4 STYLING TIPS FOR PLUS-SIZE FASHIONISTAS

I love clothing, and I really wish I had more of it. But, style has become really important to me. However, a lot of people don’t understand that some traditional style suggestions might not work well for plus size ladies in particular.
 
I want to make it clear that I believe anyone should be able to wear whatever they want! These are just suggestions to make your photos look better and to make your other friends envious of your style. PLEASE also know that I am not an expert, but a plus-size gal with 25 years of experience in a plus-size body!
 
So, here are a few tips:

1: OPT FOR VERTICAL STRIPES

Photo by Artem Beliaikin @belart84 from Pexels

If you’re like me and you are plus size and short, you should opt for vertical stripes on your clothing. Horizontal stripes can make you look wider and can accentuate lumps and bumps that you might want to keep hidden.

However, vertical stripes give a lengthening effect, making you look taller and drawing the eyes to the top and bottom of your body, rather than from side to side.

2: THINK BIG WITH ACCESSORIES (FOR THE MOST PART)

When it comes to accessories, the experts agree that larger statement jewelry and other accessories look great. 

Since I got some contacts, I have been loving accessories like sunglasses. I bought this pair for a special baseball game a few weeks ago. However, I've loved them since. 

I myself noticed that my face seemed a lot smaller when I wore sunglasses with larger frames. This is because the attention is moved on to your glasses, giving your face the appearance that it’s shapelier.
 
I personally like aviator sunglasses!

I've also really loved statement jewelry. Experts say that smaller pieces can sometimes seem super tiny on us larger ladies (no offense intended from these experts). You could also try a head accessory like a bow or ear/head wrap in colder months (like the one below made by my awesome mama)!

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Don’t settle for basic, baby □□ Extraordinary is where it’s at!⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Feeling so confident in myself today. It’s amazing what recognizing your own talents, abilities, and greatness can do for you. ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ Take today by the horns and give em heck! Happy Friday, everyone! Also, tell me in the comments which you like better: picture one or two?⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ #plussizeblogger #prettyandplussize #plussizebloggers #bodyconfidence #confident #whatswrongwithbringconfident #extraordinary #beautiful #lifestyleblogger #youtuber #happyfriday #freshfriday #friday #cheerstothefreakinweekend #photoshoot #nature #pretty #ladylike

A post shared by Gabbie (@gemusiclover) on Jun 21, 2019 at 4:35am PDT

3: PLAY WITH PRINTS

Again, if you’re wanting to look slimmer in particular, you should try to play with different patterns. Patterns can distract from lumps and bumps as well. I really love floral patterns as well as tie-dye.

The photo to the left is one of Jonathan and I's engagement photos (we're married now)! This dress has a floral print.

I also love skull prints. My college graduation dress was black with neon skulls on it. I loved it and still have it!

4: DRESS FOR YOUR BODY SHAPE

Within the plus-size community, there are different body types. The key to feeling and looking great in your outfits is dressing for your body type. There are five main body types: hourglass, pear/triangle, inverted triangle, rectangle, and oval.
 
Each body type can style themselves specifically to cater to the curves in a fashionable way. 

I believe that I have more of an apple figure, as I carry most of my weight in my midsection. I love dresses that taper just under the bust and flare out. This, for my body type, draws attention away from my midsection!

I really liked this blog that explains body shape. Scroll down, click the shapes, read the description, and find which shape you believe fits you best: http://www.thechicfashionista.com/body-shapes.html