Curvy?
Even though the fashion industry is partially responsible for the standards in fashion sizes, recent years have shown a visible change. There are already a few campaigns with ‘curvy models’ and there are more and more curvy models in the magazines and online. The reason? Everything seems to look good on slender bodies and long legs, but the reality is that these super skinny women are an exception rather than a realistic reflection of society. Just look around and search for the perfect picture…you will rarely see them.
Not every trend suits the majority of women. And it is hard to accept that the latest fashion doesn’t fit your curvy body. I will certainly not tell you what you can or cannot wear. The most important thing is that you wear clothes that make you feel beautiful and that give you a comfortable feeling. But I can give you tips and tricks which will help you to accentuate the best parts of your body and make your figure appear as beautiful as can be.
– Accentuate or just shift the attention.
The basis of accentuation: with dark colours you can cover a body part, you’ll hide these parts, while light colours emphasizes them. You can also hide a few things with ruffles. But hiding does not mean wearing a large (read formless) top to cover the boobs or belly, you are better off wearing a top with a shape to make your figure look as beautiful as possible.
Another way to accentuate your waist is with a wrap dress. Don’t like dresses? Then you can also wear a blouse with a wrap, so the focus goes to your waist.
– The right size
Especially for women with curves, having the right lingerie is of great importance. The perfect bra you can actually make you look a few pounds lighter. Also, a layer of shapewear under your clothes can make your figure much better. Next thing you should pay attention to is buying clothing and lingerie that fits well. If you buy smaller sizes you actually look curvier, because these clothes and underwear kind of squish your body (and it does not look charming either). That goes for every size. And even though that new dress, blouse or trousers is so beautiful, if it doesn’t fit, it does not fit. Do not focus on what you cannot wear but continue your search for that perfect item that does fit you well.
– Prints
A top with stripes? Very nice, although horizontal stripes will not flatter you. On the other hand, vertical stripes are helpful when you want to look taller or slimmer. And what about striking, large prints? Don’t! They make you look bigger, while subtle prints provide you with the opposite effect. If you wear a dress or a tunic, a horizontal stripe in the middle also makes you optically slimmer and taller. Do you have beautiful wide hips? Then you can balance your hips by accentuating your shoulders. For example, wear a blazer, possibly even with shoulder pads. If you have broad shoulders, you create the optical illusion of narrowing down your waist.
– Show some skin
For the curvy woman I do not mean a cropped top … NO! Go for subtle pieces of skin. Choose a top with a three-quarter sleeve or a V-neck. This way you can ‘break’ your outfit, and you can prevent yourself from being massive. Also think of a little shine-through or show that sexy legs in a skirt with a split. Blouses with a V-neck are also recommended for various reasons. One is that they make you look slimmer and secondly, they also emphasize your décolleté. You create the same effect when you leave the two top buttons of a regular blouse open. You shift the accents.
– Quality over quantity
Choose materials that suit your figure. For example, if you have full-bodied legs and hips, it’s wise to focus on pants with a material that flatters them. Tight and shiny fabrics are usually not the best option. Rather choose for thick, sturdy material and always choose quality over quantity. Invest in a few good basic pieces and complete and alternate with catchy accessories.
– Trousers
A dark coloured pants that fits perfect is a must for curvy women. Be careful with leggings; this can be very unflattering. To balance your outfit, you can combine it with a somewhat loose top. However, keep your outfit in balance. Do not buy jeans with too much stretch – since the stronger the fabric, the better it keeps everything in place. In addition, a strong qualitative fabric also gives a lifting effect. Finding the right length pants is not a piece of cake as one might assume. If in doubt, go for a pair of trousers that are nicely on, or just above, your instep. This way you can wear boots, sneakers and high heels underneath. If you are not a fan of your stomach and hips, go for a bootcut model. The bootcut model has legs that run wide and therefore make your body more balanced. In addition, avoid trousers that have a lighter wash on your hips. Because then you will accentuate the part of your body you specifically don’t want to.
-A line
If you are looking for a skirt or a dress, an A-line might be the solution. In an A-line, you emphasize your waist and you can hide full-bodied legs (double-win!). In comparison, a pencil skirt is often tight and focuses on the wrong parts. If you want to look taller, go for long lines and a connection in your outfit (in one colour).
– Total package
By spending time on a beautiful hairstyle and doing your make-up, you show that you spend time on yourself. You love yourself, you are worth it ;). Choose a hairstyle and make-up that emphasizes your positive features. Watch out for all those complements!
– Accessorize!
Beautiful and unexpected accessories not only make your wardrobe more complete, moreover they always fit. Definitely a good investment. Women with ‘a size more’ can have better statement jewellery than thin women, so don’t be modest! And ladies, a bag is an accessory as well!
– Shoes
Attract the attention…. choose a good basis in your clothing. And then make a statement with your shoes. Red, yellow, tiger print, a fashionable sneaker or sexy high heels. And remember: quality over quantity. For the ladies with chunky legs and/or ankles, do not choose fragile shoes. The contrast makes your legs look bigger. You can choose a bigger heel for example.
Last but not least: I want you to realize to be confident about how you look like. You are you and that is totally fine! When you are feeling good, you’ve got that special glow. And that is the best accessory you could wish for!