Fashionistas come in all shapes and sizes and the fashion industry is starting to recognize this. Designers are responding by offering more fashion lines and retailers that cater to full-figured women. With more options available, full-figured women looking to expand their wardrobe and embrace their inner fashionista have more options now than ever. With so many choices it can be easy to make a fashion faux pas.
In Figure It Out: The Real Woman's Guide to Great Style by Geri Brin and Tish Jett, a style guide for full-figured women that showcases style options to flatter every shape, the authors suggest that style is not about size, trends, fads or the biggest names in fashion. They insist that style is about following classic lines and wearing clothes with a flattering fit. With this in mind, here are some tips for the full figured woman who wants to embrace fashion and style.
Start With the Basics of Good Fashion
Buy quality fundamentals. The most important part of any woman's outfit begins with a clean bra and pair of panties---that fit. It seems like such obvious advice but there are so many women who are wearing the wrong bra and panty size. Additions such as shapers, camisoles and girdles may add to the look of the outfit, but these too must fit the woman perfectly. When in doubt, get measured by a professional to be sure about the proper size.
Purchase clothes that are flattering and suit individual style. Clothing that flatters a woman's curves and body shape almost always boosts her confidence and makes her look better. Women who are busty should embrace their breasts size and wear clothing that shows some (but not too much) cleavage. Women who are bottom heavy or pear shaped should embrace the size of their hips and buttocks and not try to hide it. Wearing clothing that appears like a tent in an effort to hide curves will not only make a woman look and feel heavier, but may also appear unattractive. Flattering clothing has the opposite effect.
Building a Fashion Wardrobe
Buy clothes in the right size and of quality material for a better look and a better fit. Almost nothing looks worse than clothing that does not fit or is made of unflattering and cheap material. It is always better to save up and spend more for quality clothing that fit better and will last longer.
Consider hiring a tailor. In Figure It Out, the authors insist that every woman should have a tailor. Tailors give off-the-rack clothing that sophisticated custom look. For a few extra bucks, an average outfit can become above-average with an impeccable fit.
Classic cuts go a long way. Build a wardrobe with classic items such as a tailored white blouse, slacks and trousers, a fitted blazer, cardigan sets, black dress, skirts for day or evening etc. Having these staples are important when building a fashion wardrobe as they can be worn for many occasions and for work or play.
Play With Fashion Styles, Trends and Accessories
Do not fear trying new trends and styles. Full-figured women should embrace change, but in moderation and only those that flatter the body. Fashion designers are including more styles in larger sizes making the latest trends more accessible. Do not be afraid to go out and try a new look, just make sure that it is the right size and flatters the body.
Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Full-figured women should amp up the accessories. A gorgeous bag, hat or jewelry set can make even the simplest outfit appear ten times better. Accessories do not have to be designer products or very expensive. As long as they speak to the fashion sensibility and personality of the wearer and compliment the outfit, they should be worn.
Mix day and evening wear. Choose outfits that can easily transform from day to nice. Wearing a beautiful black dress with a blazer to the office during the day for example, easily transforms into the perfect outfit for the after-work cocktail party, sans the blazer of course.
Full-figured women who are looking to embrace the fashionista within now have a range of stores and designers to choose from. With so many options to compliment individual style, it is now easier than ever to become a full-figured fashionista. Accessories are a girls' best friend, but classic clothes tailored to fit one's body means a better fit and a unique fashionable look. With a friend or mentor in tow, fashionistas should always buy appropriate clothing in the correct size and not be afraid to try anything new.
Reference:
- Brin, Geri and Jett, Tish. Figure It Out: The Real Woman's Guide to Great Style. Sixth & Spring Books: 2004. ISBN: 1-931543-61-5
Nascha Joli - Nascha A. Joli is a freelance writer and editor based in her native city of New York. Miss Joli received her BA in Economics from the City ...
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