By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
Notification Show More
Latest News
H&M U.S.Doubles Down on Inclusive Sizing and Taps Tess Holliday to Help!
Fashion and Industry
The Plus Bus partners for TCFStyle Brunch
Join US! Our TCFStyle Brunch Series is BACK… in LA!
Fashion and Industry Fashion Events
Free Label Spring Collection
You Oughta Know: Free Label! Luxe Loungewear Up Through a 5X
Plus Size Designers
The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection
The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection is Exciting and Bold!
Plus Size Designers
GabiFresh Swim x Eloquii
Upgrade your Swim Life with the GabiFresh Swim x Eloquii Collection!
Fashion and Industry Plus Size Designers
Aa
  • News
    News
    Looking the the latest plus size fashion and industry news around designers, influencers, and community happenings? We’ve got you covered with the latest happenings in…
    Show More
    Top News
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    9 years ago
    Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Hips and Curves!
    9 years ago
    nordstrom size inclusive
    What’s Missing as Nordstrom (and others) Takes Note of Us, the Plus Size Consumer
    5 years ago
    Latest News
    H&M U.S.Doubles Down on Inclusive Sizing and Taps Tess Holliday to Help!
    10 hours ago
    Join US! Our TCFStyle Brunch Series is BACK… in LA!
    1 day ago
    You Oughta Know: Free Label! Luxe Loungewear Up Through a 5X
    3 days ago
    The Marina Rinaldi Spring Collection is Exciting and Bold!
    1 week ago
  • Style
    Style
    Yes, plus size style options exist and we are here to share the latest style finds, news, updates, and plus size style tips & tricks…
    Show More
    Top News
    Plus size woman Walking
    LETS TALK: Design Elements in Plus Size Clothes that KILL ME.
    10 years ago
    Duo Boots Giveaway on The Curvy Fashionista
    #TCFTurns5 Giveaway: Step into Style With the Duo Boots Giveaway!
    9 years ago
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Simply Be!
    9 years ago
    Latest News
    Diamonds Are Forever But Are They For Everyone? 5 Size-Inclusive Jewelry Brands
    2 weeks ago
    The Rebdolls Spring Collection Will Make You Swoon and We’ve Found 10 Faves!
    2 weeks ago
    You Oughta Know: What Lo Wants, A Sustainable LA-Based Plus Size Brand
    3 weeks ago
    Need to Update Your Lingerie Collection? Crush by Cacique is bringing the Bold and Bright Newness!
    3 weeks ago
  • Beauty
    Beauty
    Looking for the latest beauty trends, products, and makeup tips and beauty advice for plus size people?! Check out the latest beauty articles on The…
    Show More
    Top News
    Wearing Make-Up To Work, A Bad Thing?
    10 years ago
    10 Products to Fight Chub Rub
    It’s Chub Rub Season—10 Products To Battle It
    6 years ago
    PrescriptivesCustom Blend Foundation
    Celebrating 200k FB Fans- It is a Spring #TCFStyle Giveaway with Prescriptives!
    9 years ago
    Latest News
    The Best 2023 Planners to Keep You Organized and Help You Reach Your Goals!
    3 months ago
    13 Last Minute Beauty Gifts Everyone is Sure to Love
    3 months ago
    TCF Gift Guide: 15 Beauty Stocking Stuffers to Wow and Amaze Your Loved Ones!
    4 months ago
    20 of the Best Beauty Advent Calendars That Will Help You Countdown to the Holidays In Style
    5 months ago
  • Wellness
    Wellness
