It’s a fact that very few enjoy body confidence. We hide out in saggy baggy clothing not realising that it is actually making us look bigger than we are. Take heart that possibly the worlds most famous female has struggled her entire life with weight gain and loss. We’ve seen her balloon and shrink and at the end of the day, it doesn’t make her any less attractive. It’s nice to see she’s human.
The pressure to look good has never been greater and we are subjected to unrealistic photoshopped images daily! Looking good starts on the inside and works its way out. Shopping can actually make you feel worse about yourself! Don’t despair when you see only small sizes left on the shopping racks. That’s simply because the larger sizes are generally the first to be snapped up! The fact is this. As we get older, the weight is harder to shift and rather than be pre-occupied about losing it, we need to learn how to work it! Some of the most elegant and glamorous plus size people look incredible. It has everything to do with minimising their flaws and maximising their best assets and you can do it too! If you wear the wrong size clothing whether it be too large or small you will not be doing your shape any favours.
You need to learn to dress for your shape and we’re putting together a few easy suggestions that you can implement immediately. These are staples for your wardrobe that will ensure you achieve an effortless look every time. Let’s start with the basics. It’s a fact that most women are wearing the wrong size bra. It’s an enormous percentage in the region of 80%. We still haven’t worked out what a difference a proper bra makes to our posture, appearance and general wellbeing.
Trinny and Susannah are hot on the right bra size and with good reason. You can buy a bra that decreases a large chest which in turn will make you look slimmer. Ideally you want lift, a good fit, decent straps that will support you and a wide hook and eye area that will fit nicely across your back. An ill fitting bra will result in ugly back fat and contribute to bumps and lumps. We have put together a helpful article on how to fit a bra or spend the time and get Professionally fitted. It will make all the difference to your confidence and appearance and you will not believe how much taller and slimmer you will look. A decent Bra will elongate you more than you will not believe how good your boobs can look when they are sitting in the right place!
We might also add that the same goes for decent knickers. You need to be comfortable but go for something that has some tummy support and no visible panty line. Seamless is a great option and you can flatten your tummy with a control brief. There are many available and it’s a small investment. It’s another item that can totally transform the way you look and feel. There are versions that go higher and take in your waist and lower that will trim down your thighs. Only you know the areas that you need a little help with so we suggest that you view a few different versions and read the reviews. There are some great options on Amazon and they have all the best brands at discounted prices.
The next item of clothing we are recommending will become a staple in your wardrobe. Again it is very inexpensive and you will find yourself wearing it with everything. To get a truly elongated look a longline Top that covers your thighs is a must. We like the spaghetti strap versions. They are designed to be the longest line of your outfit. These are perfect for popping over leggings and pants and they hide off the crutch area. You are not going to be wearing this on its own, it will be your base layer. If you have shorter tops you can pop them over and you will avoid the ‘cut off look’ – this will smooth out your curves and again make you look taller which in turn will slim you down.
Another staple for your wardrobe is this round neck long sleeved top. This works particularly well in black and is another layering piece that will not add bulk. Grab yourself a heap of these, they are inexpensive and invaluable when it comes to a basic in your wardrobe.
Here’s another brilliant piece for layering. Again, this can be the layer over your long line Cami. The way it hangs is very flattering and you can add a shorter Jacket with Confidence.
Ordinarily you could not entertain a short jacket but this will smooth out your sides and the top layer will blend beautifully. The Asymmetrical lines are so incredibly flattering and it will be a work horse in your wardrobe.
Now the fun part, we are going to look at some great base styles that will flatter your figure. We have hand picked a few that we feel will do the job. We love this waterfall style cardigan. It’s light weight, doesn’t add a lot of bulk and it sits slightly higher at the neck. It is loose through the middle, yet hangs elegantly. What is brilliant about this style is that it irons you out and the varying lengths around the top of your pants flatter your legs again making them look slimmer. This is a tailored look. The best way to wear this is as the photo shows. Black is a wonderful base, keep your colour to one statement piece like the cardigan or scarf.
This Long Line Waterfall Cardigan is another great cut. It’s flattering, has a decent length arm and is perfect for popping over leggings or jeans. This would work well for skirts and dresses too but remember to keep your base colour solid. You can wear fitted clothes with confidence under this piece. It flows as you move and doesn’t cling. You will see the centre panel of the outfit underneath which will give you a slimmer appearance. It’s a great price point too!
If you still want to wear those gorgeous tops but hide off your arms, this gorgeous little shrug is just the ticket. This will hide a multitude of sins and can work well back with other layered pieces we’ve featured.
Leggings are so comfy and they are great for throwing on. You can wear them casually or dress them up. When teamed with layers and tucked into stylish boots, you can pull off a picture of elegance for a fraction of the cost. They are a great staple, look brilliant with longer line coats and sweaters and we all love them!
These Nine West Boots are a good staple for your wardrobe. They are knee length available in flats or a 3.5″ heel and are perfect over leggings and jeans. This is a great way to complete your look.
Here is another piece that is a NO SEW project. You can make this layered wrap using one square meter of Fabric. This is a very easy DIY and you can make it in all your favourite colours. Get the Tutorial below.
