Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Flattering Shapes & Styles for Plus Sizes


Straight Pants 

Many retailers make tapered-leg pants for plus-size women, but that is not the most flattering option. Pants with tapered legs tend to make any woman's shape look like an ice cream cone, which can be particularly unflattering for a plus-size woman. Instead, choose a shape extends straight down from the hip to the floor. This will give your body a streamlined shape and will lengthen your legs. Choose both dress pants and jeans in this style. To further lengthen and slim your shape, pair these pants with a high heel.

Colors 

Everyone says that black is slimming. And while that is true, plus-size women don't have to purchase a wardrobe dominated by black dresses and pantsuits. Choose some black outfits, but go with other colors as well. Choose darker shades, such as crimson, gray or eggplant for monotone outfits. Pairing blue jeans or pants with a lighter color, such as yellow or pink, can bring attention to your face.

Shirts 

Many different types of shirts can look good on plus-size figures. Try a V-neck top, a low scoop neck top or a top with a polo collar. All of those necklines are flattering for plus-size figures because they help create a vertical lines. Shirts with boat necklines or square necks create a horizontal line and add bulk to the body, so they can be unflattering. Choose a shirt with sleeves that come to the elbow, as that can help balance the figure. Shirts should also fit a plus-size woman well. They should not be short, so that you have to tug them over your abdomen all the time. Select a shirt that is not tight, but also is not loose.


A-Line 

If you're considering purchasing a dress, consider an A-line style. The bust line for A-line dresses hits just below the bust, which is often the smallest part of a plus-size woman's body. The dress falls down from there and covers any features the woman does not want to emphasize. Try an A-line dress with three-quarter length sleeves because that can also help slim your arms.