It’s important to never underestimate the power of your clothing.
Clothes have the ability to boost your mood and bring out your best features.
They also allow you to express your individuality and personality.
Wearing clothes that make you feel great can give you confidence and make you exude a radiance and happiness from within.
Fashion is for everyone no matter your size or body shape.
Once upon a time you would only see skinny models on the catwalks and in ads, which has been incredibly difficult for plus size women.
Fortunately, the fashion industry is moving in the right direction and becoming more inclusive of curvy women.
There are numerous brands which support plus size bodies and stock larger sizes of all their most stylish pieces.
There are also lots of great fashion tips for plus size women below to help you make the most of your curves and enjoy all that fashion has to offer you.
21 essential fashion tips for plus size women
If you’re a plus-size woman wanting to up her fashion game, here are some great fashion tips for plus size women to help you out.
1. Enjoy what you wear
Fashion should be fun and you should never feel depressed by your clothing, no matter the size on the label.
Don’t think that you can’t try out the latest trends just because you are plus size.
The plus size style tips below will encourage you to think about clothing and fashion as a way to enhance what you have, not hide it away.
2. Accept yourself as you are today
If you’ve fallen into the trap before of only waiting to buy a cute outfit once you’re slimmer, you’re not alone.
Many of us are guilty of shying away from fashion and believing we have to lose weight to wear nice clothes.
The best solution to this is to learn to accept your body as it is and embrace your own beautiful curves.
By always waiting to enjoy yourself with fashion, you’re doing your current self a disservice and missing out on how amazing clothes can make you feel once you get them right.
3. Avoid hiding yourself in oversized clothing
This is one of the best fashion tips for plus size women that really needs to be shouted from the rooftops.
Oversized and baggy clothes are not your friend even though you may feel that you need to cover yourself up to look good.
In fact, contrary to popular belief, covering yourself up in baggy clothing to hide your body serves to make you look bigger than you are and hides your best assets.
4. Focus on the fit, not the size on the label
This is one of the best style tips for everyone, whether you’re plus-sized or not.
The most important thing to consider when choosing clothes is how they fit on your own body.
Ill-fitting clothes look bad on anyone, so never be tempted to buy something which doesn’t fit just right.
If it’s too tight anywhere then it won’t look its best on you, so you should always try a bigger size than you think you are if this happens to ensure you get the perfect fit. Think about adaptive clothing which makes dressing easier.
If something doesn’t fit just right, you can look for a service like Nordstrom tailoring to have an item of clothing altered to fit you perfectly.
5. Polka dots for the win
Polka dot shirts and dresses have become an absolute staple for plus-size women.
This bold pattern tends to divert the eyes away from any areas you’re uncomfortable with while also oozing confidence and character.
A large-scale polka dot really packs a punch and is a great power style for new jobs, promotions or even a first date.
6. Cinch in at the waist
Plus size women look amazing when they show off their waist.
An hourglass figure is always considered beautiful and you can show this off by wearing clothing that nips in at the waist.
As well as the classic wrap dress, try shirt dresses with an actual waist.
Look for an elasticated waist or tie to create a nice hourglass figure.
You can also try adding a wide belt to pull clothing in around your waist.
Belted jumpsuits also look great on plus size figures.
7. Choose the right colors for you
No matter what you wear, make sure your clothes are colors that work well with your skin tone.
No plus size fashion tips will work effectively unless you learn which colors suit you and which don’t.
The right colors can really make all the difference, especially when it comes to wearing confident colors.
You should always stick to colors which bring out your best features and make your skin tone glow.
These might be dark colors in different tones but could also be bright colors that make you feel confident.
Find what works for you – you can even try a color stylist to help you find out which colors suit you best.
8. Be influenced
Social media is a really good place to go to find fashion tips for plus size people.
There are lots of plus size models and influencers sharing plus size fashion tips online.
Check out Instagram and TikTok to find people to follow who share their outfits of the day and great tips for finding the best plus size clothes in any season.
Follow people with the same body shape as you for some serious style inspiration.
9. Choose your shoes wisely
It’s not just clothes that can change how you look.
Shoes can also help balance proportions and slim down your legs.
Pointed toe shoes help to elongate the look of the leg, and of course heels always give a little help in that department.
Avoid shoes that are too chunky or which have large ankle straps as these can give the illusion of shorter or chunkier legs.
10. Go for quality not quantity
Fast fashion brands are tempting to go for because of cheaper prices.
However, if you’re looking for clothes which will flatter a plus size body and will last a long time, consider investing in better pieces for your wardrobe.
This is because more expensive brands tends to use better fabrics which not only last longer but which are also more flattering when worn.
Cheap fabrics don’t look as good as higher-quality fabrics, and this is true no matter who’s wearing them.
Look for clothes made from a high-quality wrinkle free fabric.
11. Don’t be afraid of prints
In a similar vein to polka dots, prints and patterns can be a great way to flaunt your personality through your clothes.
Stripes, gingham, floral prints and plaid can all be really flattering on any body shape.
There are no prints which don’t suit a plus size body so ignore any advice you’ve seen about avoiding horizontal stripes as they make you look wider.
This is actually not true (in fact, in one study people wearing vertical stripes were imagined to look bigger than those in horizontal stripes).
Like so many things when it comes to fashion, there are no hard and fast rules you should follow when it comes to prints.
12. Try block colors to elongate the body
If you want to appear taller and more streamlined, try wearing a single color on top and bottom.
This doesn’t necessarily mean black, which doesn’t actually flatter everyone.
Wearing one color from head to toe can make you appear taller
You could also try wearing just the same color plus size pants and shoes which has the effect of making your legs look longer.
