We all know the basic fashion laws and the dos and don’ts that women’s magazines reiterate each season. What can be confusing though is how those fashion laws translate for plus-size clothing. By focusing on just a few of the most common dos and don’ts, we can create great plus-size fashion options for everyday wear.
Black Makes You Look Great.
Well, to tell the truth, it does, but that does not make it a hard and fast rule. Black makes anyone look great because it has the ability to fool the eye. The dark color helps to mask the imperfections that we all try so hard to hide. Think about it: creases are not nearly as obvious in black fabric as they are in brightly colored or white fabric.
The silhouette that black creates also benefits from the lack of attention brought to the edges of the body. We associate the color black with elegance (black-tie, for example), with a lack of color and, at times, with somberness. The color also works well on most people despite the range of skin tones and complexions within the human race.
Furthermore, black goes well with the majority of other colors in our wardrobes; we can wear it with nearly anything we choose. It is a classic and timeless for a reason.
However, black alone is not a savior. There are all-black dresses whose cuts or fabrics draw attention to the exact areas one hopes to make uninteresting. There are standard black pants with seaming that can make the skinniest model look bloated and misshapen.
Quite simply, the cut of black garments and the fitting of individual items on each person affect how the color can or cannot work its magic. Beware also the assumption that an all-black ensemble is the best choice. Truly, black should be accessorized well with other, eye-catching objects and fabrics.
Jewelry deserves twice as much attention against a black background and leads the eye strategically away from problem areas. Fun textures and fabrics also make black interesting while still allowing it to help create a sleek silhouette.
Horizontal Stripes Make You Look Fat, Vertical Stripes Make You Look Tall.
Though in general the advice behind the theory that horizontal stripes are a no-no and vertical stripes are great makes sense, the truth is that there are too many exceptions to the rule to make it worth much. The idea is that horizontal stripes grab the eye and pull it from side to side, emphasizing the bulk of the body.
When wearing bold, bright, thick, and chunky stripes (think of the typical black and white jailbird outfit), it is true that horizontal stripes are rarely flattering. However, those same chunky stripes, unless on a very well-cut garment, are not flattering vertically either.
What is flattering though, are vertical pinstripes. Choose items with a fine, small striped pattern. The lines should be subtle enough to draw the eye without creating the same type of bold visual images that chunky lines would. Simply put, the smaller and more professional looking pinstripe pattern is far more forgiving than bold graphic lines.
Baggy Hides Bulges.
This is a myth that tends to be fairly pervasive in the plus-size community and with manufacturers who produce plus-size clothing. To be perfectly blunt, it is a flat out lie: baggy clothing does not flatter plus-size people. The reason it fails to work well is that is essentially serves to render us shapeless.
The excess fabric, draping, pleating and folds serve to hide the body, yes, but only by making it appear larger and usually tent-like. Though individual bulges are covered, the overall effect is not flattering.
Instead, the exact opposite of the rule works best; fitted clothing flatters plus-size figures. Though skin-tight and hugging garments are neither comfortable nor particularly attractive, tailored items that accentuate the shape of the body are ideal. You should always be able to move well in your clothing – do not buy items that are tight or restricting –
but do look for clothes that fit well. Also, remember that the most important rule is to feel comfortable and beautiful in whatever you choose; confidence is the best accessory.
but do look
