Shopping while plus-sized? Feel frustrated in a fitting room? I feel ya. Limited choices often limit plus-size women from wearing clothing they really love. With my busy life, it’s not unusual for me to attend several events in a week, in addition to meetings. I am constantly shopping and trying on clothes. As a plus size woman, this can be immensely frustrating. Here’s some shopping tips I’ve come to live by:
Wear what you love.
I can’t repeat this enough. If an outfit does not put a megawatt smile on your face, if you feel insecure in any way, don’t buy it. I only wear what I love. I don’t wear colors I don’t like. Shape wear may make you look better in a frock, but if you feel insecure in any way, I strongly suggest that you don’t spend the money. Wear what makes you feel bold and beautiful and ready to be seen. If you find your outfit hides “flaws” more than it makes you feel bodacious and beautiful, nix it.
If something works well, and it comes in colors you love, duplicate!
Shoe shopping drives me batty. I wear an 11 W, so finding cute, comfortable footwear is always an adventure. I always buy duplicates of shoes that I find comfortable, in several colors. I do this with dresses and blazers too. If it ain’t broke, I don’t fix it and I also don’t have to search as much for that elusive 11W.
Merge trendy and classic.
Let’s face it. Most trends are showcased to the world in fashion mags on lithe bodies–bodies that don’t look plus-sized. I look great in classic wear, but I want to be on trend as much as makes sense for me. I never invest fully in the color of the year from head to toe or other fashion phenomenons. I integrate what’s trendy that I like with what I know works for me. Once again, if I don’t feel FABULOUS in it, I don’t wear it.
You CAN wear patterns.
So many plus-sized women lament the horrible patterns in shapeless designs that line clothing racks. Because there’s so much bad available, we sometimes don’t look for the good. I love patterns when they are right for me: polka dots, some paisley, leopard print. Sometimes I can do zebra print and snake print. You will rarely see me wear horizontal stripes, because I am a broad broad! Open your mind to some patterns, but it may take some hunting.
Don’t agonize. Accessorize.
I have a few simple black dresses that are mainstays of my wardrobe. They could be seen as blah–but I offset the blah with some bling. I love a great scarf too. Accessorizing the tried-and-true is a fun way to revamp a classic wardrobe.
These are just a few of my fave tips for shopping. Share yours in the comments!
Kristin West 