Here are Ten Plus Size Fashion Rules (Commandments) to Live By!

To keep you Curvy.Confident.Chic.

1. Honor FA(T)SHION’S living legends and not taketh thy name in vain

It is only right to acknowledge those around us who are still making major moves within the plus community. Thanks to Full Figured Fashion Week’s awards, fashion bloggers featuring industry mavens still calling shots, and celebrities pushing the fashion envelope, plus size fashion is what it is because of these who are still here!

2. Thou shall not condone or participate in self loathing

Know that Beauty comes in various shapes and colors and that life as a plus size woman, is not the end all or be all to life. You have curves, fat, rolls, yes? Now embrace them, learn them, and if you are not happy with them, takes steps to either change your lifestyle or find resources to help you put your best curve forward (there are so many!)

3. Thou shall covet not thy neighbors’ clothes and jewels nor throw shade

Looking to your friend or foe for fashion inspiration is always warranted, however, you should never throw shade on her for style. Whether she has ample resources or is extremely ingenious with her finds, an honest compliment will do- or say nothing at all.  Battling societal acceptance amidst mainstream fashion is a feat within itself; we need not battle amongst ourselves within the plus size community.

4. Thou shall kill a fashion rule

With plus size fashion gaining mainstream exposure, many experts are clamoring to tell us plus size women, how we should and should not dress, giving slimming tips, and creating rules for us to live by.  Before delving into these rules, check the source. No horizontal stripes? Buck it! No loud patterns? Ummm, next! Fashion should be fun and experimental! You never know!  You may find a rule that works for you- broken!

5. Thou shall support the plus size community’s fa(t)shion advancements

Whether you are a fan of the developments in the community, you have to admit that we have come a mighty way in the world of fashion. Ten years ago, there were no magazines, VERY FEW models gaining mainstream exposure, and fashion blogs catering to the plus size fashion forward. Recognition for one is recognition to the community as a whole and we MUST SUPPORT those whom we identify with! (Keyword: identify)

6. Thou shall commit fashion designer adultery

There are now a plethora of curvy plus size fashion designers and retailers vying for your affection! Each with their own aesthetic, mission, fit, and fashion perspective! Thanks to the internet, social media, communities, magazines, and fa(t)shion bloggers you have a wealth of information at your fingertips! Get out there and experiment!

7. Thou shalt know those who have paved the way for amazing fa(t)shion

2009 brought attention to the plus size woman, but 2010 has definitely been the year of plus size fashion, we must pay homage to those who have laid the groundwork for its respectable recognition! Learning about the pioneers in plus size fashion can only help you to understand, respect, and progress the movement further!

8. Thou shall invest in an amazing core wardrobe

Having a strong core to your wardrobe gives you a great foundation to build your style upon. With the right plus size fashion basics, there is no need to overhaul your entire closet each time the season changes, rather you only need to make it modern with key trend pieces!

9. Thou shalt not fashion frocks in the wrong size or with an ill fit

Bras, jeans, blouses, and dresses. Each one of these we have seen or have either rocked once upon a time, that: Did. Not. Fit. Whether the hem was too long or short, was just a wee bit too tight or big, neither one of these options fashions the curves in the best light. Tailoring and buying the right size (ignoring the labels) are two ways you will look and feel better fashioning your curves!

10. Thou shall never let her curves define her style, but let her STYLE define her Curves

The end.