Question: Styles best on larger women?

[Paul]

I know that so called "fashion experts" have said that there are certain styles of clothes should be avoided by larger women. It is claimed that certain styles will not look good on a larger figure. Then again so much depends on the woman (large or small) who is wearing the clothes.

Recently I heard a so called TV fashion expert claim that there are some clothing styles that larger women should not wear. I am not sure I agree. Do you follow the fashion rules so often touted recommending dark colours (slimming), avoidance of big prints (make you look larger), and no vertical strips, etc., etc.

My question is this: Are there certain clothing styles that look better worn by a larger woman? Are there certain styles only smaller woman should wear? What styles do you feel look best on a large woman?

[Paul]

I find that a large woman can look very lovely in the "peasant" styles of blouses and skirts and the Renaissance styles sold at Holy Clothing (holyclothing.com). Often imho a larger woman can look better in this style than a smaller woman.

[BBW_Curious1]

I don't really pay attention to should or should not...I wear what I like and what I think looks good--and re the peasant top: I think it depends on the type and material of the top-- some of the tops in that style are just plain uncomfortable for a larger lady my 2 cents

[Tad]

I think shape and personal style matter far more than size alone.

Also, 'best' for what? Best look for not standing out in a crowd is very different from best look to to appeal to an FA partner, for instance....

[CarlaSixx]

I think it completely depends on the overall shape of the woman. I'm an oversized hourglass, so I can wear almost anything though I prefer styles that tone down the boobage. But most of my friends are apples and absolutely cannot pull off the styles I wear.

Honestly I think anything princess seamed or empire waisted suits all bodies.

[prettyeyes77]

I love sparkles, patterns, heels, and classic Hollywood styles,I am also a dress and skirts kind of girl, but someone of my same size who didn't like those things would look awkward instead of classy/pretty in my wardrobe. I know when I find a good outfit because I am excited to wear it, I walk taller and with more sway in my hips, and I smile more. An outfit can be just what I "should" be wearing for my body type but if I don't like it or feel good in it I'll slump, pull at it, and try to fade into the background when I'm out. As apposed to the aforementioned state that a good outfit puts me in. The only rule you should follow fashion wise is find what makes you feel good! Your personal carriage has allot to do with it as well. Its not what you wear its how you wear it and only you know what works best for you... Its the same for slim girls they just overall have more options to choose from and their so called "rules" are much more fluid...

[jen68]

Im a jeans and T-shirt kinda girl. I sometimes slash up my T-shirts to make them look a bit more edgy. T-shirt, jeans, do-rag or my bandana with bling on it and big earrings thats what I like to wear

[irish_redhead]

Originally Posted by Paul

and no vertical strips, etc., etc.

I think you mean no horizontal stripes, which can make one look shorter (cut off) and wider. Vertical stripes can be quite flattering on larger figures, such as a nice pinstripe for example, because they elongate the body and make it appear more narrow.

For the print thing, I've always been opposed to prints and far more into solids. But a nice print done well (not overly gaudy) is classy. And I always thought that a larger print made more sense... smaller prints tend to look smaller on a large frame (at least that was my way of thinking.)

I know I'm quite particular and critical of some styles. Not outwardly so, but I definitely cringe at some. It's not so much size-related -- I feel the same prejudices towards any size wearing certain items. The trend to ill-fitting, too-tight/too-shirt clothing irks me. A lot of it has to do with confidence: If someone of any size is confident in what they are wearing, then work it. But I don't care if you're a size 0 or a size 30... if you are walking around tugging your pants up and your shirts down, it's obvious you're uncomfortable and need to change your way of dressing.

I personally prefer a mix of trendy styles/cuts, and some of the flowing peasanty clothes. I haven't been a fan of Holyclothing for a while (some fit issues, horribly mis-stated lengths, and shrinkage a while back), but I love Lotus Traders long, flowy shirts paired with a narrow pant, cropped sweater etc.

I still love my solids, set off by a bold print or fabric as an accessory (shrug, sweater, scarf) and lots of metallic shoes/bags etc.

Appropriate styles aren't really about weight either... more about proportion. There's a difference between me and someone 6 inches shorter wearing the same labels. What looks horrible on someone the exact same size, but shorter, may look amazing on me. And vice versa. I adore Igigi and own a lot of their dresses (and some skirts and blouses.) But put my slightly shorter friend in the same styles and she looks almost dwarfed by the clothes. But she can wear some brands that I can't (I love empire waistlines. But on my frame, the seam hits at the wrong area in some brands, and looks terrible.)

I don't think "rules" can be established in a general sense. I think there are some rules that should be followed, but they should be written individually for everyone. Not just for a body-type, but a personality and behaviour as well.

[imaginarydiva21]

This reminds me of a post i read on facebook ....

"Fat women are expected to dress in ways that are ostensibly minimizing but that, in reality, are really about us occupying less visual real estate.NO bold colors,No stripes nothing that would ever make us look bigger. Its not that some of those rules are genuinely about looking slimmer - its that we draw less attention to ourselves when we comply with fashion rules. We occupy less space, metaphorically if not physically. we minimize ourselves for the comfort of other people."

Personally i dont dress for other people i dress for myself as long as i feel sexy in what im wearing i will wear it