How to choose the right wardrobe, if you are on the curvy side?

Every time I write an article for women with fuller figures, I get the feeling that I owe them a special introduction. The fact is, I believe, that all women are beautiful in their own way, even those who may not be flawless, or rather, those who don’t have the bodies and faces to the current standard of beauty. I know lots of women who are constantly going on a diet and failing, I also have friends who have more curves and pay no attention to their weight, because their strong personalities and charisma overshadow any question of extra weight. Fashion may help us choose clothes that make us seem slimmer, but I want to repeat that true beauty comes from the heart and from within, and has nothing to do with our weight. I wish we could all enjoy life just like we are supposed to, and if fashion can help us look better and therefore make us feel happier, here is some advice.

Photo: Asos

Patterns are not forbidden. Although it’s true that they can play an optical trick and make things seem bigger, it really comes down to the shape of the dress and context. If you want to wear a floral pattern, make it smoother with a long knitted piece, if you’re wearing a floral blouse, try combining it with classical jeans or black pants. When you’re choosing a dress, pay attention to its length, because too short is not appropriate. Try sitting down in the dressing room to see how much it comes up (I would recommend this to every woman, even the skinniest).

Photo: Asos

Go for the classics. For example, a trench is a trench – it will make you look better just like it does any woman. Try to have all the basics in your wardrobe: a blazer, jeans, stilettos, a trench, a nice handbag, a narrow belt, a white blouse. These pieces make every woman look elegant, even if she’s not the skinniest. Never go overboard with colours, three at the most, and if they complement one another, all the better.

Photo: Asos

Look for dresses that are optically narrowing. These are the the colour block styles or the models with insets in different colours at the sides, either lace or just a strip of fabric. These dresses are made to optically narrow your figure, so let yourself have some fun with them. If you find a neutral design like the one in the picture, you’ll be able to wear it in the summer as well as in the winter with a blazer or a long knitted piece, a leather or a jeans jacket. A good investment without a doubt.

Photo: Asos

A leather skirt. It is definitely a must-have, for you as well. Try finding one that’s figure-hugging and knee-length. In combination with the white blouse or a sweater with a higher collar; it’s a winner. Don’t think you shouldn’t wear styles like these because of your curves, far from it. Try it out, you’ll see how good it’s going to turn out.

Photo: Asos

The right underwear. It’s the figure-shaping one. Don’t forget, it’s good to wear the kind of underwear, especially the one-piece kind that compliments your figure and shows off our curves. You should buy quality lingerie with enough elasticity to have just the right amount of compression. Too many times I’ve seen underwear that was supposed to shape figures, but did anything except that. Find the right brand for yourself and keep in mind it’s not going to be the cheapest.

Photo: Asos

Draped shapes. Curvy women can always count on jersey and other softly falling fabrics that gather in the right places. Always keep in mind that the garment should be good quality. Try to choose a special colour that flatters the colour of your eyes or complements your hair and finish the look with a black leather jacket. Find a dress that’s draped at the waist and bosom. This will create a crease effect and hide the extra weight.

Photo: Asos

The little black dress. There are many styles, so the choice is yours. I admire the one in the picture because it has a veil and it looks very elegant. The veil also gives you extra length, which makes this model very wearable. I would wear a colourful coat over it, or a trench, leather jacket, the knitted piece … it actually goes with anything, depending on the occasion.

Photo: Asos

Pleated A-line skirt. Pleats will suit you, the only thing you have to keep in mind is that they don’t start at your waist – that would make it seem wider. This is actually an issue with all pleated dresses, if the creases are emphasised in this area. So go for wider pleats and mini length, the dress can be patterned or in one colour, and do wear stilettos with it.

Photo: Asos

Lurex instead of glitter. Since glitter is plastic and has lots of surface, it’s more voluminous; this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t choose to shine. I’m all for metallic fabric in the daytime, and I would choose lurex and colours that stand out. These dresses are usually knitted, which means you should wear figure-forming underwear (the one-piece would be best) and finish the look with a black blazer. The dress also looks good on its own, and if your upper arms are an issue to you, a light, but longer blazer is the way to go.

Photo: Asos

Formal attire suits everyone. It does, I believe that a 100 %. So if you want to look beautiful, elegant, polished, sophisticated, choose any of the basic and all time fashionable pieces. Pencil skirt, high-waisted pants, leather belt, good shoes, midi dress … those are all good choices. If you are quite overweight, I suggest buying in specialised stores, where ready to wear sizes are different, adjusted. Have fun with accessories like leather belts, because they do a nice job of defining your figure and make sure you look even more feminine. Marks & Spencer has a wonderful choice of marvellous pieces in larger sizes and different lengths. Take your time and let shopping be a pleasure, not stress!

Photo: Asos