    Let’s talk about self-care, self-love, body image, and related topics to wellness and life as a plus size person!
    Show More
    Top News
    Torrid's Feature of Tiffany from On The Fatwalk
    The Enabling of Self Loathers and Shame – A Facebook Observation of Torrid
    11 years ago
    Rescue Stress relief
    Finding My Own Rescue Remedy & Taking Better Care of Myself…
    6 years ago
    Plus Size Lingerie: Hips and Curves
    Confidence, Sex, and the Plus Size Woman pt.1
    11 years ago
    Latest News
    Don’t Put Us In A Corner: Why In-Store Access To Plus Size Clothing Matters
    2 weeks ago
    The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies
    3 weeks ago
    REI Sets a New Standard for Inclusive Fashion for the Outdoors
    1 month ago
    Save the Date for The BodCon Virtual Conference!
    1 month ago
  • Lifestyle
    Lifestyle
    There is so much more to a plus size fashion lover and we are highlighting the various topics from home, to dating and beyond in…
    Show More
    Top News
    Open Letter Tim Gunn
    An Open Letter: Dear Tim Gunn, Let’s Make It Work
    10 years ago
    2017 MTV Move & TV Awards, chrissy metz, plus size celebrity
    ‘I Wear What I Want, When I Want’: Chrissy Metz Slays In Red at the 2017 MTV Movie & TV Awards
    6 years ago
    Metallic Curves by Photographer Silvana Denker
    Plus Size Art: Metallic Curves by Photographer Silvana Denker
    6 years ago
    Latest News
    The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies
    3 weeks ago
    Beyond Plus Size Activewear: The Plus Size Outdoor Clothing & 5 Communities To Know!
    3 months ago
    Save these 5 Plus Size Halloween Costume Tips from a Few Plus Size Cosplayers!
    5 months ago
    12 Places to Shop for Plus Size Halloween Costumes & Our Faves!
    6 months ago
  • Culture
    Culture
    Yes there is a plus size culture and we are here to share and celebrate it from entertainment to movies, we are talking about it!…
    Show More
    Top News
    25 women of color e1615188552216
    25 Women Of Color Who Paved The Way for Body Positivity & Plus Size Fashion
    2 years ago
    Dear Terri, Ven Budhu, and Project Runway….
    11 years ago
    Plus+ Coffee table book
    Because We Love a Great Book, Here are 30+ Plus Size Centered Must-Reads! 
    5 years ago
    Latest News
    Get To Know The Big Grrrls Cast! The Plus Size Dancers Competing For A Spot On Stage.
    1 year ago
    6 Easy Date Ideas For Every Budget
    1 year ago
    The Unfiltered Brilliance of Ryan Ken Acts
    1 year ago
    Unlike Hollywood’s Latest Portrayal of Her, Stagecoach Mary was Not Skinny, And She Wasn’t Light-skinned
    1 year ago
  • Shop TCF
  • Events
    • TCFStyle Brunch Series
Search TCF
More
  • Events
    • TCFStyle Brunch Series
  • Curvy & Plus Size Fashion Resources
  • About The Curvy Fashionista
  • Advertising
  • Contact
© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Reading: Your Plus Size is JUST a Number
Aa
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
  • News
  • Style
  • Beauty
  • Wellness
  • Lifestyle
  • Culture
  • Shop TCF
  • Events
Search TCF
  • About
  • News
  • Style
  • Shopping
  • Wellness
  • Beauty
  • Lifestyle
  • Write for TCF
  • Contact
Sign In Sign In
Follow US
  • Login
  • Community Guidelines
  • Style Star Ambassadors
  • TCFStyle Influencer Network
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact
© 2008- 2021 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·
Fashion+Style

