Flaunt Your Figure: Proven Outfit Styling Tips for Plus-Size Women
By throwing size stereotypes out the window, plus-size women can now enjoy stylish versatility – from flowing maxi dresses to statement denim. The key to mastering outfit styling involves knowing your body shape, favorite fabrics, and nine essential styling elements.
Know Your Silhouette
Understanding your body shape is crucial for creating flattering outfits. Pear-shaped women can balance their hips with a belted waist garment, such as a peplum top or a flowy skirt. For an hourglass figure, accentuate your curves with A-line dresses and flared pants, which can be styled with a fitted white button-down shirt to create a balanced look. Apple-shaped figures demand longer hemlines and streamlined silhouettes.
Find Flattering Fabrics and Textures
When choosing fabrics, opt for breathable, light options like cotton, rayon, or voile, which will keep you cool and offer a soft, fluid drape that skims over curves. A crisp linen shirt against a flowing silk dress is an excellent example of contrasting textures that add depth to outfits.
Play with Patterns and Colors
When working with bold patterns like polka dots or stripes, balance out the visual chaos by focusing on one dominant pattern piece per outfit. Classic solids like black, navy, or white serve as perfect neutral backdrops for brighter prints. To enhance your features, try pairing a statement red lip color with a neutral-toned dress.
Maximize Complimentary Colors
Employ a monochromatic color palette complemented with analogous and triadic color combinations to ensure your wardrobe works together. Complementary colors like blue and orange create a visually pleasing contrast that draws the eye to specific features of your body. Warm neutrals like golden beige and cool neutrals like pale gray often serve as the most forgiving options for plus-size frames.
Short Charles and Puffed Sleeves: Key Details
Lengthen your outfit with short sleeves or shorter jackets, which can be styled with a pair of skinny white jeans for a chic look. Avoid tight cuffs and add emphasis to your best features with a draped windowpane jacket or a soft drape A-line skirt. For accentuating shoulders, soft, relaxed-fit tops with light shoulder pads or bell sleeves are excellent choices.
Quick Style Wins
- Pair block-colored dresses with high heels for confident flair.
- Emphasize your upper body with turtle-neck tops and matching cardigans.