I have put together this pictorial curvy girl dressing guide for mid-season because I feel sad when some of you write to tell me “I can not wear this or that style because I am a plus size”. So what? How would you know if you do not try a different style than you normally wear.
Are you stuck in a vicious circle of t-shirt and leggings? Plaids shirts and jeans? Which are both fine but… don’t you wish you can change once in a while?
Did you know that style is 70% attitude and 30% fit?
The saying goes “a picture tells a thousand words” Let us test this saying that is been around since early last century. I want you to have a look at the woman in this photos, it took me many hours to gather these photos across many cities, Sydney, Singapore, London, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Milan, Cairo, Berlin, Johannesburg, and Kiev. A warm thank you to all the contributors.
I will be a little blunt here so if you are easily offended like so many this days, please turn the page and walk away. English is my second language and I have a hard time with political correctness. To be politically correct in a foreign language requires a level of English I am incapable of.
So what’s under your skirt?
Foundation is important in every bit of life, all human relationships and in architecture requires a solid foundation. So what’s with the floppy old underwear and wrong bra? Are you really that comfortable in it? Both add years and pounds to your silhouette. Did you know that if you feel comfortable and sexy in your underwear it will show in your dress? Don’t believe me? Take a look at this girls.
Curvy girl dressing guide
I have to ask, if you have a favourite outfit and want to be featured in this curvy girl dressing guide please send me a photo on landscape mode and natural light to mayra@so-sew-easy.com and I will be happy to add you.
In order to understand style would look the best on you please have a look at this guide first, the key is to know what type of body shape you have.
Find your waist
We all have it, the smaller part on your torso no matter where it is. Whether is one inch above your belly button or under your breasts. Place a pretty accessory there to create an hourglass figure.
Don’ be afraid of White or Light Colours
Yes it is true that black slims down, but not always is your best friend. If you are blond and over 40 black will age you especially if you are not wearing makeup. White and light colours will bring up your best features and soften your face.
Embrace color
Reds, orange, purple, and any colour derived from them make people find you more attractive.
Adopt stripes and prints
These girls are breaking the conventional wisdom that bold prints and stripes will make you look wider. But, do they look good?
Invest in a good pair of jeans
There are a plethora of styles out there. There is one with your name on it. I promise.
Show more skin. Covering is not always the best way to go. Take a look at the same girl in different outfits and decide which outfit makes her look smaller.
Invest in a pretty blouse
Don’ t be afraid of long dresses
A-line and soft fabrics are the best.
Invest in a good jacket, coat, and cardigan
Wearing Black
Accessorise to find balance in your body
Show some legs.
No matter what your age,
or your style,
a queen,
a diva
or a Goddess
Confidence is your best accessory
Above all, enjoy life & wear a smile is your best asset, makes people find you attractive and it is contagious.
Did you find a style that you would like to have in this curvy girl dressing guide for the upcoming festivities? Don’t agree with this list? Leave your comments below. I read them all and as always love to hear your opinion. Until next time!
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When younger I was very slim, but now in my 60s, I carry quite a lot of weight. I find close-fitting clothes uncomfortable and unflattering. I tell people that I’d rather wear loose clothes and be thought fat than wear tight clothes and prove it. Wearing a solid pattern throughout is slimming. Wearing longer jackets is slimming. For a larger woman, wearing tight jeans and a tucked in t-shirt accentuates the size and, for me, is not flattering, whatever the age. Personally, I prefer to wear clothes that reduce the impression of my weight rather than those that display it. I have a friend who is attracted by larger size ladies, but he is an exception. Most people, me included, prefer a slim figure. I’m not talking about anorexic size, but just not greatly overweight. I look at the feet and feel sorry for the shoes of overweight people. From the other comments here, I think this may not go down too well.
Hi Anne, I think the important thing is that you feel comfortable with your style, at the end of the day that is what matters. Whatever your weight or style it should please you above anyone else.
I love this article. My go to is always jeans and a t-shirt. I am so big busted I have felt that accessorizing my waist would be a horrible idea. (I am an hour glass figure). I see these pictures and see women close to my size looking fabuuuuuloooouus!
There you go Linda, hope some of this ladies can inspire you to add a little bling!
I would like to know what your size range. For larger sized ladies please. Can you tell me where to find it on your site?
Thank you.
Liz
Hi Liz, I normally, publish along with my patterns the sizes or measurements that can use the pattern because I believe people should dress by body shape rather than by size. I have not gotten around to making an average sizing table. I think I would need to make 4 or 5 to include all the patterns I have shared free on this site.
Thanks for this post! I am plus and will attest that no matter your size, confidence is the essential factor in pulling off any look. Love yourself enough to try new looks if you are stuck in a rut. No, I am not always dressed to the “nines”, but I am confident in who I am and know that my body is not me, simply a housing for me, the soul inside. That said, bodies can be fund to decorate …or not as the mood strikes you.
Could not be said better.
Hello! Where can I buy some of these beautiful clothes??
I would love to see some ideas for over 60 years old women who are size 2 to 3 x and shorter like5 ft 5 inches?
These are all beautiful but too young for me.
Hi, First – even though English is your second language we would not have know otherwise!
