Greetings! Size 16 fashion editor, here, reporting for duty. Regardless of your shape, getting dressed is an art. But it does always help to hear from a like-minded friend (that’d be us). So we thought we’d share some of our favorite fashion tricks that we personally employ every morning.
GO AHEAD AND FOLLOW TRENDS
People love to tell you to avoid fads and stick to the classics. But that’s absolute bologna. The only thing you (or anyone, really) should ever worry about is fit. Given the range of available sizes nowadays, there’s no reason you can’t rock a Canadian tuxedo with the best of ’em.
BUT DON’T BE AFRAID OF A UNIFORM
If you find yourself struggling with daily fashion decisions, rid yourself of the stress by keeping a closet full of clothing you know you love. If babydoll dresses are your thing, buy ones in every color. And wear them every day. You’re guaranteed to always feel great and spend far less time fretting in the morning.
SHOW A LITTLE SKIN
Breaking up the visuals is an age-old styling trick. A few ways to insert a little daylight: Flaunt your waist in a matching set; highlight your collarbone in an off-the-shoulder top; flash some ankle in a rolled-up pant leg. Any will do wonders for creating length.
EMBRACE THE V-NECK
Another lengthening trick we often tell our shorter ladies: Use your décolletage to your advantage. Avoid crewnecks that can stunt the neck area. Instead, opt for a V-neck blouse or wrap dress to draw the eye upward.
USE METALLICS TO ACCENTUATE
You know a belt. You love a belt. But a gold belt, specifically, should be on your shopping list. There’s nothing like a shiny metal plate to elevate the style of any outfit (and make your waist look teeny tiny in the process).
WEAR ALL OF THE PRINTS
Remember that thing we said about trends? Yeah, people also love to tell you to avoid patterned fabric. We couldn’t disagree more. A tight cluster of bold shapes is surprisingly flattering–as opposed to, say, a swath of a bright solid color (which sometimes can add width).
PLAY WITH PROPORTION
In the game of styling curvy bodies, it’s not about loose clothes versus snug clothes. It’s about contrast and balance. So take a swingy midi dress and give it structure with a boxy cropped blazer. Or pair a bodycon shift with something voluminous, like this season’s favorite teddy-bear coat. You’re guaranteed to look chic, every time.