Plus size fashion tips for plus size women. How full figured women should dress to look good and feel good.

Plus size fashion is a growing industry so the good news is there will be more choices for plus size women when it comes to finding the clothing styles we seek. While full figured women already have plenty of options when it comes to fabulous styles we still need tips and pointers for finding fashion clothing that flatter and make us feel good. Plus size fashion selection is about proportion, not size. When plus size women and full figured women shop we should not think of our size as a reference number on a tag. The right size reflects our proportions and the right features compliment our figures.

So tip one for plus size fashion clothing is do not fool your self about your dress size. This applies to plus size women and full figured women alike. Womens clothing needs to be well tailored and well fitting in order to appear complimentary. Tight clothes will not appear slimming - quite the opposite and the same applies to wearing loose baggy clothing where you may think it is the "safe" option. Baggy clothing will exaggerate your figure and make you seem bigger than you are, as well as appearing untidy and sometimes "too casual". So to re-enforce this tip ..... Choose the size that is right for you NOT that reference number on a tag.

Tip two is to try on all of your favourite plus size fashion clothing at home and take notes of how they fit and flatter you. Plus size women and full figured women need to be somewhat scientific about shopping, and their clothing selections, taking particular attention to body shape, proportion and colours. It is important then to have an idea at least of the style in womens clothing that you feel your best wearing then shop for similar colours, fabrics, shapes and lengths.

Colours -Tip three. In plus size fashion we all know that black is an obvious choice for plus size women as it hides a multitude of sins what ever size, body shape, or age we are. The downside of course is when we find ourselves in a room full of other full figured women all wearing black. But do not be tempted to stray too far away from safety as darker colours are always a safer bet than lighter, pale colours. Classic greys, olives, browns, burgundies and other autumnal colours are all safe alternatives to black. Any one colour worn head to toe (monochromatic) in a clean, unbroken line will produce a dynamically slimming effect. This style doesn't have to look boring - mix textures to keep the look interesting, i.e. knits with leather. For the most flattering use of colours do not mix and match too much. Try wearing tops and bottoms in solid colours - the same colour flowing throughout the outfit will accentuate your height and take attention away from problem areas such as hips, stomach and thighs.

Tip four - Patterns and fabrics. Avoid horizontal stripes in plus size fashion as they will emphasize any problem areas by guiding the eyes across the body instead of from top to bottom. As a general rule for plus size women and full figured women the less pattern there is in an outfit the better the result in terms of creating a complimentary look. If you really must have a pattern then choose something smaller and keep away from bold patterns as they will promote a more broad appearance. The darker a print's background the more complimentary the look. Similarly, if you cannot live without stripes then go with vertical ones and the thinner the stripe the better. Shiny fabrics should be avoided, as should thick fabrics or stretchy fabrics such as Lycra. Thinner matt fabrics are best.

Styles, is my tip five. Length is the key word when deciding upon plus size fashion style of tops and bottoms. Long jackets should be single breasted as opposed to double breasted again to focus away from width. Longer length skirts are more flattering when they are straight and not flared. Pleats should be avoided in plus size womens clothing styles. A well cut suit is one of the most flattering outfits full figured women can own and remember dark tones create a long line. If your arms are wide at the top then avoid short sleeved or sleeveless tops as these will immediately attract attention to your arms. A slim V-neck makes the neck appear longer and is usually very flattering. A short necklace can also shorten the neck. Boatnecks are great for minimizing waists and hips, while maximizing shoulders, however, avoid if you have broad shoulders. If your legs are fuller inside, try a side slit skirt and if your legs are fuller outside a mid-front or back slit is a better choice.

Accessories for plus size fashion is my tip six. This is where you can use splashes of colour of you wish and for plus size women this is a must area for diverting the eye away from any problem areas. Bold and beautiful necklaces, bangles, and earrings should be coordinated with matching nail varnish and lipstick. Coordinated effectively these could be the things people remember most about the outfit. Full figured women should avoid wearing belts and broaches as they draw the eye to areas that may be less flattering. Also, do not under estimate the importance of a flattering pair of shoes to match your outfit. A pair of high heels will give the impression of length and detract away from width. Shoes with straps shorten the legs. An oversized handbag makes a great accessory, a small bag will make your figure appear larger. Choose a shape that flatters i.e square shapes compliment a round figure and make sure the strap length doesn't land the bag in a problem area e.g. don't let it rest on full hips. 

I hope you find my tips useful and as always if you have any positive suggestions of your own that you would like to share then please send them to me direct at:  Carole@fullerfigurelifestyles.co.uk

Remember, when you have discovered your own look good-feel good factor by using my tips be confident and walk tall !

Another excellent resource for helping you with your fashion style can be found here at :- Personality ( Right click on the link and open in a new window )

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