ALISSA'S 7 SHOPPING TIPS FOR PLUS SIZE WOMEN

Hey curvy girls all over the world,
Being the shopaholic that I am, I wanted to share with you some of my tips when it comes to plus size shopping. This is actually a re-post from an article I wrote for The Budget Fashionista. I figured I would re-post it since we are going into a new year in just a couple of weeks.

These are my tips and tricks feel free to share yours in the comments.

1. Use a Tailor

Seriously, having a tailor can be life changing. It’s rare for plus size women to get a perfect fit with clothes off the rack. This is when a tailor comes in handy. Have you ever bought a blazer in your correct size but it won’t button and the next size up is entirely too big? A tailor would be able to take in some of the fabric from the bigger size and make that blazer look like it was specifically designed with your body in mind. The same goes for pants and jeans.

2. Don’t underestimate non-plus size stores

Loft Outfit

You would be surprised at how many stores that don’t carry plus sizes actually have styles that will work for a plus size body. Ann Taylor and Loft actually carry sizes up to an 18 and size 16 petite. Gap carries style up to XXL and 20 at their online store. The cuts are surprisingly generous too. Loft and Ann Taylor even have pants specifically for curvier body types. Even Banana Republic carries a size 16 and I swear by the Jackson Fit which is more for the curvy girl. Other stores like Talbots also offer sizes up to 18 and an actual plus size line,.

3. Try Things On

You never know how something will look unless you try it on. It’s easy to just look at something and say it’s not going to work for your body. How can you honestly know that if you haven’t tried it on?

4. Know Your Measurements

Online shopping can be a bit of a hassle because every brand cuts differently. Sometimes you don’t have enough to buy two sizes to see which one works the best. That’s when a sizing chart comes in handy. You should purchase a measuring tape and measure your waist, hips, thighs, and chest then match your measurements up against the company’s sizing chart. This will help you determine if you need to go a size up or down.

5. Know the difference between junior and women’s plus sizes

Dress: Fashion to Figure

The trendier plus size brands typically size for junior plus sizes. So, don’t go thinking you’re crazy when you are on average a 1X-14/16 and find yourself squeezing into a 3X-22/24. Junior sizes are often sized with odd and even numbers. For example, some (not all) junior plus size brands size from 13/14, 15/16 and plus size women’s brands size at 14/16, 18/20. Junior sizes are cut for who else, teens. While plus size women who fall in the woman’s plus category can fit junior sizes it’s always best to check sizing charts to make sure you’re getting the right fit.Brands like Forever21 and Fashion to Figure are junior plus sized.

6. Forget the rules

ASOS Curve

When it comes to fashion and shopping for your plus size body, you have to forget the old outdated fashion rules. Yes, plus size women can wear horizontal stripes. Yes , plus size women can wear bright colors beyond a scarf. Yes, plus size women can wear shorts. It’s all about finding the right cut and style for your body.

7. Don’t wait to lose weight to look great
At the end of the day, whether your are happy with your body or trying to lose weight, you owe it to yourself to look and be your best no matter your size. Having great style has nothing to do with your size. It’s all about knowing your body and knowing what works for it. You don’t have to wait to lose those extra 10 pounds to wear a sexy dress.

You can read the rest of my tips over at The Budget Fashionista

What are some of your tips?

Comments

fashion1psychology says

December 7, 2012 at 12:57 pm

Hello i just love, love, love your fashion blog. It’s Fabulous. Please come and check out my blog at http://www.fashion1psychology.wordpress.com
Thx have a great day 🙂
Diva Dee says

December 7, 2012 at 1:54 pm

What you said about not waiting to look great really hit home with me. I would normally splurge on bags and shoes, but not so much on clothes because i was waiting. I just recently realised that I can’t do that. So I’ve started investing in clothes that fit well, look good on me and help motivate me to take care of myself. And your blog helps remind me of that. Thanks.
Anonymous says

December 7, 2012 at 7:15 pm

I agree I’m currently on a weight loss journey and haven’t been wanting to buy clothes. However I realized the better I look the better I will feel.
Arianna says

January 16, 2013 at 9:59 am

Great fashion tips for plus size women like me. Confidence is also important so that you will exude a sexy aura.

connect

ALISSA’S 7 SHOPPING TIPS FOR PLUS SIZE WOMEN

Join Our Mailing List

You’ll Also Love

Comments

Join Our Mailing List

You have Successfully Subscribed!