Your Plus Size is JUST a Number

Marie Denee
Last updated: 05/31/2011
By Marie Denee 6 Min Read
Share

So now that we got last week’s confidence woes and plus size shaming out of the way, I wanted to talk about the underlying issues raised in those posts- which rather than empower and educate, only mocked and criticized the plus size woman.

When it comes to fashion, oftentimes women (both straight AND plus size) cringe at the size of their pant, dress, or bra size.

- Advertisement -

But since we are plus size here, we shall focus on OUR woes…

It is mindful for me to share with you that YOUR size does NOT define who you are; HOWEVER how you WEAR and rock your fits, DEFINES your personal style.

Curvy.Confident.Chic.

- Advertisement -

“Most of all fashion is about being comfortable with yourself; translating self-esteem into a personal style.” -International Fashion Editor Cynthia Durcanin

While there are some women who refuse to admit that they indeed are plus size, there are some who are mortified when they reluctantly have to venture into this area of the store with a defeatist mentality.

Oftentimes, I am confused by this and beg to ask WHY?

Why feel ashamed, embarrassed, frustrated, or scared to venture into the plus size section?

- Advertisement -

I KNOW…

Curvy.Confident.Chic.

  • Plus size departments are treated like the red-headed stepchild (no offense to my beautiful red-headed darlings)
  • For the longest time, the plus size departments were frumpy, dumpy, and dated- like venturing into the abyss of the forgotten woman…
  • Stumbling into this area either meant dragging along friends who may not be plus size OR being left to shop alone- leaving your girls behind…

HOWEVER…

Times HAVE changed! While it may not be 100% (I am an idealist but I am a devout realist as well!), when it comes to plus size and fashion, these two words now fashionably coexist!

The key to FEELING amazing in your look is being COMFORTABLE!

Having your top cut you in the arms, dig into your waist, or ride up when walking are uncomfortable!

Constantly tugging and pulling at your clothes creates a level of self consciousness, which diminishes YOUR confidence!  

By rocking fits that FEEL GOOD and FIT you WELL are KEY to your CONFIDENCE!

So how do you remedy this?

There are a few ways to overcome specific issues with your size, to help you along your way to feeling Curvy.Confident.Chic.

  • When trying on clothes, grab one size UP and one size DOWN from the size you initially grabbed. This way while you are in the dressing room, you try on the one that fits you the BEST and is the MOST comfortable.
  • Know that all designers are NOT created or SIZED equal. What is a 16 in one designer may be a 20 in another. WHO cares? If it fits and looks amazing, then buy it! This issue is NOT specific to only plus sizes!
  • If the size bothers you to no end, CUT THE SIZE LABEL OUT!
  • If you straddle the world of straight and plus sizes (10-16), know that you have a variety of options and stepping across a department or aisle will NOT KILL YOU. It’s okay darling, and those issues about fit you have had may solve itself by crossing the aisle
  • Think outside the SIZING box. With the multitude of designers and retailers catering to the contemporary plus size woman, there is an amalgamation of options to play in (and sometimes in the comfort of your own bedroom thanks to social media and the internet!) Your choices and options are endless!
  • For the Brave and ultimately frustrated, do a closet overhaul! Grab a friend, loved one, or personal stylist to go through your closet with you! Try on EVERY item and discard those that no longer fit, are outdated, or that you have not worn since Christmas of 2002.
  • Turn to plus size fashion blogs for inspiration! Not sure of a trend, look, or ideal of how plus size women can be beautiful? Plus size fashion and personal style blogs provide vast amounts of inspiration!

Okay.

So, I hope that this helps you on your journey to loving, owning, and celebrating your plus sized curves!

AND GUESS WHAT?

It IS okay to have CONFIDENCE and be a plus size woman! Go figure! lol

What do you think? When you shop, are you one who cringes at the sizes your curves beckon for? Do you experiment with your options? Share with me your personal tips you have when shopping and tell me if your size is an issue for you!

TAGGED: body image, confidence, plus size fashion
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Email Copy Link Print
21 Comments 21 Comments
  • Karen Ward says:
    May 31, 2011 at 3:43 pm

    I love this post. I remember having to go to an Addition-Elle (a Cdn plus store) to shop for an event with my (non-plus) friends when we were at the mall, and I was SO mortified. I ended up leaving quickly and empty-handed. I shopped at some other stores with them that were more inclusive and it was a much more comfortable experience for me (and them). I so much prefer stores that aren’t segregated from the straight size options. Integration please! http://www.curvycanadian.blogspot.com

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      May 31, 2011 at 6:18 pm

      Why were you MORTIFIED darlin??? Did your friends NOT support you? What do you do when you want to shop at places that are NOT inclusive? How do you try to fashion your curves?

