Fashion isn’t just for Skinny People
Fall Fashion from the Avenue.com in sizes 14-32.
Fashion is not just for skinny people. The fashion caste system
that separated people into “those who can” (skinny and rich) and
“those who can’t” (everyone else) created by snobby designers
and power hungry fashion editors (who, by the way, are often
plus sized themselves) is crumbling and a fashion utopia is
emerging where fashionistas can look fabulous regardless of
size. Take that Kate Moss!
The Rules
Now, there are few rules you need to follow in order to stay in
fashion. In this diet-obsessed, waif-model culture, designers
still gear their creations towards a size four (shout out to all
of the skinny fashionistas- we love you too!) and their version
of plus size is to just make a bigger size four. Commit these
size rules to heart and watch your style quotient rise. 1. Dress
monochromatically. Dressing in one color de-emphasizes your
problem areas by creating one long silhouette.
2. Break out the Heels. Heels elongate your legs, making you
look slimmer in the process. Stores like Zappos.comhave a huge
selection of pumps and heels.
3. Low-rise is not an option. Very few people, regardless of
size, can wear low-rise pants. Just because it is in style,
doesn’t mean it will work for you.
4. Avoid crop jackets. Crop jackets draw attention to your waist
and butt. Purchase well structured jackets that hit you right
below your bottom. This season, tweed is very hot, so pick up a
cute tweed or velvet jacket. Check out
[email protected]
5. Please don’t abuse the Lycra. Lycra is a privilege, not a
fashion right.
6. Purchase boot cut pants. One of the season’s biggest trends
is the pencil leg pant, which emphasize big butts. Stick with
pants that have a slight flare at the bottom, to create a more
balanced look. Again, [email protected]
7. Find a great tailor. Don’t throw out those great fitting
pants because they are too long. A great tailor will be able to
hem the pants to your desired length for less than $20.
The Stores
So where can you buy these clothes? Below are the best stores to
purchase plus size fashions that will enhance your style and be
gentle on your pocket books.
Elisabeth.com. Elisabeth.com by Liz Claiborne is make
comfortable and stylish clothing in sizes 14 and up. The online
store is having a major clearance sale on fall and winter
merchandise. Take an extra $20 off purchases of $180 or more.
Smartbargains.com. Smart Bargains has a designer plus size
fashions from Liz Claiborne, ABS, and more.
Newport News. Newport News has cheap, trendy fashions up to size
28. Almost all of the sizes you see on their size 2 models are
also made in larger sizes.
La Redoute.com. The Parisian online retailer, La Redoute.com,
has some of the best plus size fashions on the web. They are
hip, trendy, and extremely affordable.
Kiyonna. This little website features sophisticated styles for
fashionistas who wear a size 12 or higher. We are pretty big
fans of their dresses.
Oldnavy.com. Owned by the GAP, Old Navy has cheaper, lower
quality versions of the fashions seen at the GAP, up to size
20/XXL. It is great place to stock up on tees, tanks, and other
items you may buy in bulk.
Overstock.com. This is the best online outlet and a great place
to pick up cheap designer items. The plus size section tends to
be a little boring for our taste, but sometimes you can find
deals like a Dana Buchman top for up to 80% off retail.
Target.com. Stop by for toilet paper and leave with an outfit.
Too bad the Isaac Mizrahi line only goes up to a size 16.
Wal-Mart. Wal-Mart’s new George line is hot! Where else could
you score this season’s hottest style – the bouclé jacket – for
$26.00 bucks? More items are being added each day!
Try stopping by your local outlet mall. Off 5th, Saks Fifth Ave
Outlet has an amazing selection of designer plus size fashions
from Donna Karan, Oscar De La Renta and Anne Klein. Also, check
out stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Bloomingdales, and
Macys – all of whom have very hip plus size departments.
Bloomingdales and Macys’ plus size departments usually have the
best sales, while Saks Fifth Avenue has more cutting edge
fashions and higher end designers.
Remember that you can be a fashionista regardless of your size.
Don’t let pop culture’s ridiculous fashion caste system dictate
what you can and can’t wear. Arm yourself with a heaping dose of
self- confidence, a purse full of common sense and the rules
above and head to your favorite store and shop!