subject: Plus-Size Women: Dressing for Your Body Shape [print this page] Plus-Size Women: Dressing for Your Body Shape
Too often it seems as though stores only sell clothes for one type of body. We know women come in all shapes and sizes, and there are clothes out there to flatter and accentuate each one. Check out our handy guide for plus sized clothes and body types:
Big Busted
Many women who are top heavy feel self-conscious about showing off their breast. I say, they're beautiful and be proud! The key to great outfits for big-busted women is balance.
You need a well-fitting bra. Go to your local lingerie shop and have a proper bra fitting. This is one area of your wardrobe where you should spare no expense to find the perfect fit.
Many popular styles won't suit a large chest. Strapless tops even those with built-in support, flatten and widen the chest area, which is not a good look. Backless dresses and anything that doesn't let you wear a bra is also not a good idea. However, the plunging V-neck is your perfect top - accentuating your cleavage while not revealing too much.
Pear-Shaped Figure
You've got a gorgeous curvy figure and you should be proud of it. The trick to dressing smart as a pear shape is finding clothes to balance your top half with your bottom. Use dark shades and sharp, tailored cuts on your bottom half, like A-line skirts and bottcut pants. Pair these with bold, eye catching tops and funky accessories (huge statement necklaces are huge this season).
Avoid baggy tunic-style tops that stop at your hips. If you want to wear longer tops, opt instead for one that's fitted at the waist and flares out over the hips. You can use a belt to cinch it in.
Voluptuous
The average women is a size 16, so do be ashamed of being on the large size. Big really is beautiful. Voluptuous women should embrace structure beautifully tailored jackets, pants and tops will give you shape without clinging to problem areas or drowning you in baggy fabric. Drapery is big this season which, if done well and in a vertical line, can add length to your silhouette.
Remember, it doesn't matter what size or shape you are, every woman can find an outfit to make her feel comfortable and sexy.