But-
I am an over 60 gal. Most people think we “elderly” don’t like to look nice, dress up and more. Not one picture you posted is even near an over 60 age. My suggestion to you (and others reading my post) is watch Grace and Frankie on NetFlix. A lot of conversation about age and good conversation we all should be having. Other then that (-; Thanks for showing larger size matters too!
Very good information for me. Love all the pictures. I would love to have a dress like the long short sleeve ruffled at the knee spotted off white dress. It is lovely
I appreciate your effort to include us larger ladies. While I have found my style, I can always learn something new.
I loved this so much! Thank you!
These girls are beautiful. Thank you for this post. It is so true that there are the right clothes for everyone to look good, confident, sexy, stylish, if you look for them. These guidelines will be helpful to many girls, I m sure.
What a wonderful compilation of beautiful women and thoughtful tips for looking our best. This is a thoughtful piece of work, and made me feel like looking my best this evening.
Cheers and thank you!
Thank you so much for this encouragement! Seeing so many beautiful curvy girls makes me see how being bold and having confidence makes a world of difference in how we look and how we are perceived. You go girls!
What a lovely article – really enjoyed it, thank you xx
These are great, but the models are tall. Being 5’0″ tall makes it even more challenging. Any ideas?
Hi! Nice pictures 🙂 A story, my mother in her younger days, became anorexic. She strived for perfection, in everything. She didn’t want to get “fat” and detested women who were now, “curvy” She destroyed her body, and had psychological problems. She was talented and intelligent. Her body now distorted, she became bedridden @80. Relationships destroyed. Her stomach destroyed. Better to accept and love the body you have, be thankful!
Mayra,
I love a lot of the styles but I just don’t see me in any of them. I’m 70 years old and I’ve never been happy with my body so I probably never will.
These women look beautiful in these clothes. Thank you for sharing.
What a lovely article about curvy women (yes, I am a member of that group). You are totally correct in every comment – its about confidence, being ‘comfortable in your own skin’, being happy & showing it with a beautiful smile, and the tips you gave were terrific. I am saving this article as I learned a few things, too. Thank you!
Thank you! I forget how beautiful my curves can be. Seeing others like me looking FABULOUS makes me feel so much better about myself.
I have looked all over the place for a strapless bra so that I can wear some of these beautiful off the shoulder looks.
I am wide around the back so my bra size is a 48 D.
Does anyone know where I can find a decent fitting strapless bra?
I think when many plus size people say they can’t wear something, it’s because the patterns aren’t offered in their measurements. I have 40 years experience with pattern adjustment, but many new, self taught sewists, don’t have any idea how to take a pattern, and make it actually fit their body.
Why no one over the age of 30 in this article or don’t us oldies don’t count? I am fed up of things like this re fashion and also adverts in magazines and on TV not using older women (and men) especially if like me a larger late 60s grey haired woman.
I just want to thank you for this post. It’s pretty edifying and encouraging to us “plus” size women from you, someone who is not! I’m a “senior” woman and pretty pleased that there are more cute styles than ever available to me. I’ve been XL or more all my life and I always felt frumpy because of what was available in my sizes. I still don’t think I’ve found “my” style, but hope to continue the search! :). Thanks again for your encouragement!
I loved your guide, explanation and the pictures! It must have been quite time consuming to collect all the material, as most fashion pictures and companies are still not inclusive, unfortunately. A term, I disapprove of, btw. So. Thank you for showing all these women! ????
Bless your heart for that article!
I love how your models look, great tips.
Mayra, I would love to test patterns if you are still in need as mentioned in October.
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I would also love to be a tester for you.
I am 56 years old, plus size, I love to feel sexy and feminine. Confidence, I gave, clothes I feel great in, lacking.
HI Bettina, welcome to the group, please send me an email with the size you would like to test, kind Regards, Mayra
Now for more patterns easy to make and great to wear for us 18+ girls! PLEASE??? I already love your patterns and often skip clothing that won’t fit my 40/49 inch bust and 55 inch hips
Hi Michele, I am happy to grade a pattern larger however I am in need of pattern testers would you be willing to become one?
Hi Mayra. I would be willing to be a plus size pattern tester.
Thank You Alice please send me an email with the size you would be willing to try. Kind Regards,
Love you article on curvy girl designs and ideas. It is so refreshing to see real people (not twigs) wearing nice looking, good fitting clothes. I especially like your comment on confidence.
Finally…..great real world advice I can use…..Woke me up to the fact that I just throw on same outfits day after day because I thought it didn’t matter…..why bother because I don’t have that “perfect” body anymore…..and nothing will look good anyway…..Seeing real plus size models in the article drove the point home that style, a good fit, and positive attitude is a game changer…..ALL the models were beautiful…..By the end of the article, not only was my brain brimming with ideas to try…..but most importantly also inspired me to reexamine how I view myself Thanks!
Thank you for using real plus size women for the fashion. I get so frustrated when plus size fashion is advertised on thin models.
Beautiful models and outfits! So glad you took the time to encourage other beautiful women to picture themselves this way. Confidence is the foundation for beauty.
This article was uplifting and inspiring. The models are gorgeous. I am definitely adopting some of these changes in my wardrobe. Thank you. XOXO