Plus Size Fashion Advice

"Styling Tricks that Slim and Flatter Your Full-Figure Body"

Now that we've covered the basic plus size guidelines it's time to take a closer look at plus size fashion advice and styling tricks that will help you put together an outfit that will make you look leaner. Look at this as putting the fashion basics into practice!

Plus size dress from Igigi

Courtesy of Igigi
Now let's review some of the best styling tricks that help you look yummy with curves!

Plus Size Fashion Advice #1:
Dress Monochromatically

'Monochromatic' means wearing the same color but in different nuances (eg. chocolate brown, chestnut brown, beige), but can also work with colors that have the same value (light, medium or dark).

One of the best and safest ways to look slimmer is to wear dark or light colors in the same nuance from top to toe, like for example black pants and a dark blue top.

I know, it's one of the most boring fashion tips you can come by but you can never go wrong with it! Compared to wearing contrasting colors (which cuts up your frame) it makes the eye go up and down, instead of from side to side.

Monochromatic color blends help plus size women look leaner

Courtesy of Igigi
If you're tall, you can get away with color blocking but you need to work extra on selecting details that make the eye go up and down (eg. long pendant necklace).

Tip:

Learn how to put together a monochromatic outfit

Contrasting Colors Can Make You Bigger
High contrast color blends chop up your frame and make you look wider.

A trick if you can't live without the classic white tee and jeans look, is to top it off with a vest or jacket in a similar dark color and that "hooks" with the bottom garment. This creates a better vertical flow for the eye.

Plus Size Fashion Advice #2:
Vertical Details Are Your Best Friends

Long flowing cardigans can make full figure women look leaner

Courtesy of Avenue

... because they make people’s eye go up and down.

So select garments with strong vertical prints and details.

Examples are:

Zip front
Vertical cable knit texture
Pleats

Also be on the look-out for jewelry styles with a long, vertical pendant shape. Long beaded necklaces are good too.

How to Wear Navy Stripes
You can wear horizontal stripes but they look best on body parts that need some widening.

Stripes need to be medium to large-scaled. If you're petite go for medium - or close together stripes which create a ladder effect, drawing the eye up and down.

Focus on V-necks

Slim your full figure body with v-neck tops
Courtesy of Lane Bryant

They're the perfect neckline when you want your body to look thinner and longer.

If you have narrow shoulders then wear a slightly rounded neckline but add a long necklace or a necklace with a vertical pendant for maximum slimming effect.

The V-shape of the neckline is an excellent way to make the eye go up and down.

If you have a full bust, I suggest you to look for v-necks that stops right above your cleavage.

Wear Accessories Strategically

Wear your scarf dangling, accessory tip for plus size women
Courtesy of Macy's

For example, when it comes to scarves: wear it long and dangling (or let one of the end dangle freely) instead of bundling it up.

It can be an exception if you're a pear body shape and lack width and volume on top compared to your bottom.

If have a big bust, letting one of the ends dangle vertically is ideal. Bandana scarf styling create a v-shape that is slimming too.

Plus Size Fashion Advice #3:
Get the Right Fit

That means make sure the garment isn't too baggy or too tight on your body.

Monochromatic color blends help plus size women look leaner

Courtesy of V magazine
I know how tempting it is to hide behind tented clothing but it doesn't solve the problem, you'll only look heavier. Or if it's too tight it'll wrinkle when you move, and not least create lumps and bumps that widen your body frame.

Click here to learn how to take your body measurements, and if you're unsure of how plus sizes work click here.

Plus Size Fashion Advice #4:
Scale it to Your Size

Scale prints to your plus size body scale

Courtesy of Nordstrom

So wear wider belts (eg. the thickest skinny belt you can find!), bigger prints and bigger-scaled handbags.

If you're petite stick to medium-scale.

Small and dainty accessories will only make you look big in comparison. However you can wear small bracelets as long as you wear several of them in one to create a full, cascading effect.

Facial Features

Bigger features need to upscale the jewelry; if you have small features, make your jewelry smaller.

Bust Size

If you have a big bust you need bigger necklaces; smaller busts look better with delicate jewelry pieces.

This scaling guidelines also applies to scarves. Eg. Chunky knits and wide scarves work best on bigger busts.

Wrist and Hands

Bracelets, rings and watches should be scaled to the size of your hands, wrists and hands.

Learn how to select the right fashion costume jewelry

Calves, Ankles & Feet

Fuller and muscular calves need bigger details such as wider straps and thicker heel (eg. wedge instead of stiletto).

If you have slim and dainty feet and ankles, opt for fine straps and slimmer heels.

Learn how to select the right pair of womens shoes

Plus Size Fashion Advice #5:
Invest in a Couple of Plus Size Shapewear

Courtesy of Bare Necessities

They'll trim and tuck in your frame whenever you need it! Like for special occasions or when a top becomes slightly tight on your bloated stomach after a heavy lunch.

Body shapers work like magic on the extra lumps and bumps. Learn more about plus size shapewear

Great fitting underwear is super-important, especially bras! They hold up a big bust and lifts it up to reveal your torso which makes you look leaner. If your underwear doesn't fit properly it’s going to bulge strangely underneath your clothes and make you look bulky.

Great sites to shop for large bras and plus size shapewear:

Plus Size Fashion Advice #6:
Nipped Tops

Plus size nipped dress from Bloomingdales

Courtesy of Bloomingdales

The wider your waist looks, the heavier you'll look. Just take a look at some of the slim Rectangles. They're thin but they still look bigger than they are because of their lack of waist definition.

A slim waist can visually take 10 pounds off your frame. And it also creates a sexy and appealing hourglass silhouette. So if your waist is on the wider or fuller side, wear clothes that nip at the thinnest part of your waist.

However if you have a full mid-section, stick to empire cut to skim over the tummy. It's nipped right below your bust, instead of at the waist.