
March 3, 2022
NewsThere’s a common misconception that if you’re plus size, your fashion choices are limited. The only rules that exist in fashion are that you should be able to wear clothing that makes you feel as good as you look. It’s important that we touch on body positivity before we jump into our guide of plus size outfit ideas. No matter what size your body is, you deserve to wear clothes that make you feel beautiful.
For years, plus size people were told they had to dress a certain way to accommodate their size and curves. Thanks to the rise of size-inclusive fashion influencers, we’re having a much more open conversation about fashion trends, and how your size shouldn’t determine which clothes you can or can’t wear.
You want to find clothing that complements and flatters your curves, that accentuates them instead of hiding them away under layers of dark colours. The plus size fashion industry is changing. More brands are becoming size inclusive, making it easier for you to get your hands on those cultivated pieces. With celebrities like Ashley Graham and Lizzo to look up to, 2022 is all about body positivity and embracing the skin you’re in.
We have one golden rule for putting together and buying plus size outfits:
If you love it, wear it! Don’t listen to the haters, or what anyone says on social media. Your clothing is personal to you and your body.
The most important thing to consider when shopping for plus size clothing is that there is no such thing as a standard sizing chart. You might be a size 14 in one store, and a size 18 in the other. Even within the same brand, you could be two completely different sizes in similar garments. You want to ignore what the label says and instead focus on how the clothes look on you when deciding which size to buy.
A common mistake people make is thinking they have to buy their ‘true size’, which could end up causing visible panty lines or cut into your side. You want your clothes to make you feel comfortable. Sometimes wearing a size bigger can give you a more comfortable – and flattering – fit.
Another thing we should touch on is colour palettes. People tend to think that they have to wear black clothes to hide their curves away. No colour – or print – is off-limits to you. You can wear a pastel pink or a polka dot pattern, whatever makes you feel good.
There are things you can do to make certain trends or clothing more wearable. If you’re a fan of dresses, but struggle with chafing, you can slip on a pair of bicycle shorts underneath your dress. This can avoid any kind of chafing and make it easier for you to wear your dresses all day long. If your dress isn’t long enough to disguise shorts, you can add an anti-chafing cream to have the same effect.
Now that you have an idea of what to keep in mind, we’re rounding up all of our top outfit ideas for plus size women in 2022. Grab a pen or take a few screenshots to help you curate your plus size 2022 closet.
If you’re nervous about wearing a small or dainty print, go in the opposite direction. Make a statement with an oversized print that is fun and quirky. If you’re in the market for a cool shirt that will make a statement, don’t be afraid to checkout the men’s section. Fashion today is genderless, meaning there isn’t any issue with you buying from the menswear section. Like we said – ignore the label.
Plus size women sometimes find that men’s shirt fit them best as it allows for extra room around the chest area for a more relaxed fit, and to reduce tension on the buttons. If you’re going with an oversized print, balance it out with a more understated neutral colour for the rest of you outfit.
Jumpsuits are a staple in the plus size fashion world as an alternative to dresses. If you want to keep your legs covered up, a jumpsuit will give you the same feminine silhouette and fun print as a dress. In fact, most of the dresses you find today have a jumpsuit equivalent. For 2021, it’s a great opportunity o invest in a jumpsuit that you can elevate and take from day to night.
With the world starting to open up again, a jumpsuit is the perfect plus one to a friend’s wedding or drinks at a cocktail bar.
If you want the illusion of a dress, choose a jumpsuit with a wide-leg silhouette to replicate the look of the skirt of a dress. You can choose an all-over-print or stick to one colour for a sleek monochrome look. A jumpsuit can be worn with everything from signature white sneakers to wedge espadrilles or stiletto heels.
One of our favourite plus size outfits is floral dresses. This style can see you through more than just spring and summer. Say no to the idea of only wearing black and shake up your look with a floral dress instead. There are dozens of silhouettes that you can choose from, so you’re guaranteed to find a shape that makes you feel comfortable.
The perfect partner for your floral dress is classic white sneakers. It adds an athleisure twist to your outfit and can make it more wearable for day to day. If you end up need to go somewhere that sneakers aren’t suitable, you can swap them out for a pair of elevated ballet flats. Floral dresses are a sign that you don’t care what anyone says you can or can’t wear as a plus size woman. If you love feminine fashion, you want to have at least one floral dress that you can reach for throughout the year when you need a go-to piece.
Another common misconception is that plus size woman can’t wear silk dresses. We beg to differ. The beauty of a plus size woman’s curves means a silk dress can take on a new shape. It’ll accentuate your curves and be comfortable enough to wear all day long. If you’re looking for a dress you can wear on a night-out or on a date with your partner, a silk dress will give you a sultry look. One of the benefits of silk is that it’s a luxurious fabric that keeps you comfortable without compromising on style.
While black is a classic colour, why not experiment with red instead? The colour is universally flattering and it’ll show the world that you’re not afraid to wear your heart on your sleeve.
It can be difficult to find a plus size dress that fits you like a glove. After all, clothes are made with an arbitrary size in mind, not accounting for the nuances of different body types. You might find a dress that you love, with a print that speaks to your personality. It’s all going well until you realize that the dress doesn’t have much shape to it. This problem is a common one for plus-size women – but there’s an easy solution.
Invest in a thin belt that fits your waist. You can use it on anything from blazer dresses to maxi dresses or even a ribbed shirt dress. Adding a belt will give your dress a more defined silhouette, while showing off your curves. If you want to splurge on an accessory, a belt is a great idea. Unlike clothes that might not fit you somewhere down the road, a belt can always be adjusted to fit.
Although we said you shouldn’t have to wear black, it can still do amazing things for your curves – if you know how to wear it. For a minimalistic aesthetic, keep your look clean and classic. Find a timeless silhouette and give it a contemporary twist. You could look for a little black dress that has a one-shoulder cut or a back cut-out. Updating a classic like a little black dress and making it your own can give you a major confidence boost. An LBD will never go out of style, and your dress size doesn’t determine whether you can or can’t wear one.
Speaking of colour palettes, don’t be afraid to add a neon pop to your look – and in unexpected ways as well. You can keep it subtle with a bubblegum pink handbag or think outside the box with a pair of neon tights. The best way to wear neon is to balance them out with a predominantly neutral-tone outfit. You can make your neon pieces pop by wearing a white dress or your go-to jeans and t-shirt combo.
What advice do you have for buying plus size fashion? What’s your favourite plus size look? Let us know in the comments below!
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