid making your hips and thighs appear larger than their actual size by staying away from baggy pants and peasant skirts.
If you have an apple-shaped body, with most of your weight in your mid-section, you should try wearing tops that show a bit of skin on the shoulders and chest. The use of tailored pants or skirts will help create a balance between your midsection and the rest of your body.
In general, picking outfits that will accentuate your best features will make you look classy and stylish.
2. Pick form-fitting clothes
While the thought of wearing baggy clothes to hide your extra weight may be appealing, the fact remains that baggy clothes often add extra pounds to your size and may also make you appear less self-confident.
You should learn to choose clothes that are the right size and fit your shape well.
Look out for shirts that have a shape to them and pants with a tailored look. Avoid shapeless skirts and dresses that hide your figure. Instead, go for pencil, A-line, or fit-and-flare options. Show off your waist by cinching the smallest part to create an hourglass look. A wide belt will serve to draw the eye to the smallest part of your body and will enhance your curves.
A great way to look and feel amazing is to get your clothing tailored. When your clothing is trimmed to fit your unique figure, you will feel and look polished.
3. Choose flattering fabrics, colors, and patterns and wear whatever makes you feel good
Picking fabrics with a good structure will give you a sophisticated look.
Wearing clothes with prints is a great way to express your style. Look for clothes with smaller prints as these tend to appear more flattering than larger prints.
It is common knowledge that dresses and tops with vertical stripes can give the appearance of a longer figure. Trying out clothes with thin horizontal stripes can also make you look longer and leaner.
While clothing with dark colors can give you a slimmer look, don’t be afraid to try out bright colors. Bright colors attract the eye so you can use that to your advantage and show off your best features. Bright colors can make you look self-assured and you can wear them on the parts of your body that you want people to notice first.
You can dress according to your body type and obey all the fashion tips mentioned above, but at the end of the day, you must flaunt whatever part of your body you want to show off and make choices that help you feel confident.
4. Try on different styles and play around with your favorite trends
Being overweight does not mean you can’t look great in fashion trends and play around with different styles. While it may be tempting to stick with a certain fashion style, being obese should not limit your clothing options.
Try to be open-minded about other clothing styles even if you don’t feel comfortable buying them. You just may fall in love with an outfit you never expected to like.
Incorporate your favorite fashion trends into your wardrobe and take note to only buy outfits that make you feel and look your best.
You may decide to keep a style journal to take note of your daily outfits and how they make you feel. Take note of how people respond to you and the compliments you receive when you dress in a particular way. Also, take note of how you felt when you looked in the mirror before starting your day and how you felt when you returned home. This will help you gather data and make more informed decisions in the future.
5. Wear the right undergarments
While it is important to pick the right outfits when you are overweight, knowing the right kind of undergarment to wear and actually investing in them is of prime importance.
The key to getting the perfect undergarment for you is to know what your size is. Your undergarments should not be too tight or too loose. They should make you feel comfortable in your body.
Supportive underwear and sports bras are great options for overweight women as they can help support larger busts and bottoms.
6. Work on your confidence
The best way to always look and feel classy is by stepping up your confidence game. Remind yourself of the great things your body can do daily.
Try not to worry about societal standards when picking your clothes and instead wear outfits that express your personality and celebrate your body.
It is also helpful to find relatable role models who make you feel better. The role model may be a family member, a body positivity coach, or even a plus-size model in the fashion industry. The idea is to find someone that helps you love yourself.
Consider paying yourself a compliment each day. You can start with something small and gradually increase them as the days go by.
Always remember that you are your biggest critic and if you embrace yourself fully, other people will be attracted to you.
7. Learn to accessorize properly
Learning to pair your outfits with the proper accessories will give you the overall polished look that you are searching for.
Try to pick out a larger handbag to balance out your body. A large bag is more flattering to a fuller figure. Large hobo bags and totes are great because they give your figure a nice proportional look.
Another great way for overweight people to express their style is by going with statement jewelry rather than small pieces. Look for larger necklaces, chunky beads, and thick bangle bracelets when picking out jewelry. It is not compulsory to wear jewelry all the time to dress well but it is a good way to add class to your outfit.
8. Take care of your wardrobe and yourself
Let’s be honest, if you follow all the tips mentioned above without actually paying attention to yourself and your wardrobe, you’ll definitely think less of yourself in the long run.
Take time out to create a simple grooming routine for yourself and stick to it. A polished look equals clean skin, a healthy look, and self-care.
Keep your hair neat and healthy, make sure to eat a nutrient-dense diet, and drink lots of water. Get the best haircut that fits your lifestyle as well as your personality. You can also switch up your hairstyles when you feel like it and try out some new looks that make you feel beautiful.
Try to complement your beauty with makeup from time to time. You can develop a basic makeup routine that fits your style to boost your confidence and help you look gorgeous even as a total makeup rookie.
Pay attention to your clothes when putting them out at the end of the day. Every particular fabric has specific laundry instructions, follow each to a T and make use of proper hangers so your clothing will look its best the next time you need to use it.
The most important tip of all is that you should realize that style comes in different shapes and sizes. The fact that you’re overweight doesn’t mean you can’t be the most stylish person in the room.
So, embrace your body in all of its uniqueness and wear outfits that make you feel confident.
Have in mind that the idea isn’t to become someone else, but to be happier and more comfortable with your body.
