Stylish Plus Size Outfits for Every Occasion
When it comes to dressing in style, the plus-size community is embracing a world of options that not only celebrate curves but also enhance personal expression. As a fashion enthusiast, I have discovered that understanding fit and proportion is crucial to creating stylish plus-size outfits for every occasion.
Fit and Proportion in Plus Sizes
When it comes to dressing well in plus size, the most important element is finding a tailored fit that flatters your body shape. Tailoring is not only for formal items! You can alter casual items to look smart and sophisticated. When wearing a tailored item you should feel comfortable and confident because it shows off your best parts. For example, a fitted blazer can help create a great silhouette with a defined waist, or a tailored dress can fall over your curves without pulling in places that it does not flatter.
I will start with fit, without question, because now let’s say you have an outfit you love but the fabric is not good – you are going to be miserable! Fabric is important to comfort as well as your personal style. Look for fabric that drapes well like jersey, chiffon, or soft knits. Not only do these fabric choices feel great when putting on your skin, they help create a nice flow and movement when you are wearing the items. Wearing a great outfit that is chic and comfortable is not impossible – it is called ‘draping’. Many of the suggestions I use the words ‘draping and flow’ are not only fashionable and age appropriate, but you can feel good about wearing it all day – movement or not. I find that once I spend the time on tailored fit and good fabrics, I can build an outfit that I can feel good about, and look good too – for anything!
Weather Driven Trends in Plus Size Fashion
As the weather changes, so do the trends in plus-size fashion, and I think it’s important to embrace a mix of bright colors for spring and summer occasions. Bright colors and floral patterns are inspiring and uplifting for any outfit, and are essential for outdoor events, weddings, or brunches. For instance, a maxi dress in a large, bold floral print flowy is perfect because I can feel good about my outfit while being comfortable and able to join in my fun day.
When the weather changes in to fall and winter my main styling trick becomes layering to provide my outfit with extra style and warmth. A multi-layered outfit can have more dimension and interest, making even a basic outfit look elevated. I enjoy layering a fitted turtleneck, underneath a chunky cardigan, then throw on a trench coat that has strong structured lines. This combination covers me up and keeps me warm on brisk days, while showcasing a myriad of colors and textures that channel the beautiful colors of fall and winter.
The Joy of Mixing Patterns and Textures
Mixing patterns and textures is one of the best parts of fashion, I’ve discovered mixing prints with textures. Mixing prints that are bold with more subtle textures help to give a pulled-together look. I love combining a striped blouse with a floral skirt for fun outfit creativity while still looking put together. One of the main factors to consider when producing an outfit combining prints is to ensure one print is more dominant than the other. If one of the prints completely overwhelms the outfit, it can look confusing and distasteful.
The same goes for layering different fabrics to achieve interest and comfort. I find myself partnering a denim jacket with a soft cotton dress. The oversized, loose, flexible denim on top of a more formal cotton fabric creates enough contrast to stir up visual interest. Even though it adds more detail to my outfit, I can take off the layering piece based on the weather or occasion.
Building a Capsule Wardrobe for Flexibility
A capsule wardrobe is a huge benefit for anyone who wants to reduce the stress of getting dressed while maximizing flexibility. When I assemble my capsule wardrobe, the easiest way to simplify my choices is to stick to neutral colors, which are easy to mix-and-match. I usually select basic black, white, navy, and beige to serve as the basic foundation, and everything else is built off of those choices.
I like to incorporate statement pieces into my capsule wardrobe to offer some style and flair. Big items like an abstract patterned scarf or statement handbag can take a simple outfit to the next level. For example, a black dress can easily transition into a completely different outfit simply by adding one or two statement accessories, whether that is bright statement jewelry, heels, etc. The bottom line is that with only a few basic essentials, I can merge several outfits from one limited wardrobe, making getting dressed effortless and fun.
Footwear Selections that Enhance Your Style
Footwear is an accessory! In fact, footwear may be the accessory that can enhance any outfit the most and should be carefully thought out based on the types and styles of silhouettes you have on. Heels offer length to legs and certainly make you look put together; stylish flats are stylish AND comfortable! I like to wear ankle boots or a stylish loafer – both offer support and elevate the style. They are my go-to shoes to wear with casual outfits or with dresses.
It’s also important that I wear the right shoes for the event I attend. For instance: I have a great pair of black pumps that I would wear to work and again that same night to a late outdoor gathering and would not look out of place. I also have great sneakers that I may wear with a casual outfit (or even a casual dress!) but would be fashionable or look “quirky” in my own way/drama style. All of these shoes go back to the type of style choice, from each occasion and help me maintain the look I want to achieve and not look silly.
In conclusion, plus-size fashion is full of opportunity to embrace personal style and individuality. I have learned so much about creating stylish outfits for any occasion from knowing fit and proportion, to embracing seasonal clothing trends, to mixing fabrics and patterns, to assembling a capsule wardrobe, and to wearing the right shoes. Fashion is about so much more than the clothing we wear. It is a way of expressing who we are and feeling good about ourselves.
