Login|Sign-Up

Blogs

Crafting a Career

Plus-size Fashion Inspiration

By: Stephanie Sack

Posted: Apr 20th, 2009

Personal style is all about trial and error, and when you’re full-figured, it can be even more of a challenge. From finding stores, boutiques, and websites that offer appropriately-sized clothes to overcoming the inertia of getting dressed every day, creating a signature look often presents a slew of obstacles that are seemingly insurmountable. In this blog entry, I will offer you some inspirational people, places, and things to help you source, create, and live a voluptuously vibrant personal style!

One of the greatest secrets to manifesting a signature look is to copy from those you admire. While this may seem like wholesale style robbery, I assure you it is not. Bands start out with covers before they write their own material; new employees shadow seasoned employees until they are confident in office protocol. Pick three icons of style and study what you like about what they wear and how it can translate to your shape and size. Wanna rock like Blondie? Then go for downtown glam. Admire Jackie O? Look for classic pieces in feminine colors. Read up on Donna Karan? Black trousers are your friend. Remember, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery!

Another great way to manifest your dream wardrobe is to look at other women of size who enjoy indulging in fashion and consequently dress well. Check out http://community.livejournal.com/fatshionista/, http://fatstylist.wordpress.com/, and www.divalookbook.com for images of real women wearing adorable and affordable fashion. Or better yet, start your own plus-size fashion blog and let your style inspire others!

Finally, do not underestimate the power of accessories. Because they are sizeless, they can transform any basic to bodacious with effortless ease! Put a flower pin on a basic cardy or jean jacket and soak up the compliments. Purchase a few cocktail rings and pair them with simple tops and jeans for a darling dose of delightful drama. Flirty neckerchiefs infuse any classic button with a singular sense of retro glam. Go for it!

2 Comments

 

mylady2003 | May. 24, 2009 @ 2:46 PM

While I still have 30 pounds to go, I have lost 30 pounds over the last year. I am happy to have lost as I had begun to tipping the scale at 220 lbs. I had decrased energy which comes partly from end stage renal disease but now after losing weight to this point, I still have decreased energy due to renal failure and dialysis, I also have a new plan toward that weight loss....dancing. Ideally, I'd love to dance once a week but usually its twice a month. I had tried all kinds of diet that only worked temporarily than decided if I could up my activity level without changing my diet needs for renal failure and for the first time in my life was able to feel better health-wise.

When I had been married however, my husband at the time stated to me: With your heavy weight you'll never look good in clothes. Wow, I was very angry but I got back at him. When times were not as stressed as this current economy, I grabbed our charge card, went to a speciality plus size store, charged $500 worth of fashion, and by action showed him just how well I could really look even at plus size. He never said anything again about my size. P.S. That is not the reason he is now my ex-husband, that is a completely different story.

I understand there are those women who have the knack of finding adorable and affordable fashion, however, my whole life I have detested shopping. Not sure there is a cure for that, althought when it comes to looking professional I certainly have found fashion dresses that work well for me in the workplace.

sassystephanie | Jun. 16, 2009 @ 4:20 PM

Mylady2003,

I am glad to hear you are feeling better and dancing your way to bliss!

Creating a wardrobe always takes time, patience, and luck, especially when one is of size.

Luckily there are a slew of online and brick-and-mortar options that work for women in all shapes and sizes on all budgetary levels.

I work with plus-size women for a living and always hear how shopping is a stressful activitiy. I never understood why stores and designers make it hard for women of size to buy clothes...? It never made any sense to me as a teenager and twenty years later it still doesn't.

No membership? Sign-up!

Mobile Study Solutions Want to Study Abroad? WomenAchieve RSS