Plus size women are constantly criticized and scrutinized about their looks, body size and sense of fashion. These women often receive advice on how they should look based on their body height, shape, and size.
Mass media tells plus size women that they aren’t as healthy, beautiful or vibrant as their counterparts with smaller bodies. These assertions affect how plus size women feel about their self-worth. Social media also promotes body shaming and unrealistic beauty standards thanks to the overuse of filters and photoshopping.
Plus size women are frequently shamed for even their fashion sense. The fashion industry is keen on dictating what plus size women should or should not wear. Most fashion designers advice plus size women to wear all black or avoid plus size clothes. They believe that trendy fashion isn’t for the plus size woman.
As a result, women have been subjected to rules that govern how plus size women dress and what they can or cannot wear. The rules have only masked women’s attractive, full figures, atop perpetuating hate.
The myth that voluptuous women aren’t sexy is wrong. There’s also the myth that plus size women should only use clothing to hide or camouflage their “flaws.” What needs fixing is the wrong notions about plus size women and how they should dress. Plus size clothing does not have to be frumpy or drab.
The fashion elite has restricted women’s sense of fashion and style, atop giving them no options with regards to what they can wear.
It would only be sensible for plus size women to break the “rules” and take their style to the next level. Rules are meant to be broken to come up with a fun, free and expressive fashion sense.
Here are five rules you can break to get you out of your comfort zone and develop a sense of pride in your body, looks and how you feel about yourself:
5 Fashion Rules that Every Plus Size Woman Should Break to Dress in Style
- No skinny jeans for plus size
Denim is a wardrobe staple for all women, despite their sizes. And, the most versatile look for plus size women is the “skinny” silhouette.
Depending on what you pair with your skinny jeans, you can either dress up or down to achieve your desired look. Customize your skinny jeans or denim of choice to create a timeless or classic fashion style that speaks you.
Pair your skinny jeans with a denim top for a matching look. Accessorize with a layer of necklaces and gingham flats for an elevated look.
- Don’t wear horizontal stripes and body-con dresses
Prints are adorable and striped outfits usually top fashion lists. There’s a way they strike a balance between the current and classic. The fashion rule has it that plus size women shouldn’t wear horizontal stripes.
Whether you love your stripes vertical or horizontal, let no rule stop you from rocking your favorite outfit or what you want. Wear it with lots of pride to express your unique style.
Stripes fall in the groups of neutral and create an optical illusion. Pair a striped dress with a distressed denim jacket to create a simple yet beautiful layer. Add pops of color in your outfit for visual interest.
Body-con dresses don’t have to show your flaws but reveal your curves. Don’t hide under frumpy plus size dresses that don’t add any shape. Instead, work with what you have or pick stylish plus size dresses to accentuate curves.
- Jumpsuits are only for skinny women; don’t wear them
Jumpsuits are all the rage in the fashion industry and isn’t going out of fashion soon. The one-piece outfit is popular and an easy way to achieve a stylish look.
All women can adorn jumpsuits for a stylish summer look. Choose a color and silhouette to rock in confidence and express your personality.
Pick a bold-colored floral to pair with your summer shoes. Break a monochrome look with a contrasting belt and make a bold statement.
If you’re a plus size woman over 40 years, opt for rompers made from soft fabrics of high quality and in solid dark colors.
- Prints emphasize your flaws; avoid all-over prints
A pop of print can transform your look. Choose colors in the same family or smaller prints (or patterns) to pair with a solid color if you don’t want to go overboard. Tuck in your top and wear sleek heels for a polished look.
Pair printed pants with a checkered shirt and layer a printed blazer over it for a sophisticated touch. Make sure the pants and blazer are in the same color family for a clean, modern look. The shirt can be in a light color to brighten your outfit.
A vibrant print maxi dress isn’t overwhelming but stylish, giving a flowy silhouette look in summer. Tone down your brightly-colored print outfit with a neutral accessory for a balanced look. Change your silhouette with a tassel belt.
- White clothes aren’t for plus size women; avoid them.
White is a perfect summer color with a chic look. Whether you decide to rock white in a denim or dress, you’ll look totally amazing. What’s more, it gives you a blank canvas to play with other colors.
Without the fear of spilling drinks on your white outfit, you can look amazing in white. Create interest with contrasting textures and colored accessories. A monochromatic look from head to toe is a great way to make visual impact.
Pick a top with white details or a boho blouse in an appealing pop of color to pair with a completely white bottom for a modern look.
Conclusion
There’s a lot of myths out there about plus size styling. But, curvy women have permission to dress as they wish, and don’t need to stick to any rigid ‘dos and don’ts. Dress in whatever print, style or silhouette you want without letting fashion rules be a hindrance.
Don’t be afraid to break the fashion “rules” that have restricted plus size women from wearing their favorite outfits. Dress beyond the “rules” that purport to teach you how to dress your plus size body and hide your “problem” areas.
After all, fashion is all about wearing your favorite outfits and what feels comfortable.
Author Bio: Leanne Lee loves fashion to no end so she writes about it with Blue Bungalow, reads about it and basically lives and breathes it everyday. She’s an avid collector of oversized handbags, indoor cacti, and loves a good G&T to cap off the week.