Dress to Impress: 10 Must-Know Styling Tips for Plus Size Women

Payal Shah

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10 Must Know Styling Tips for Plus Size Women

It can be difficult to find fashionable clothes when you’re a plus size women. 

In a fashion industry that refuses to conform to plus sizes, finding clothing that fits properly, is comfortable, and gives you a sense of self-worth and beauty is difficult. The good news is that you are visible and audible to Bamboo Body. 

10 Must Know Styling Tips for Plus Size Women

There is something for everyone with a wide selection of styles ranging from XXS to 4XL. 

You can quickly build a wardrobe that is both stylish and flattering with an inclusive selection of clothing in fit and flattering styles, along with the right tips and tricks.

1. Accept and love the body you have now

Understanding our bodies as they are today helps us focus on what works for us NOW rather than worrying about tomorrow or next year. 

Too many of us have been conditioned to think of our current bodies as temporary or works in progress. 

You should not be concerned about the size of the tag or anything else about your body that might or might not change. Put on what fits the way it is right now.

plus size fashionable clothes
Image Source – Pinterest.com

2. Know what kind of body you have

Knowing your measurements should make it easier for you to identify your body type

Body types are commonly referred to by “fruit names,” such as apple and pear shapes, as well as “shape names,” such as hourglass or inverted triangles.

Whatever you call these body types, it’s useful to know about them because there’s a ton of excellent information about how to dress different body types online.

plus size dress for different body types
Image Source – Pinterest.com

Body Shape Examples:

  • Pear shape or Triangle; widest at the hip
  • Shape of an apple or inverted triangle: Widest in the stomach or waist
  • Hourglass Shape: A smaller waist and nearly equal hip and bust measurements
  • Column or Rectangle Shape: The measurements of the hips, waist, and bust are nearly identical.

3. Choose the color scheme that you think works best for plus size women

To be honest, I love to share this tip, but I don’t always follow it to the letter. Certain clothing colors will indeed enhance your appearance the most depending on the color of your skin, hair, and eyes. 

But I say go ahead and wear a color you really love even if it’s not your “ideal” color.

This useful graphic will help you choose colors for clothing according to your skin tone:

plus size clothing colors
Image Source – Pinterest.com

After identifying your “season” using the original graphic, you can find out more about the colors that go best on you here:

For the record, I’m categorized as an Autumn. I have brown eyes, dark hair, and easily tan skin. Though I do think I look best in the colors associated with fall, I also adore wearing black, white, and grey. 

Even though they may not exactly match my ideal color scheme, I still wear them because I like them.

While trying to choose new clothes for myself, I find it VERY helpful to keep this information in mind, even though I don’t always follow the recommendations. I usually choose the top that is the “right” color for me if I can’t decide between the two.

plus size ideal color clothes
Image Source – Pinterest.com

4. Fit is everything

Even if you find the most exquisite item of apparel, it won’t fit you properly and won’t be useful. As you are aware, there are wide variations in plus size bodies among individuals. 

I can almost assure you that if you take a look at ten women who wear a size 26 or 28, the same clothes won’t fit all of them in the same sizes.

Some of us are taller or shorter, have different body types, and some have shorter arms. This makes purchasing apparel “off the rack” exceedingly challenging. Not only does this apply to plus-size women, but it also holds true for thin women.

Certain items, such as sweaters or tops, are very flexible and don’t require alterations, but many times, items like coats, dresses, and jeans require a little assistance to fit your body specifically.

5. Understand your body measurements

When working with a personal styling client, one of the first things I ask them to do is to purchase a fabric tape measure and measure their body.

It is almost impossible to depend on clothing sizes to be in tune from brand to brand or even between styles within the same brand, especially considering how much plus size women are forced to shop online. 

It’s essential to know your precise measurements when shopping for clothing that fits your body type and to compare them to size charts.

plus size body measurements
Image Source – Pinterest.com

6. Make an investment in greater quality wardrobe essentials.

Adding trendy pieces, vibrant colors, and patterns to your wardrobe on a budget is a great idea.

But for essentials like well-fitting jeans, a flawless t-shirt, a cozy cashmere sweater, etc. Investing in quality seems like a very wise decision. 

Universal Standard is one of our go to sources for superior wardrobe essentials. They have excellent quality clothing available in sizes 00–40.

plus size wardrobe essentials
Image Source – Pinterest.com

7. Try out new things without taking any risks

It can be challenging to discover or alter your personal style because you have to try a lot of different things before you find what you love. 

You can try on a ton of different styles without having to commit to buying them by using a clothing rental service.

8. Don’t worry about the numbers, fit is more important than size

The sizing varies for each brand. In one brand, you might wear an XL, but in another, a 3X. 

It’s crucial to remember that your clothes size has nothing to do with your value or worth. To be honest, you are the only one who will notice the size of the tag.

plus size clothes that fits your body
Image Source – Pinterest.com

The way your clothes fit is what they WILL notice. Choose the size that fits your body the best.

9. Don’t be scared to follow your passions and steer clear of trends

Just add, in direct opposition to my previous statement, that there is NO law requiring you to follow trends. 

Since they don’t fit with my lifestyle or I don’t like them, I personally avoid about 80% of the new trends that come out each year.

It’s VERY wise in so many ways to create a timeless look that will last for years to come. You can shop and get dressed more easily, save money, etc.

plus size new clothing trends
Image Source – Pinterest.com

10. Show your confidence with a smile

You’ll look even better when you’re comfortable in your clothing. I’m frequently asked how to become more frequent, and the answer is that it requires practice. 

We must constantly strive to increase our sense of self-worth, and confidence develops over time.

Learning how to dress in a way that makes you feel good about yourself is a great place to start when trying to build more confidence in your day to day activities.

Conclusion

You will become a better version of yourself if you put these stylish look tips into everyday life. But you also need to put some effort into figuring out which style best fits your body type. Finding yourself is a journey, and the best way to start is small.

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