Plus Size Fashion Tips by Ashley

My name is Ashley from the lifestyle blog Refreshing Imperfection and I am a size 12-14. I have always been a bigger girl. Genetics and child growing/bearing have made my body the way it is, and I love it. I have never been and probably never will be "skinny," but I still feel there is so much fashion to be had in all sizes. Did you know more than half of the women in the U.S. are a size 14 or over? For all us non-stick-figure girlies, read this article; it will make you feel better.

I used to dress so boring because I felt like nothing catered to my size. I always admired style but felt like I was too big to be "cute," so I went for the plain and simple looks 'cause nothing "cute" came in my size. The only advice I got from anyone was "Wear black. It will take off 10 pounds!" Fantastic! The most exciting color...or not. A few years ago, I decided I was going to have my own style. I would wear the brightest of colors and craziest of patterns as I wanted to, even horizontal stripes! (A big no-no for bigger girls, so they say..) It was all about working with my body and finding what works. And, after a few years, I think I got it down. 

Here are my personal fashion tips for beautiful plus size girls:

Buy the right size. Don't try to fit into the next size down or the size you want to be. Just 'cause the pants button up with lots of sucking in and laying down doesn't mean they fit. If your clothes are too tight, you will have muffin top, and nobody wants that! Wear the size that comfortably fits you and doesn't restrict you. And by fits, I mean fits. Baggy clothes don't hide anything; it just makes you look bigger. Have some confidence, embrace your curves, and wear form-fitting clothing.

Layer, layer, layer. You can add so much fun, color, and versatility to your wardrobe this way. You also can cover up parts of your body you don't feel as comfortable with. I love blazers, cardigans, and scarves for extra layers.

Accentuate your waist. It's usually the smallest part of your torso. Use belts (the wider the belt, the thinner you will look), fitted shirts, empire-waist dresses, high-rise pencil skirts, etc. That little waist will just pop and bring any wandering eye to the smallest part of your body.

Add a little height. Distract the eye from looking at your width by adding height. I am 6 feet tall, so I rarely wear heels, but it's a fabulous way to slim your appearance. Sometimes I wear a little pump with jeans and always wear heels with skirts. Flats and skirts make you look super short AKA wider. So break in those heels and use them lots!

Thick waist bands on pants. Don't judge, but when I wear stretch pants, leggings, etc., I buy maternity. Not the massive panel stretch band. They have that thick 2" waistband (elastic!) that is SO comfy and flatters the waist much better than a skinny waistband that usually burrows into those rolls in your tummy, only making them more noticeable.

Speaking of pants, get some stretch. Make sure the fabric in your pants, jeans, slacks, etc. has some stretch. It helps hold that nice fit you love!

Pay attention to where your top ends and your pants begin. Where the change happens is where the eye is drawn to and where you will look the widest.

Everyone says straight leg jeans are more slimming. I personally still adore my skinnies; I wear them daily. I think the fit of skinnies gives me curves in the hips, which I like a bit, and because they fit my legs so tight making my legs look smaller. But this one is up to you, what you feel comfortable in!

 

Long accessories lengthen your torso. Cute, long, chunky necklaces would be awesome. I use scarves more often than is probably normal. I love the lengthening look they add plus the color and it can dress up any drab, boring outfit easily.

Invest in slimming undergarments. I love my body - yes, I do! But sometimes I like to feel tight and tucked in in all the right places. I don't wear these all the time, but I usually do when I dress up really fancy for anything. This is my favorite for when I am wearing really tight dresses. It just shapes everything really nicely and I feel more confident than trying to suck my stomach in all night.

Most of all, have fun with your style and be comfortable. If you feel insecure, it will be conveyed in your appearance. Work your confidence and you will make any outfit look much better! Please add any tips you other plus-size girls out there have!