Ever since I started writing this blog, people have been asking me to write about fashion for plus size women. I realize that this topic is relevant for many women who feel that fashion magazines, and the fashion industry in general, have basically forgotten the woman who isn't a size six or below. So in an effort to generate some inspiration for this group, here's a pic of a friend of mine who is a stylish woman over size six. 
I love this look because she uses color to punch up the basic black skirt and jacket, which I just wrote about in last week's post on my wintertime look. But then she really added a kick with the fishnet pantyhose. So cute! I think it works because she's showing her curves in a flattering way, while playing up her great legs. As my friend always says, "You just have to pick clothes that fit your body type." I couldn't have said it better myself.
So what do you think? I'd love to know your thoughts and ideas on plus size fashion tips.
The picture of your friend is a cute conservative look.I am a size 14 since my daughter's birth I was an 8 previous to that and the problem folks like me have is adjusting to a new ,large size. I have friends that vow to get back to their old size but years go
by and they have not so they do not make the proper clothing
adjustment( squeezing into the few things that were too big then and too small now,ill fitting garb because they do not want to spend too much money on the new bigger size--anticipating getting back down to their size of old). We have to accentuate our attributes no matter what size. Small
size ladies who are not that shapely have to stay away from some fashions just as larger size ladies do. At this size I am a more classic dresser that throws in fun,flirty subtle touches like today I have on a tailored olive suit with a work appropriate sheer blouse layered over a purple cami that matches my purple pumps. Big ain't bad. :-)
Posted by: From STYLEnosh Email | January 28, 2008 at 09:29 AM
I have one question. In this world of super thin women, what is considered plus sized? If you are over a size 6, are your really considered plus sized?
Posted by: LOVELIFE! | January 29, 2008 at 09:57 AM
That’s an excellent question LOVELIFE ! In general, size 14 or above is considered plus size for women in the US. And it’s been stated that the average size woman in the US is a size 12. Most fashion magazines don’t regularly show clothes on women over size 6, though they will occasionally do special features on dressing a plus size body. I have noticed that Essence magazine (whose target audience is African American women) has bucked the trend by showing style tips for women who are size 6 and above. (Which may be correlated to the fact that 80% of African-American women are overweight according to a recent study.)
Personally, I go by body type (pear shape, column, etc.), height, and body fat percentage. I’m 5’3’’ and I weigh about 135 lbs. My dress and jacket size is a 2. My pant size is 6. Do the math! I have big legs and butt and I’m small on top. I’m not plus size but I’m not thin either. I guess I’m a meaty size 2! LOL Thin is still praised in the fashion world, but I think more emphasis should be placed on being a healthy size. My friend in the picture would look sick as a size 6. But she knows that she would be healthier (i.e. have good heart health) if she lost a few pounds. And she’s been eating better AND working out consistently for a couple of years now!
Posted by: STYLEnosh | January 29, 2008 at 01:16 PM
I personally don't think your homegirl in the picture is plus sized. She looks like a 10 or 12. But to me she is at a size where she can still shop at normal stores. I don't consider her plus size at all...
Posted by: Karla K. | January 30, 2008 at 01:14 AM
I figured someone would say that Karla Kaye. I think she's around a size 14. She used to be a larger size but as I mentioned, she's been working out. I think she fits the definition of plus size but more on the smaller side of the group. I'll try to find other examples of plus size, style for you. Question for you- what do you consider to be plus size?
Posted by: STYLEnosh | January 30, 2008 at 08:39 AM
That's a pretty good look for a pear shape body, but when you're considering the needs of plussies, you have to take a few things into account:
* Stores may market 12-14 as plus size, but these are NOT plus women. Marketers are just jerks. The average American woman is a size 12, so categorizing her as plus actually just encourages more eating disorders.
* It is possible for a larger woman to look fantastic and there are elements of mainstream design to take into account, and elements NOT to take into account. There's also a lot of "conventinal" wisdom about plus sizes and how they should dress that's actually not true, or is bucked for body politic reasons. Want to start a brawl? Bring up horizontal stripes in a plus size fashion forum.
* Two key elements to figure flattery: the bra, and the shoes. A slightly raised heel - just slightly - and good support of the bust can transform the most basic of outfits and emphasize the best parts of a curvier body.
Posted by: Di | January 30, 2008 at 06:10 PM