How to Dress for the Full Figure

A monochrome color scheme can be slimming.

Over 60 percent of American women are full figured, according to the New York Times. Fuller figured women are no longer limited by retailers to choosing from dark, shapeless clothing. Plus-sized fashion is a major industry that has expanded to incorporate individual tastes and body types. Full figured individuals should focus on choosing silhouettes, prints and accessories which accentuate their best features. Highlight a pair of strong shoulders with a peasant top or reveal long, lean legs in stylish skinny jeans.

Instructions

1. Pay close attention to the fit of garments and consider utilizing professional tailoring. Hiding a full figure behind yards of baggy fabric or squeezing into a smaller size are unlikely to create a slimmer visual effect. Focus on investing in high-quality, fitted garments that flatter a plus-sized figure.

2. Thoughtfully incorporate elements of runway couture into a plus-sized wardrobe, but avoid adopting unflattering styles for the sake of fashion. Use creative license instead of blindly adopting trends, as recommended by plus-sized stylist Ashley Falcon. A full figured individual could loosely interpret the soft draping seen in a pair of harem pants into a more figure-flattering flowing dress.

3. Focus on the details to project an attractive, confident image. Develop a strong sense of personal style, and acquire flattering jewelry, shoes and bags to enhance the plus-sized wardrobe. Include a flattering hair style, regular skin care and a simple makeup technique to round out the stylish look.

References

• "The Sydney Morning Herald"; How to Flatter a Full Figure; Maggie Alderson; April 2011
• "Marie Claire"; Big Girl in a Skinny World: Runway Looks for Skinny Women; Ashley Falcon; January 2010
• "New York Times"; Plus-Sized Revelation: Bigger Women Have Cash, Too; Stephanie Clifford; June 2010