Body shape and plus size fashion. Some basics that we full figured women and plus size women  need to know.

It's important to know your body shape from the start if you are going to make informed choices on plus size fashion clothing. Like all women, full figured women and plus size women come in a variety of shapes and sizes but knowing your body shape can help you pinpoint those flattering plus size fashion styles. Apparently there are four typical body types that most full figured women and plus size women fall under but I suspect most of us are variations on a range of body types !  Anyway, I'll describe the typical body types with my suggestions for flattering fashion clothing with additional tips for those of us who perhaps fall outside of being called "typical".  

Body shape One: The "hourglass" figure. Probably not a figure associated too much with plus size fashion styles and designs but it can be a shape of many full figured women. This shape is curvy with a waistline that is at least 8 inches smaller than your bust and hips. Typically the hips, waist and bust will be in balanced proportion but for the most plus size women, un-typically, hips will be bigger or smaller and busts will be larger or smaller. Dress to flatter your best features and your proportions not to what you think your dress size is. Where you have a defined waistline wearing a belt will accentuate that feature. Try tailored separates in soft drapey fabrics and styles with vertical lines. Remember you may be a size 16 top but an 18 bottom so dress to your proportions. Avoid wearing wide belts, clingy knits, baggy jackets or full skirts.

Body shape Two: The "rectangular" figure. Where shoulders, hips and waist have similar measurements giving you a straight figure with undefined waistline. Plus size fashion selections have to be sensitive to the lack of shape with full figured women and plus size women advisably staying with darker autumnal colours. Accentuate curves by wearing jackets or tops that hug the waist. Use patterns in your tops or bottoms to add dimension but not bold patterns and preferably with a darker background. Avoid horizontal stripes. Adjustable belts should be loosely tied at the waist. Try knits in long figure flattering silhouettes and one-piece dresses with drop waists. Round out the neckline with necklaces, scarves and other accessories. Avoid bright colours, shiny and stretchy fabrics, baggy clothing, and full skirts or pants.

Body shape Three: The "pear" shape figure. Where curvy hips and thighs are wider than your shoulders and bust. Plus size fashion choices for full figured women and plus size women having this type of figure should include womens clothing with thin vertical lines which tend to draw out the figure and make the illusion of a longer proportioned body. V-necks and skirts with slits up the side are appropriate fashion choices as are clothes with small padded shoulders. Wear long A-line skirts softly pleated with a length to just below the knees. Make sure any long tops you wear finish passed your hips. Lighter colours on top can be worn as this brings the eyes away from the hips. Wear dark stockings / tights, avoid patterns and bulky fabrics. Do not wear short or tight skirts, slim, narrow-legged pants or pinafore skirts. Choose accessories close to the same colour of the clothes you wear including the shoes. This gives your body an unbroken longer look.

Body shape Four: The upside down pear shape figure. The opposite to shape three with a more rounded figure overall, a full bust, waist and upper back, but hips and legs are proportionately slim. Your choice in plus size fashion for this figure should include V-neck tops, long jackets without shoulder pads, and loose fitting tops over slim pants or narrow skirts. Full figured women and plus size women of this shape should also choose darker colours on tops, avoid blouses with fancy details, pockets and ruffles. Tops with dolman or raglan sleeves that fit loose and slim down to hug the hips and waist are good choices. Do not wear  tops of clingy fabrics. Wear pants or skirts that are pleated to bring the eye down. Choose thin materials like cotton and wear one colour from head to toe in a clean un-broken line to lengthen your shape. Flat shoes are best unless you are short in height then wear heels. If you have good legs shorter hem lengths will draw attention away from your top.

Remember, your body shape determines the styles you should be looking for in plus size fashion. The right styles should draw attention to your best features.

For more guidance on Body shape and fashion styles I think this site is excellent. Right click on the Add and view in a new window:-

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

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