Plus Size Fashion Tips: What Not to Wear

Fashion is about being confident in what you wear and dressing your body shape. Being plus-size can seem limiting if you can’t find clothes that flatter your body shape and match your style preferences.

However, you’ll be surprised to learn that there are plenty of options to work with.

If you have no idea of how to dress your body shape, have put on weight, or your style seems outdated, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn some of the things you may want to avoid wearing as a plus-size woman.

Things You Shouldn’t Wear as a Plus-Size Woman

Finding clothes that flatter and compliment your body shape is crucial. Here are some things you might not want to wear as a plus-size woman.

1. Clothes That Don’t Flatter Your Shape

There is a common misconception that being plus size describes someone’s actual body shape. The truth is that plus-size doesn’t indicate your shape, but simply its size.

Some examples of body shapes include:

• Hourglass shape – This describes a shape where someone has a smaller waist, while the bust and hip measurements are almost similar.

• Triangle or Pear Shape – A person with a pear shape is widest at the hip.

• Rectangle or Column Shape – Someone with a column or rectangle shape has her bust, waist, and hip measurement almost similar in size.

• Inverted Triangle or Apple Shape – Anyone with an inverted triangle shape is widest at the waist.

Note that these body types are calculated based on relative measurements. That means that it’s possible to be plus-size and have an hourglass shape.

Avoid picking clothes that don’t flatter your body type. Your clothes should fit in all the right places.

While you may find it difficult to get clothes that fit from stores, you can opt for tailored sizes. With tailoring, you’re assured that your clothes won’t be too big or too small.

Select tailored pants with flat lines as they make your legs appear slimmer. V-neck blouses and shirts also accentuate your cleavage if you’re heavier on the upper side.

Additionally, your undergarments should fit properly as they act as the foundation of an outfit.

2. All Black Outfits

While black outfits can have a slimming effect, you should avoid wearing all-black outfits. Wearing clothes with the same shade can make you appear sloppy. Choose items with texture or material.

Opt for blouses with unique prints and bold colors to pair with your black pants or skirts. Alternatively, you can wear a black top with a bright patterned skirt to add a pop of color and flatter your shape.

3. Clothes Without a Defined Waist

Another thing you should avoid is tops or dresses that lack waist definition. Although such clothes may cover your midsection, they also tend to make you look bigger than you are.

It’s essential to have a waist definition as a plus-size woman. You can start by wearing a belt. Belts not only complement your outfit but also give the illusion of an hourglass figure by creating a proportioned shape.

What’s more, you can use a belt to make your outfit pop or add a twist to your regular outfits.

4. Flowy Clothes With a Lot of Bulk

Wearing flowy clothes with a lot of bulk can be tricky if you are a plus-size woman. They tend to add extra weight and bulk to your body. That leaves you appearing bigger and disproportionate.

If you must wear flowy clothes, choose some that are not as bulky and ensure they add some structure to your body shape. Moderation is key. You can wear a flowy top with something fitted on the bottom. Volume is fine as long as you’re not doing it all over. Plus-size women tend to look better with fitted clothes.

Modern fabrics have the right amount of stretch that gives you a fitted and smooth look without appearing too snug or riding up.

5. Pointy-Toed Shoes

Pointy-toed shoes tend to make you appear taller and elongate your legs. Although pointy-toed shoes are a huge trend right now, they may not be the best for plus-size women, especially if you have thick ankles and legs.

The caveat is that pointy-toed shoes can make you look out of balance. Opt for rounded toe shoes as they flatter your thicker ankles and calves.

6. Menswear

It’s easy to pick a boyfriend’s jeans, sweatshirts, or a boyfriend’s shirt as they all seem trendy. Unfortunately, these items don’t work well for a feminine body shape as they appear saggy and don’t flatter your body shape.

These items are not as fitting as clothes designed for plus-size women.

If you have to choose a button-down shirt, find one that has design details and enough stretch to create a shape. Shirts with wrapping, ruching, and darts add some definition to your silhouette.

