Dress for Success: Curvy Girl Fashion Tips
The other day my sister and I were talking about how finding the perfect dress for all of these summer weddings and events can be super stressful. Not all styles look good on all body types. In fact, the bridesmaids dress that I selected for my own wedding next month has caused my sister some stress and I didn’t even realize that would be a possibility.
It’s ironic that I didn’t grasp this challenge considering that in my Italian family, we all have something in common: curves (um and a “passion” for amazing food- funny how those two often go together…). As women, we all have our own little insecurities and “issues” when it comes to finding the right clothes for our bodies. Often times these insecurities lead us to choose the wrong styles and accessories without even realizing it.
After having this conversation, I wanted to put together some fashion tips for curvy girls, so I reached out to plus size fashion retailer Curvissa and my own cousin Anne Kennedy for some advice. My cousin Anne- a model, fashionista and Nordstrom Sales Associate- knows how to rock her shape like no other. She has inspired my sense of style and never goes anywhere without looking effortlessly chic.
Q: WHAT FASHION TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR CURVY GIRLS?
A: Don’t always follow the TRENDS!
Just because colored skinnies are a huge trend this year, does not mean that they will be a flattering trend on your body. This is just one example of how to be conscious of your body type and how things look on your body. Not all trends look good on all body types.
Continuing with the first point… know your body type! Curvy girls have different curves, that’s what makes us unique. Some general curvy body types can be…
- HOURGLASS
- INVERTED TRIANGLE
- RECTANGLE
- TRIANGLE
Get educated on what type of body you have and make your clothes work for you! You shouldn’t have to work for your clothes to look good.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME FLATTERING STYLES FOR CURVY WOMEN?
A: Well first let me say that bigger is not always better: oversized clothing can well make you look oversized. This does not mean to go get a size smaller than what you would normally wear. If you are a size 16, or any size, rock your body type with clothes that will show off just enough of your curves.
ACCESSORIES ARE EVERY GIRLS BEST FRIEND!
- Draw attention back to your beautiful face with accessories, such as earrings and necklaces. If you take your favorite pair of jeans and any flattering solid colored top or nice T-shirt and add a chunky necklace to it, you have a flattering and trendy outfit.
- As far as trends are concerned stick with the hot accessories of the season. They can dress up or change any simple outfit to make it trendy!
Q: ARE THERE ENOUGH PLUS SIZE CLOTHING LINES OUT THERE FOR WOMEN? COULD THIS BE IMPROVED?
A: I do believe that there are many plus size clothing lines out there for women, they can just be a little hard to find. Now, it is harder for younger women and teens to find clothes that suit their age group. I personally can attest to this problem when I find myself looking for a pair of jeans that will fit me correctly, and I end up in a store that is geared toward older women…
There are certain stores that only carry their plus sizes online, which makes it difficult to see how things fit. Plus size clothing lines could be improved by manufacturing their clothes according to the four types of curvy bodies… because not everyone’s bust is a DD.
Q: ONE LAST QUESTION. IF YOU HAD TO INVEST IN ONE FASHION STAPLE FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A: If I had to invest in one thing for the rest of my life, I would highly recommend investing in a great pair of jeans. They’re an everyday item that you can dress up or down, and plus they never go out of style!
Thank you Anne Kennedy and Curvissa for sharing your thoughts on how curvy girls can rock their shape with confidence by finding the right styles that suit them!
PS- Has anyone ever been in a situation where they were asked to wear a bridesmaid dress that made them super uncomfortable? What dress and clothing styles do you avoid?
