Understanding Your True Measurements Matters More Than Tag Numbers
The most important lesson I learned was that clothing sizes are basically meaningless across brands. Knowing your exact measurements and comparing them to size charts is critical when looking for clothes that fit your body, as an XXL in straight sizes doesn’t equate to a 1X or a 2X, and even when you opt for plus sizes, no brand is the same. Approximately 67% of American women wear a size 14 or above, yet most of us still struggle with proper fit. Grab that measuring tape and track your bust, waist, and hips in actual inches. It may help to think of yourself as a range of sizes, entirely dependent on the brand, because the number isn’t important – FIT is.
Professional Bra Fitting Changes Everything About Your Silhouette
Never underestimate the power of good undergarments! A well-fitting bra can completely transform how your clothes look, and I was amazed at the difference when I finally got properly fitted for a bra. It’s like having an instant makeover that costs way less than a new wardrobe. I highly recommend getting fitted for a great bra at your local Lane Bryant stores, Nordstrom, and any specialty undergarment shops in your area. Also, keep in mind that you should wear a bra that matches your skin tone under clothing that is sheer or light in color to prevent your bra from being seen, as nude bras are available in various colors.
Tailoring Is Your Secret Weapon for Perfect Fit
I always tell my clients that a good tailor is a plus size woman’s best friend, and I was surprised to discover how affordable tailoring can be. The reality is that plus size bodies vary dramatically from person to person. If you look at 10 women who wear a size 26/28, I can almost guarantee that the same clothing in the same sizes won’t work for all 10 women, as some of us have shorter arms, some of us are shorter or taller, have different body shapes, etc, making buying clothing “off the rack” very difficult. Some items like sweaters or tops can be pretty forgiving and don’t need to be altered but often things like jeans, dresses, and coats need a little help to fit your body perfectly, so finding a great tailor in your area is key, as it can be pretty affordable to get clothes altered.
Your Body Shape Determines What Styles Work Best
It’s important to know your shape, not just your size, as understanding your body shape – whether oval, triangle, hourglass, or rectangle – helps you highlight your favorite features. Once you know your measurements, they should help you in being able to determine your body type, with common names for body types including the “fruit names” like apple and pear shapes along with “shape names” like inverted triangle or hourglass, regardless of what you call these body shapes, it’s helpful to understand because there is a LOT of great information online about how to dress certain body shapes. This knowledge becomes your personal styling roadmap. As both Apple and hourglass shaped women have larger chest, you should buy things which flatter and fit to your body, as this body shape looks good in classic styles and cuts, allowing you to purchase bodycon dresses, high waist pants, and jeans, structured tops, sheath dress, peplum, or pencil skirts.
Strategic Layering Creates Dimension and Interest
As we look at the trends for 2024, it’s clear that strategic layering can create flattering silhouettes and allow for personal expression, with a key component being the thoughtful combination of textures and fabrics, which can elevate a simple outfit to a fashion-forward ensemble, for instance, pairing a chunky knit cardigan over a sleek midi dress not only adds warmth but also introduces a play on proportions that can accentuate the right curves. When it comes to layering, the checklist for plus size individuals should include a variety of basic tanks, tailored shirts, and lightweight sweaters, as these pieces serve as the foundation for layering and can be mixed with statement items like a bold print kimono or a structured blazer, with the goal being to create balance; a fitted tank top can be the perfect counterpoint to an oversized denim jacket, ensuring the outfit looks intentional and cohesive.
Fitted Doesn’t Mean Tight – Find That Sweet Spot
Find a good compromise between form-fitting and skin-clinging! Wearing clothes that are too small for you does not make you look nice on anyone, and I mean that quite literally, as you might have a well understanding of plus size outfit ideas that are too baggy, but you should also steer clear of apparel that is too tight, because to be fitted is to be successful! Important Rule of Thumb: Clothing that FITS is flattering, as you may feel that baggy is the only thing you think “covers” you, but whether that’s because you are uncomfortable with your body or because of modesty or fear, don’t fall into the trap that you only look good in shapeless clothes, as honing in on your body shape and finding the right style of clothes that fit you best will flatter you most!
Balance Proportions With the Right Silhouettes
In addition to this, the proportions of your attire are also important: fitted top paired with wide leg pants, skinny jeans and a looser shirt, dress in flared skirt and structured jacket – you are beginning to understand! I always recommend balancing fitted pieces with looser ones, for example, if you’re wearing skinny jeans, try pairing them with a flowy top, as this creates a balanced, harmonious look. When layering clothes, one should aim for a balanced silhouette, as they can achieve this by pairing longer tunics or shirts with a cropped jacket or blazer, ensuring that one item is fitted if the other is loose, and this technique helps to define the waist and avoids adding bulk.
Embrace Prints Instead of Avoiding Them
Somewhere along the way, we have told plus size women to avoid prints and it’s just terrible advice, as you can use prints strategically to draw attention to the areas you want to show off and add balance to your shape, for example, if you’re pear shaped like me and have larger hips, wearing printed tops and solid bottoms can help balance out your appearance creating the illusion of an hourglass shape, and alternatively, if you’re an apple shape, you can wear solid tops and printed bottoms to create balance. Prints can be your friend! I love using prints to draw attention where I want it. Don’t let outdated fashion rules limit your creativity.
Invest in Quality Basics That Actually Fit
I always recommend investing in high-quality basics, as a well-made white t-shirt, a perfect-fitting pair of jeans, and a classic blazer are worth their weight in gold, and I personally love brands like Universal Standard for their high-quality basics in a wide range of sizes. Quality Basics: Invest in high-quality basics that stand the test of time, such as a well-fitted white blouse, straight-leg jeans, and a structured blazer, as these pieces should serve as the foundation for a variety of outfits. It’s important to invest in the clothes that last, as there are clothes I’ve now owned for four years that I am still wearing to this day and I’m really proud that I don’t follow trends just to fit in. Think of it like building a solid foundation for your home – everything else gets easier when you start with the right base pieces.
Consider Shapewear as a Tool, Not a Requirement
Shapewear can be a great tool, but it’s not necessary for everyone, as I personally use shapewear for certain outfits, but I don’t rely on it daily. I personally try to avoid shapewear because it reinforces the narrative that I need to shrink or change myself in order to wear certain types of clothing and have it be deemed suitable by others, as I don’t dress for other people; I dress for me, and if anyone has an issue with the way I dress, it’s entirely their problem. Investing in shapewear is a great use of your money and will be a magic outfit in your wardrobe, as shapewear or tummy tucker makes your silhouette look proportionate and a great base for wearing your desired outfits. The choice is entirely yours – use what makes you feel confident and comfortable.
Confidence Is Your Best Accessory
So many of us have been conditioned to think of our current bodies as temporary or works in progress, but embracing our bodies as they are today allows us to focus on finding what works for us NOW instead of worrying about tomorrow or next year, so don’t worry about the size on the tag or anything else that may or may not change about your body – dress it with what fits as it is today. Put on a crop top, wear the shorts, wear whatever makes you happy because feeling confident will make any outfit look good. Confidence is the key to sexiness, hence, embrace every square inch of your body and even parts like your belly or thighs, and stop feeling insecure and take command of the world. Remember that the plus size clothing market was estimated at USD 114.1 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.1% from 2024 to 2032 – you’re part of a massive, powerful community of women who refuse to be overlooked.
The most liberating realization? You don’t need anyone’s permission to look amazing. These style tips aren’t rules written in stone – they’re tools to help you feel your absolute best. What would you have guessed was the most important tip before reading this?
