Fashion For All Sizes

First off I want to say that you do not have to be a size 2 or a size 8 to be fashionable, trendy and most importantly to feel good about what you are wearing. As I once heard another fashion designer say “Fashion is fashion no matter what size you are!”

Research shows that 62% of all American women (18 & older) wear a size 12 or larger.  So you are definitely in a category that most women fall in.  Here are some tips that I would say are safe to follow.

Do not settle for less than fashionable clothes.  It may be a little more challenging to put that trendy outfit together, however many designers are now taking size 12 and above into account when designing their clothes.

Find well-fitting underwear.  I like the brand Spank.  This will help decrease your size by 2-3 inches and help reduce unwanted bulges.

Wear a bra that will lift the bust far enough up to make your midriff look longer.  A bad bra will make your bust look like it is seeping into the stomach.

Opaque tights are a great staple to have in your wardrobe.  These help smooth out the line from your waist to your knee.

Add bright colors through accessories and shoes. Show off beautiful and unusual accessories.  A colorful scarf, 2-3 chunky bangle bracelets will make your wrist appear slender, long earrings that dangle will elongate your neck.

Wear colors that flatter your figure.  Avoid floral or clothes that are too tight, don’t wear anything too short or tucked in too much.  Stay away from horizontal stripes or sleeveless tops.  If you have a tank top style shirt, throw on a light wrap sweater or jacket on to layer with.

Try a layering look with a tee shirt and blazer and try wearing a wrap dress.  They tend to look good on everyone. 

Most importantly set goals for yourself every morning when you wake up and look into the mirror.  If you are happy with how you look then you will have a more positive attitude, a brighter smile and exude confidence.  If you want to lose a couple pounds or pair down a size or two, then make sure you make the right food choices every day and don’t forget to exercise.  Always have a great outlook on life.

A great website you may want to look at is called Elegant Plus.com.  This is a great source with many fashion forward stores to shop at for women who are size 12 and up. 

Good luck and happy shopping!

Suzie Schwartz is Modern Mom’s Fashion and Lifestyle Editor.

Email Suzie your fashion questions and comments at asksuzie@modernmom.com. She’ll keep you up to date and looking your best All summer long.