      Reply
  • la jones says:
    May 31, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    a-m-e-n…. shopping and fashion should be fun, not torture!! discard the number and enjoy the experience!!

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      May 31, 2011 at 6:17 pm

      Thank you so much La Jones!!! DISCARD the number! LOL 

      Reply
  • Bunni says:
    May 31, 2011 at 11:53 pm

    This is so true! I will shop whatever store, department, or size to get the look I’m going for. The only number that really matters to me is the price lol

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      June 6, 2011 at 4:57 pm

      Heheheheh! I love it! “The only number that really matter to me is the price!” 

      Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      June 6, 2011 at 4:57 pm

      Heheheheh! I love it! “The only number that really matter to me is the price!” 

      Reply
  • Tamiabright says:
    May 31, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    I absolutely LOVE this post… I have been straddling  sze 10-16 for about 5 years now. The first year or two I REFUSED to “Cross the Aisle” …….the truths is I became much more comfortable with my new body when I FINALLY did….and by the way it totally wasnt that scary at all….Garments fit better….the looked better, they didnt ride up on me, I wasnt uncomfortable all day…….After a few months, being the fashion diva I am I OWNED it.. I am a plus size diva and honey… I works it out… FABULOUSLY

    I REALLY appreciated this post and the last few….Great topic!

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      June 6, 2011 at 4:57 pm

      You are quite welcome love!!!! I love that you are stepping into your own!!!! 

      Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      June 6, 2011 at 4:57 pm

      You are quite welcome love!!!! I love that you are stepping into your own!!!! 

      Reply
  • Big Girl Bombshell says:
    June 1, 2011 at 3:49 am

    I am just now starting to experiment with fashion.  There are lots of plus size stores that are not the “old” mentality behind “plus – size”  and it inspires me by checking out the fashion blogs to get out of my own old mindset

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      June 6, 2011 at 4:56 pm

      yeahhh!!!! Breaking down your own personal fashion barriers makes fashion more fun and interesting! You do not need to be limited to the box that we are often so regulated to be in and once you start to explore, you realize that the options are endless!!!!! Get it!

      Reply
  • Simone says:
    June 1, 2011 at 7:51 am

    where are those shots from? anywhere I can see more? they are fab

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      June 6, 2011 at 4:55 pm

      They were part of an ad overseas!!!! Years back!!! 

      Reply
  • Jessica Van D says:
    June 1, 2011 at 4:29 pm

    I have no problem looking in plus size departments, but it must be the stores I’m shopping in because I still find that most of the things available in these departments are not nearly as cute as the stuff available in the regular department.  I used to be on the fence between the two worlds, but am now full-fledged plus and I have to say…. Shopping is a nightmare.  If I go with friends, I’m left to shop alone because I’m the only plus size girl.  If I don’t go off on my own, I’m feilding questions from my friends like “jess, why aren’t you trying anything on?”… As if they don’t know.  The only stores I have found that sell fashionable plus size attire are twice the price of the regular stores, and I’m devastatingly dirt poor.  I get angry that I can’t run to the “two for $5” rack at Suzie Shier with my friends, but have to wander to the store where the only thing I can get for $5 is… well, maybe a spare button for that $150 pair of jeans.
    I’m not ready to give up, though.  I have found that if I buy a cheap and badly fitting dress with a cute pattern, I can alter it myself to fit my curves.  Being an artist, my work has always been on canvas, but I do believe I am slowly discovering a new creative outlet for myself. Hope runs eternal!!!! 😀

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      June 6, 2011 at 4:54 pm

      I love your positivity amidst the odds stacked! There are soooo many options love!!!! Have you shopped online and/or have you asked your girls to roll with YOU? 
      You bring up such a key point… TAILORING!!!!! Thank you for mentioning it!!!! 

