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10 Ride or Die Plus Size Fashion Tips

The nature of my plus size fashion tips have evolved over the years. There was a time when I was writing mostly about where you could find stylish plus sized clothes. While curvy women still don’t have the selection that straighter women have, the options have opened up quite a bit in the last few years.

Even better, plus size retailers are actually using curvy models — so there’s a growing catalog of inspiring photos of fashionable, sexy women who also happen to wear larger sizes.

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Lean on this new generation of plus size models to inspire your shopping — oh and here are 10 essential plus size fashion tips that’ll help, too.

Plus size fashion tips for effortless style

1. Build on great foundation garments

Invest in a good, supportive bra. It’s likely you are wearing the wrong bra size, so connect with a bra fitter to size you.

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Equally important are your panties. You don’t need shapewear that’s going to squeeze you into a nonhuman shape. You need panties that fit your body, without adding pinches, pulls, or dents that aren’t there when you’re naked.

2. Know your shape and your measurements

Model wears plus size red leather top.
This is a super stylish and balanced outfit for the model’s shape. It’s tough to beat Eloquii’s faux leather twist front top for $80.

Are you an hourglass or an apple? An inverted triangle or a pear? Knowing your shape goes a looong way to help you quickly pick out clothes that will flatter.

Similarly, knowing your measurements spares you from endless returns of your online purchases. Measure your waist, hips, thighs, and chest. Then check the sizing chart before you “add to cart.”

This is an unfortunate necessity, because every brand cuts differently. If the chart doesn’t have a size that aligns with your shape, then that style simply isn’t workable for you.

A related note: Don’t get hung on your size. Sometimes you have to go up or down a size. If you’re attached to being one specific number, you’ll have fewer options when you shop.

3. Wear clothes that hug your body

Baggy clothes don’t look good on anyone.

Instead, choose garments that show your shape. You can do this in a modest way with wrap styles, belts, pencil skirts, A-line skirts and dresses, tucked-in blouses, and high-waisted bottoms. If you’re bolder, try showing your curves with crop tops or bandage dresses.

4. Don’t underestimate non-plus size stores

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You wouldn’t know by the picture, but these stylish Ann Taylor pants are available in up to size 18. Shop Ann Taylor.

Many stores that aren’t strictly plus size still carry styles that work for a plus size body. Ann Taylor and Loft actually carry sizes up to an 18 and size 16 petite. Gap carries style up to XXL and 20 online.

Fast fashion stores H&M and Forever 21 have trendy, affordable plus collections, too.

5. Try things on

It’s easy to look at something and decide it won’t work for your body. But you can’t know that until you try it on.

If you don’t live near a mall, shop at online stores that offer free returns. Or, use Amazon Try Before You Buy.

6. Recognize when you’re shopping junior plus

The trendier plus size brands typically size for junior plus sizes. So, don’t stress when you are usually a 1X-14/16 and find yourself squeezing into a 3X-22/24.

Junior sizes are often sized with odd and even numbers. For example, some junior plus size brands size from 13/14, 15/16 and plus size women’s brands size at 14/16, 18/20.

Junior sizes are cut for teens. While plus size women can fit junior sizes, the numbers may be different. This is another reason to try it on or, for online buys, check the sizing chart.

7. Manage chub rub

You don’t have to be plus size to experience chaffing from your inner thighs rubbing together aka chub rub. It’s mostly a spring and summer problem, when we wear our cute little skirts and dresses with bare legs.

To combat chub rub, try a chaffing cream like Monistat’s chaffing relief powder gel. Keep some on hand. Because if you’re not comfortable, it’s hard to be stylish.

8. Forget the rules

Ready to purge some dated fashion rules? You can wear horizontal stripes. You can wear bright colors and patterns. You can wear shorts, tight dresses, and crop tops. Find the right fit for your body and there’s no style, texture, or color scheme that’s not allowed for the plus-sized body.

9. Get a tailor

Have you ever bought a blazer in your correct size but it won’t button? And the next size up is entirely too big? A tailor could take in some fabric from the bigger size and turn that blazer into a custom-fit piece. The same can happen with pants and jeans.

It’s rare for plus size women to get a perfect fit with clothes off the rack. You’ll find that having a good tailor can be life-changing.

10. Get inspired by midrange plus brands

I have nothing against H&M and Forever 21, but sometimes you have to scroll through lots of marginal pieces before you find wearable, plus size garments. The process is far less frustrating when you jump right into searching for something specific, like a belted blazer or high-waisted, wide-legged pant.

To get to that level of specificity, try window shopping midrange plus collections from 11 Honore and Karen Millen to get a sense of what you like. You may not be able to stomach the price points, but you’ll refine your style enough to find cheaper options elsewhere.

TC

Tuesday 4th of February 2014

I love this!

ma7moudEGYPT

Friday 24th of January 2014

oh yes

nikils

Tuesday 12th of February 2013

Well...I was digging this article until that last bit.  Ten extra pounds does NOT make a person plus size.

Check it

Tuesday 23rd of April 2013

It says you DON'T have to WAIT to lose those extra 10 pounds to wear a sexy dress. Not if you have an extra 10 pounds you're a plus size.!

Vanessa

Sunday 10th of June 2012

Hi. I love your fashion advice, especially for the plus size woman. I say an archive photo of a color block black/white knit dress that I believe you posted in September 2011. I would love to know if this dress is available to purchase. If you can help in any way I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks, Vanessa Allen

MonicaRenee

Wednesday 28th of September 2011

Absolute Genius

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