13. Get the right underwear
If you’re not wearing the right underwear for you then your clothes won’t look as good as they could on you.
This is true no matter what size clothing you wear.
Department stores and underwear stores usually have bra fitting services where you can get matched with a good supportive bra.
The right bra can prevent back pain, enhance your figure and smooth out the look of your clothing from underneath.
You should never just dress for others. While your outfit might show your personality to the outside world, you should also believe in your own beauty.
That’s why you should invest in underwear that makes you feel sexy and fabulous – just for you, no one else.
14. Understand your body shape
Getting to know your true body type is essential when it comes to plus size fashion tips.
There are many body shapes among women and different ways to dress each body type.
For example, pear shapes have narrower top halves and wider hips. They can create balance by wearing pear shaped body outfits like dark pants with light colors on top, perhaps with ruffles or light shoulder pads.
A triangle shape would seek to balance out her wider shoulders and narrow hips by styling with A line skirts or wide-leg pants, paired with V neck tops.
Hourglass shapes look amazing in a pencil skirt, a wrap dress or anything with a belt that really shows off those curves.
Once you know your body type you can find lots of plus size clothing tips for that shape.
15. Look to others in Facebook groups
You’re not alone in looking for fashion tips for plus size women, and there are some great groups on social media to help you out.
These groups share styling advice, basic outfits for all plus size ladies, and tips for online shopping.
Just search Facebook for plus size styling groups and prepare to find inspiration for developing your own personal style from others who love to share their fashion finds.
You can also be the first to find out about sales going on at your favorite stores. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale dates are always a great opportunity to grab some bargains.
16. Choose structured jackets
One of the best fashion tips for plus size women mentioned above is to avoid shapeless garments, and this is particularly true when it comes to jackets.
Structured and fitted blazers and coats can be your best friends as a plus size woman, as well as fitted hoodies.
They can nip you in at the waist and give you that coveted hourglass shape.
17. Always stand up straight
Being conscious of your posture and standing up straight is one of the best ways to look better no matter what size outfit you wear.
Ensuring you stand up straight has so many other benefits too.
It’s great for improving circulation, preventing wear and tear on joints, and actually makes you look and feel more confident.
Clothes will look so much better on a body which stands up tall and doesn’t slouch forward.
18. Get to know your own measurements
Measuring yourself with a tape measure in all the right places is vital to get the right fit for all your clothes.
Get to know your bust measurement as well as that of your hips, waist, thighs and shoulders.
Once you have these to hand, ensure you check brand size charts when shopping online.
Sizes vary by brand and you should go by actual measurements and not the size you think you are.
You may actually be a larger size or a smaller size in some brands’ clothing.
This doesn’t matter; the main thing for looking your best at any size is getting the perfect fit in whatever you wear.
19. Accessories complete an outfit
No outfit is ever complete without the right accessories.
Cute accessories are a good way to take your outfit to the next level.
If you’re still lacking in confidence as a plus size woman when it comes to clothing, one of the best fashion tips for plus size ladies is to show off your personality with accessories.
A statement necklace, cute clutch with a pop of color, and shoes with bright colors are good ways to show off your personal style without making yourself feel uncomfortable.
20. Feeling really stuck? Try a personal stylist
If fashion isn’t your thing and you need a little help, try reaching out to a personal stylist who can lead the way.
Personal stylists can help you find the right colors and styles to suit your skin tone and body type.
They will put together a capsule wardrobe of pieces which really suit you.
A personal shopper can also find you your best outfit for special occasions or a date night.
21. Remember that these are only guidelines, not rules
When it comes to clothes and fashion there are no hard and fast rules to follow when it comes to, for example, what to wear to high tea.
The only guideline you really need to know is that you should wear what makes you feel comfortable and happy.
Fashion should be fun and if you want to go for that short skirt or crop top then don’t let being plus size stop you.
Your plus-size body is beautiful and deserves nice items of clothing which will make you feel your best.
However, if you would love to find out how to dress to really look your best then any of these plus size fashion tips will help.
Fashion tips for plus size women FAQs
These FAQs will go a long way towards helping you find the best clothes for your own body.
How do you know if clothes look good on you?
If your outfit is not a great option for you, it will be ill-fitting in some areas and may highlight any problem areas you’re seeking to detract from.
The colors may wash out your skin tone if they’re not the right ones to suit you.
Generally, if you feel uncomfortable in something then this is also a sign that this outfit isn’t going to make you feel your best.
Why don’t you look good in oversized clothes?
Oversized clothes make your body look bigger than it is, and hide your natural waist and curvaceous shape.
The shapeless style of oversized clothing does not usually flatter a plus size body which needs structured clothing and clothes of the right size.
Instead of oversized clothes, some good plus sized fashion tips are to try out wrap dresses, high rise trousers and structured jackets.
What clothes to avoid when overweight
Avoid shapeless and unstructured garments which will make you look like you have a round figure.
You should also avoid anything too tight which will make you feel uncomfortable, and this will knock your confidence.
Instead, go for well tailored clothes which skim your body and accentuate your waist.
How to not look frumpy when plus size
To avoid looking frumpy, get to know your body type and dress to flatter its proportions.
Try out new styles as long as they suit your body type.
Don’t be afraid of wearing big patterns, bright colors and leather jackets which can all make you look stylish and up to date.
These plus size style tips will ensure you look your best no matter the size on your clothes labels.
The great thing about fashion is that there are plenty of options out there to suit every different shape and size.
Follow these fashion tips for plus size ladies to let your personality shine out through your clothes and ensure you always feel your best in anything you wear.
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