Say hello to Marie, who is guest posting for us today to share a little insight on plus size fashion!

As plus size fashions become more readily available, we find ourselves with more options, choices, and motivations for wanting to put our best curve forward!  But where does one begin to fashion her curves with the abundance of new found options?

Accentuate the Positive and Flatter the Rest!

What I mean by that?  We all have “problem areas” places on our bodies that we may not necessary love, but we also have curves that we love, whether it be the neck, legs, chest or waist. The trick to flaunting your curves with confidence is dressing to your curves’ potential.

How do you do this?  Well, with a little strategic dressing and these tips and tricks, you can be on your way to putting your best curve forward!

But before you dress to put your best curve forward, it is very important that you lay the right foundation! Foundations are the building blocks to every wardrobe, whether straight or  blessed with curves. The perfect fitting bra and shaper will allow clothes to fall as they should, skimming the curves in every right place, without gathering or bunching on each curve!

An ill-fitting bra can destroy the posture, give you “double cleavage,” and can kill the overall look of your top or dress!

Designers such as Hips and Curves, Elomi, Oola Lingerie, Spanx, Yummie Tummie, and Heavenly Curves all offer perfect foundations that cater specifically to your curves!

SO which area are you looking to accentuate or flatter? Read on for some tips and tricks by region of your curves!

Your arms

If you love them:

Your arms, whether shapely, firm, or loved just as they are, opt for sleeveless tops and cutaways that will bring attention to your lovely limbs, and add interest and depth to your complete look!

• Opt for a variety of sleeve lengths (sleeveless, short sleeved, and strapless)
• Do be bold in the season’s latest trends with the one shoulder, sexy cutouts, and sparkly sequined sleeveless numbers!
• With a great bra for support, be daring in a strapless sparkly number for the holidays!

Top by Kische at Nordstrom

If they are not your favorite:

Layering strategically is always a great way to detract attention away from your arms! V- necks, patterns and prints can bring attention away from your arms and to you lovely face, collarbone, or wherever you wish to divert attention to, by flattering your favorite asset!

• Do NOT wear bulky and shapely knits, as this will only detract from your x-factor!
• Stay away from short sleeve tops that button at the bottom, as it will cut into your arm- only to appear larger
• Do wear sleeves that skim your arms, in lightweight wools and cottons, that add a soft shape to them.

Top by Kische at Nordstom

Your Chest

If you love them:

Your cleavage is your killer asset and you want to flaunt it with style and class? V-neck tops and dresses are the immediate way to go! Not too low of a V will ooze just enough sex appeal and confidence without over doing it!

• Do wear interesting necklines that open up your frame without plunging too low.
• To avoid crossing the line of being risqué, your v-neck should not go lower than your sternum (the bone that is at the top center of your bust line)
• Surplice tops (tops that criss-cross), Wrap Dresses, and V-neck lines are always a go
• Empire waist tops and dress add a playful line to your chest without being distracting

If you wish to camouflage:

Being blessed with a full bosom can, to some- bring attention not desired, and this is okay.  So, how do you detract?

• Avoid button-up blouses as they can at time attract the eye to the center of the chest
• Opt for boat necks and crew neck, as these can detract the eye from venturing
• Layering with a cardigan, a tailored jacket to accentuate the curves will add depth to your outfit without hiding your curves
• Also avoid extremely fitted tops as they tend to maximize the fullness of your chest, instead, opt for tops that gently graze your curves

R to L: Amanda Uprichard Clothes (real) Blue Velvet

Your Waist

You want to accentuate

Are you little in the middle and you got much back? Playing to your hourglass frame is a cinch!

• Off the shoulder tops, V-necklines, tailored jackets, and feminine dresses rev up the voluptuous factor
• On the bottom, don pencil skirts, tailored trousers, and additional variations of a gently fitted clothing will play to your extremely feminine frame
• Fitted dresses that open up your frame up top, highlight the waist and flatter your curves are sure to win

To create a waist:

It is strategic when it comes to creating a waist, and you will find, either fuller in the middle or straight up and down, that creating a waist can be had for many!

• Opt for ruched (gathered) pieces that gather either on one side or both to create the illusion of a nipped waist
• Tailored jackets that are shaped with a waist are a go
• A dress with shape built in with darting, waist details, or cinching all assist with creating a waistline
• Shapes such as an A-line skirt coupled with a V-neck top create a visual hourglass frame
• Steer away from pencil skirts, high-waist pants, and skinny bottoms as they will only bring focus to the fullness  (or lack thereof)

Classic Tunic by Gayla Bentley

Your Thighs and Calves

You wish to flaunt your gams:

You got legs and you know how to use them. Shapely, toned, soft, or supple, you love your legs and want to work with what you have been blessed with. How do you accentuate these lovely legs of yours?

• Opt for a balance  of clothing! Should you wear a short skirt, it should be no shorter than your fingertips to keep it classy.
• If you are bearing your legs, do not bear your breast, arms, shoulders… A balance is always key (even if you are going out to party!)
• If you are taller, opt for mid thigh to knee length to elongate the legs. Should you be on the shorter side, keep your skirts or shorts at mid-thigh to elongate the legs.
• Boot cut and skinny trousers or jeans give your legs a mile long look

You want to play down:

Whether you feel you have “thunder thighs,” “chicken legs,” or “tree trunks,” playing with certain silhouettes can enhance the curvature of your lovely gams

• Tights can be your best asset, especially textured tights and opaques, play to the illusion of shape
• Shapewear, especially those that fall to the knee, will keep your curves smooth and tucked away!
• With denim, opt for boot cut and steer away from an extreme flare, as this will only emphasize the thickness of your thighs
• Wide leg trousers are a must and an essential to your wardrobe, these skim your hips, and drape away from your thighs!

These tips and tricks only skim the beginning of putting your best Curve Forward!  Learning how to be confident in your curves becomes easier as you equip yourself with the tools and step out of your comfort zone every now and then, as you may never know what newfound curve suits you!

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