Having a clear understanding of how clothes fit your body type is fundamental to improving the quality of you wardrobe. Clothes are no different than hair and makeup – they should all work to make you look spectacular and feel good, just like you deserve. Remember, some designer plus size clothes that look great in the store window aren’t going to look good after you take them home. There are so many different body types in the world that it’s impossible for a one-cut-fits-all approach. Wearing clothes that aren’t cut properly for your figure is no different than wearing a size that’s too small or too big; it doesn’t matter if you wear plus size clothes or not. An ideal outfit will emphasis your strengths, downplay your weaknesses, and flatter your silhouette. This is where a good plus size designer can help.
Body Shapes
To achieve this holy grail of fashion (where we feel as good as we look), we need to examine and understand the four basic body shapes.
The Pear Shaped Figure is by far the most common body type for women of all ages. This is defined as your upper body being smaller than your lower body, and having a propensity to gain wait from your hips and down. Someone with this body type generally has narrow shoulders and a longer neck, with a small to medium bust line. Their calves are full with little definition in the ankle area. Your hips, thighs, and bottom are curvy and full. Your goal in life (fashion life, that is) should be to emphasize and broaden your shoulder line, wearing outfits that bring the eye up and drawing attention to your face, neck, and waist. How? Start with wide-necked tops that have bright colors to draw the eye. Wearing slacks or pants that elongate your legs. Subtle, vertical stripes are excellent at that. Cowl necks and square lines will work to add width to your shoulder area. Look to straight skirts to minimize the differential between your upper and lower body. Plus size designer clothes will be a great asset to you.
For those with an Apple Shaped Figure, your upper body is markedly larger than your lower half. You have a predisposition to gaining weight in your waistline, and you may have a full face and neck, wide shoulders, and a somewhat undefined waist. Your hips suffer from being narrow with a flat bottom and more slender legs. Your goal is to emphasize your legs and hips. Look for tops that lengthen your upper body and encourage focus to shift towards your legs. Look for wide and colorful hemlines. Avoid tailored tops that draw attention to your midsection. In contrast to the pear shaped figure, you want plus size clothes with narrow lapels and collars that do not emphasize your chest or wide shoulders. Look for pencil skirts that will highlight your legs.
The Hourglass Shaped Figure is generally associated with a well-defined waste. You’re a fairly symmetrical person, in general. Your upper and lower body are well balanced and your shoulders and bust line are proportional to your hips and bottom. You have what most people think of as the traditional female shape. You’re job is the easiest of the four body shapes because you can emphasize above or below the waist – whatever you’re more comfortable with. The main idea is to keep things in proportion. You’re already there, so you don’t want to make your shoulders seem any wider or your hips any narrower. Ideally you can elongate your overall line and draw attention to your waist. You should look for pants with belts or wraps that sit just at your waist and draw attention to your overall symmetry. Stick with plus size clothes that are semi-fitted, and stay away from tight outfits.
If your shape is fairly consistent from your shoulders to your calves, with a poorly defined waist, you have the Rectangle Figure. You don’t have a lot of problems with targeted weight gain. Any weight you gain or lose is fairly proportionate across your figure. Not only is everything proportional, but your top and bottom have a fairly consistent width. To break up your figure, emphasize your hips and legs. This will give the impression that you have a curvier frame. Try to elongate you upper body by using longer line and shapes in your tops. Draw attention to your legs and thighs with a well cut pair of jeans. When shopping for a jacket, try for something that falls below the lower hips will add length your torso and de-emphasize the rectangular shape. Look for straight, tailored skirts, or dresses with a drop waist. Avoid belts and wraps that will thicken your waist – they’re not your friend.
I hope this article has given you some ideas for using plus size clothes to accentuate your strengths and minimize your weaknesses. It’s a crazy world of fashion out there, and if you don’t have a plan you’re sure to fail. Inform yourself and look fabulous.