When it comes to fashion, finding pieces that make you feel sexy and confident is everything. While we’re all for embracing your body shape, some trends can be tricky and hard to pull off, regardless of your size. To help you better navigate your wardrobe, here are some unflattering looks that don’t always work if you’re plus size and what to wear instead.
1. Busy Dramtic Prints
Busy prints can overwhelm your frame and make you look larger than you actually are. That’s not to say you can’t wear prints at all. Try to opt for smaller, subtle prints or solid colors that enhance your figure without drawing too much attention to any single area, allowing your natural beauty to shine through. Leopard print is not a great look for a top on any body shape.
2. Tight Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans can be a staple in the wardrobe, but when they’re too tight, they can emphasize areas that can make your figure bigger and imbalanced. For plus-sized body shapes, opt for straight-leg or bootcut jeans that give a tubing effect to the legs that balances your silhouette and elongates your lower half, giving you a more flattering look.
3. Shapeless Oversized Clothing
Oversized clothing might seem comfortable, but when you’re plus-sized, it often adds unnecessary bulk to your frame. Try to shop for clothes that are tailored to fit your shape that are still ultimately comfy. These clothes will highlight your natural curves and accentuate your shape.
4. Bold Horizontal Stripes
Horizontal stripes only look good on very few body shapes. For most people, they tend to look warped and can widen your appearance, which may not be the look you’re going for. If you love stripes, go for vertical or diagonal ones that create the illusion of length, slimming your figure and adding height to your overall appearance.
5. Extremely Low-Rise Pants
Again, low-rise pants only look good on a few body types. Otherwise, they can create unflattering bulges around the waist. High-waisted or mid-rise pants are more flattering to plus-sized body shapes as they smooth out your midsection, provide better coverage, and create a more balanced and flattering silhouette.
6. Baggy Sweaters
Baggy sweaters are cozy; no argument there, but they can add way too much bulk to your upper body. A fitted sweater or one with a defined waist will accentuate your curves while still keeping you warm. There’s nothing worse than looking frumpy and swallowed by a sweater with too much fabric. Show off those curves with a well-fitting sweater.
7. Cropped Boxy Jackets
Boxy jackets that end at the waist can create a square silhouette, which is something you want to avoid entirely. Instead, choose jackets that are tailored and that sit just below the hip to elongate your torso, giving you a more proportionate and flattering look.
8. Stiff Structured Fabrics
Starchy, stiff fabrics without any give can restrict movement and highlight areas you’d prefer to downplay. Avoid rigid cotton and opt for soft, stretchy fabrics that drape nicely over your curves instead. This will offer both comfort and a flattering fit, allowing you to move freely.
9. Calf-Grazing Capri Pants
Capri pants that end mid-calf only look good on people with very thin legs. For the rest of us, they can make your legs look shorter and wider. Skip the capri pants and try full-length or ankle-length pants, which will elongate your legs, making them appear longer and leaner for a more elegant silhouette.
10. Crop (aka Muffin) Tops
Ill-fitting crop tops can reveal more than you’d like and make you feel self-conscious. This doesn’t mean you need to wear drab, long shirts. Instead of crop tops, choose tops that graze the top of your hips or layer them over high-waisted bottoms for a look that’s stylish and flattering without being too revealing.
11. Wide Belts
Wide belts might seem stylish, but what they’ll actually end up doing is giving the illusion of a torso cut in half, making you appear shorter and wider. Ditch the chunky wide belts for a sleek and slim belt worn at your natural waist. This will define your shape without adding bulk, creating a more streamlined and polished look.
12. Chunky Knit Dresses
Chunky knit dresses can add unnecessary volume to your frame. Opt for dresses made from a thin fabric with a defined waist or a wrap style that emphasizes your natural curves. You can still stay warm in those colder months without sacrificing style.
13. Flouncy Girly Dresses
If you’re plus-sized, short, flouncy dresses and skirts are not your friend. Though they can be fun to wear, they can make your lower half appear wider. When it comes to picking skirt styles, go for an A-line or a pencil skirt that hits just below the knee. Not only are these far more flattering, but they also elongate your legs and highlight your waist, creating a balanced and elegant silhouette.
14. Off-the-Shoulder Tops
Off-the-shoulder tops don’t look good on a fuller bust. Not only does it draw unwanted attention, but it also looks frumpy. If you like off-the-shoulder tops, pair them with a supportive strapless bra to maintain a flattering shape, or opt for a shirt that you can wear a good bra with for a more streamlined look.
15. The Peplum
Peplum tops are very tricky to pull off, regardless of your shape and size. They tend to emphasize your bust and chest, so if you’re top-heavy, you may not be into this. This style will also cut you off at a weird length so they can highlight a muffin on top of a thick waist. If you want a little edge, go for a more structured top through the chest with a dramatic oversized sleeve.