Extra Fashion Tips For Plus-Size Women

Style is personal and there’s no one size fits all when it comes to plus-size fashion. You need to figure out what you like and work around your body shape.

Here are a few extra pointers that will help you feel confident and chic.

• Choose Your Fabrics Wisely – Curvy women tend to dwell with natural fabrics. These fabrics provide a fluid fit and are soft. Find clothes made from Chiffon, flannel, velvet, silk satin, cotton, and viscose.
  
  Don’t be afraid of prints. You can use prints to accentuate some areas and add balance to your entire outfit.  For example, you can wear a solid bottom and printed top if you have a pear shape. Apple-shaped women tend to look balanced with printed bottoms and solid tops.

• Define Your Color Preferences – Experts recommend picking clothes with colors that complement your appearance. You can have neutrals like grey, black and white. However, you can also add bold colors like yellow, red, and green. Deep blue shades, mustard, and burgundy also work well. Play around with different colors and find what works for you.

• Avoid Shopping at Plus Size Stores Only – There’s a misconception that you can only find plus-size outfits in plus-size stores. Nevertheless, you’ll be surprised that most stores like Gap and Loft stock plus sizes that can fit you.
  
  For example, the Banana Republic has the Jackson Fit that works well for curvy women. Some H&M stores have oversized cuts in dresses and tops in most US stores.

• Understand Your Measurements – Sometimes a store may stock a specific size that may end up being too big or small. To avoid all this, find a sizing chart and buy a measuring tape. Take your hips, thighs, hips, chest, and waist measurements and compare them against the sizing chart. That will also help you know if you need to go a size up or down.

• Find the Right Undergarments – Quality undergarments should be comfortable and provide a good foundation to layer your clothes. You should target your thighs, abdomen, and buttocks when shopping for the right underwear.
  
  Don’t shy away from getting shapewear. Ultra high-waisted and high-waisted are fantastic in covering critical points.
  
  A well-fitted bra is also essential as it will be uncomfortable. You can get fitted at most undergarment shops or stores like Lane Bryant and Nordstrom.

• Get Inspiration From Everywhere – You can get fashion inspiration from all sources. Magazines are an excellent starting point. You can also check out style influencers on Pinterest and Instagram. Get inspired by how they combine their outfits to achieve a complete look.

• Don’t Be Afraid to Wear Heels – Wear heels whether you are wearing skirts, a pair of pants, or your favorite dress. Heels make you appear tall and make you appear confident.
  
  Note that the heels don’t have to be too high, find a medium heel that you can comfortably walk around in.

• Mix Tight Pieces With Flared Ones – Finding balance is critical when getting dressed. When wearing fitted pants, opt for a looser top to create balance.

• Try New Things – If you’ve never broken out of your comfort zone, the time to try on new things is now.  Start with outfits like wrap dresses that hide your flaws while still enhancing your body. Wrap around blouses also accentuate your figure and modestly show your cleavage.
  
  Empire line dresses and skirts also highlight your standout areas whether you opt for ethnic or western wear. Structured blazers and jackets are stylish and also hide your arms while balancing the whole look.
  
  Look for midrise or high-rise denim pants that tuck in your belly and give you a slimmer appearance. Pair the pants with your favorite heels to feel more confident and appear tall.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to wait to lose weight to enjoy the latest styles and look confident. Your body is a perfect size the way you are right now and you only need to find clothes that compliment and flatter your shape.

Resources

• https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/clothing/plus-size-dressing-rules
• https://www.macys.com/p/plus-size-fashion-guide/plus-size-body-types/
• https://stylistinpocket.com/blog/5_Dos_&_Don’ts_for_Plus_Size_That_You_Really_Need_To_Know
• https://www.insyze.com/blog/24-amazing-style-tips-for-plus-size-women/
• http://outfitideashq.com/dos-and-donts-selecting-clothes-for-plus-size-girls/
• https://www.ezibuy.com/shop/nz/plus-size-body-shapes-fashion-guide
• https://www.outfittrends.com/fashion-tips-for-plus-size-women-over-50-outfits-ideas/
• https://www.thebudgetfashionista.com/archive/plus-size-fashion-tips/