The best way to compliment your curves is by revealing, not concealing. While overly tight isnt right, neither is hiding your classically feminine form under oversized, shapeless garments. Anything that skims and drapes is going to be scads more complimentary than clothing that camouflages absolutely everything. Try showing off your bodacious beauty in this years collection of dresses and skirts. These are quintessentially female garments that truly look best on quintessentially female bodies. The most on-trend offerings are also easy to wear fine-gauge knit wrap dresses cinch in and drape out to create
bewitching hourglass silhouettes, gossamer halters veer into the traffic-stopping category, and those ethereal empire cuts are the perfect way to float comfortably through summer. (If you prefer more coverage youre in luck maxi dresses just happen to be the hippest style going.) Youll want a few sweet skirts in your repertoire as well. A-lines will be the most flattering, and a three-quarter length is year-round perfect. The best skirt colors are either solid neutrals or brights. Top these with blouses of similar hues for an unbroken, and gracefully elongating, color line.
Pants & Jeans
I think designers and merchants are beginning to get the message. The average American woman is a size 14, but thats all thats average about her. She has increased buying power and her taste and fashion savvy is just as sophisticated as any of her smaller-sized sisters. As evidence of this overdue attention, witness the improvements in womens-sized slacks and denim. Theres less reliance on the unflattering elastic waist and more emphasis on quality construction and careful tailoring. Lightweight capris in denim or cool cotton-blends, classic flat-front black trousers (pocket-free are best), and swingy chic pairs of wide-leg palazzo pants will do the trick. (As will a cute pair of leggings under a shirtdress that hits mid-thigh.) Try on some instant sex appeal with the new breed of jeans that cater to curves look for elements like darker rinses, boot-cut legs, higher rises in the back (they eliminate waistband gap when hips are wider than waists), angled back pockets
and even special front panels that smooth out the tummy area. Hint the best fabrication for all pants is a blend that includes just a bit of stretch.
Shirts & Tops
The good news? The skin-baring, shrunken-shirt craze has gone belly up. The bad news? There is none. The leading trends in tops are surprisingly figure-friendly and refreshingly easy to wear. Tunics are genius most are designed to flow lightly over the body, and many have a bit of bust detail or nipping in at the waist for extra curve appeal. (Wear these long over a short or skinny bottom layer cropped pants, soft leggings or slim skirt.) Tanks are more casual and relaxed, but you can easily score an upscale version sweet with embroidery or shaded a lustrous new soft pastel. And of course the shapes that work so well in plus-size dresses are going to look smashing in blouse form halters and wraps are devastatingly effective when worn on fuller figures. That said, if youre looking to slim and elongate your bod, nothing is better than a v-neckline. (To broaden narrow shoulders try a boatneck.) Stick to breathable, soft fabrics like jersey knit, cotton/poly blends, microfiber, silk georgette and crepe. If you need an extra layer, don a cute jean jacket.
Career Wear
Dressing for success shouldnt be complicated. Start with that corporate classic the white shirt. There are endless variations on this theme, so youre sure to find one that suits you, and your workplace. Avoid getting too buttoned-down with this style. Leaving it open a modest bit will help de-emphasize your bustline and avoid the dreaded button-gap. A
finely-tailored suit jacket is worth the investment as well. Keep an eye out for narrow lapels, a one-button waist closure and year-round fabrics like rayon blends and light tweeds. Black is thought of as the most slenderizing shade, but white is refreshing, on-trend and can look fantastic on a structured silhouette. (Avoid anything shapeless or "boxy" and youre on the
right track look for a bit of nipping in at the waist.) Lightweight, flowing skirts arent likely encouraged in most offices, but many sleek and sober varieties actually refine your form. If you dont like tapered pencil shapes, try the subtle flounce of a tulip skirt. Mid-hip or longer jackets matched with knee-length skirts provide proportional flattery. Tip avoid anything decorative and embellished. Clean-lined and unadorned are always more professionally attractive.
Active Wear
Theres a cliché that plus-sized women arent active women, but thats just another annoying bit of ignorance. Many gals who wear higher size numbers are actually very athletic and in much better shape than other smaller-framed femmes. And the taller you are the more likely your height alone will cause you to seek out double-digit apparel. Lets also not forget that many of us at one time or another consider whittling down that dress size or firming up what we have, so wed like something supportive, comfortable and, heaven forbid, attractive to work out in. To begin, steer clear of overly tight tops or bottoms. Of course your sport bra should be properly supportive (a built-in underwire helps), but it shouldnt constrict, and like all good active wear it should wick away moisture and be made of breathable material. Tees, leggings and bike shorts will all do yeoman service, but for pure comfort and style you may want to opt for yoga outfits theyre frequently cut a bit loose, with beautifully proportioned pants that widen at the bottom, and racerback tanks in soft cotton blends.
Sugarbush Boutique / sugarbushboutique.com
In company with DanCin Nichols Expanding Horizons, LLC
113 Latigo Lane, Suite D-104; Canon City, Colorado 81212
Copyright© 2006