      Reply
    • Guest says:
      September 3, 2013 at 11:55 am

      I agree… everywhere ive shopped IN stores the clothes are cute but not as cute as the other departments. My friend are the SAME way. We went walking the other day after getting ice cream and I didn’t have clothes. She had clothes In her care and everyone just put them on. She haded me a shirt and I was like….really? So had to wear my clothes. Just imagne how crazy I looked with some jeans, a lace tee and jewelry… But just tell them hey roll with me.

      Reply
  • About Curves says:
    June 1, 2011 at 3:59 pm

    I just wrote a blog post about size acceptance today- AboutCurves sells the least volume of 1X plus size lingerie, which (I think) means size 18/20 women are least comfortable with their bodies.
    These are great tips for getting OVER the number and “plus size” stigma and making yourself look (and feel) fabulous, so thanks for sharing, Marie!

    Reply
    • Marie Denee says:
      June 6, 2011 at 4:55 pm

      Thank you for the love you give darlin!!!! (HUGS!!!)

      Reply
  • Nawolfe54 says:
    April 3, 2012 at 1:02 pm

    I’m 18 years old and I’m not that confident with my body. I have a wonderful guy who loves me more than I do. But reading these articles have given me a better outlook on life.

    Reply
  • RennyKay18 says:
    September 3, 2013 at 11:48 am

    Im 18 and I’ve ALWAYS been a “Big Girl”. ALWAYS. I had never been real confident in my physical appearance and never wanted to admit im a little heavier than what the world says I should be. I used to dress dumpy and frumpy and when my family and I went shopping id pick the clothes that made me feel hidden. Big pants, big ugly shirts and I was really depressed and worried about what people would say. I was really depressed and had to go to a psychiatrist… to make matters worse id look around and see girls with cute boyfriends and me…I never had one of those… long story short now im confident and happy about myself. I” constantly look for fashion tips and throw in my own. I LOVEMEEEEE! LOL but…still no bf…lol love yourself, be yourself, life is honestly too short…

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest News

H&M U.S.Doubles Down on Inclusive Sizing and Taps Tess Holliday to Help!

- Advertisement -

You May Also Enjoy

Nature's Twist - size inclusive jewelry
Fashion+Style

Diamonds Are Forever But Are They For Everyone? 5 Size-Inclusive Jewelry Brands

mightymurphin By mightymurphin
453003050
Body Politics

Don’t Put Us In A Corner: Why In-Store Access To Plus Size Clothing Matters

mightymurphin By mightymurphin
Rebdolls Spring Collection -
Fashion+Style

The Rebdolls Spring Collection Will Make You Swoon and We’ve Found 10 Faves!

Marie Denee By Marie Denee
Curlycurvydiva on IG - B Bellies
Body Politics

The Dividing Truth Behind B Bellies

mightymurphin By mightymurphin
What Lo Wants- Leah Stretch-Linen Pant in Olive
Fashion+Style

You Oughta Know: What Lo Wants, A Sustainable LA-Based Plus Size Brand

Marie Denee By Marie Denee
Crush by Cacique- plus size lingerie from Lane Bryant
Fashion+Style

Need to Update Your Lingerie Collection? Crush by Cacique is bringing the Bold and Bright Newness!

Marie Denee By Marie Denee
  • About
  • Advertise
  • Contribute
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Affiliate Disclosure
Reading: Your Plus Size is JUST a Number
The Curvy FashionistaThe Curvy Fashionista
Follow US

© 2008- 2023 · by TCFStyle Media · All Rights Reserved ·

Removed from reading list

Undo
The Curvy Fashionista Logo
Welcome Back!

Please Sign in to Your Account

Lost your password?