Plus Size Fashion Trends for 2008

Most of our world of fashion is centered around stick figures and skeletons, usually leaving people or average weight wondering what they can wear, never mind the plus-size women. More and more, I think companies are trying to make fashionable clothes for bigger women, which is great news!

If you wear plus-size clothes, not all of the trends will work for you. High-waisted pants, skinny jeans, and large flowered prints are a few things you shouldn’t be wearing. But there are plenty of things you can do and we’ve collected a few articles to help!

Trends in Jewelry

2008 fashion trends for plus sizes are ushering in another outstanding season for costume jewelry and accessories. Bangles are back; oodles of them, mixing and matching metals, different widths and textures, with or without gemstones. When layering, wear an odd number.

Medallions are another hot item, featuring crests, initials or symbols for both men and women. Wear them as pins, tie clasps and more.

And then there are cuff links. Both men and women are making a fashion proclamation with cuff links–and are wearing them for work and play. Pair a French cuff shirt (big now for both sexes) with jeans, designer loafers and an amusing pair of faux gemstone cuff links for a fashion-forward look.

Color Trends

More green will also be seen in fashion and design in the months ahead. Green appears to be at the beginning of a long cycle, according to the Color Association of America. The eco-movement is definitely a big part of it.

Fashion designers are beginning to move away from lime green, which is viewed as younger and less upscale, in favor of very leafy green shades, deeper moss greens and olives. These various hues are the new neutrals. The undercurrent is that green is becoming more upscale.

Other natural colors especially organic” colors, such as jasmine, orange, basil and grape also dominate the trend. Teal, amber and amethyst are the important colors with olive and green used as neutrals. Pair yellow with gray for a bold statement.

Chocolate is the ‘in’ fashion color for this year in clothing. While basic black can never be replaced, deep, chocolatey brown tones are coming close. Think 80% cocoa chocolate bars. Designers see the color as soft and romantic. Brown gemstones and even brown pearls are being seen in the latest pieces.

Other Fashion Looks

Tailored silhouettes including body-conscious dresses and sharp shoulders are back and are great for plus sizes. For this look try trousers cinched with a belt or tailored wide-leg trousers in tropical-wool crepe with a sheer organza blouse layered over a silk lingerie top. Layering cardigans and jackets over dresses is another version of the tailored style.

Luminescence–as in a sequined cardigan sweater that shimmers and shines- will be very popular, along with bold ethnic prints. Ikats, or ikkats, (a style of weaving mostly from Asia that uses a resist dyeing process similar to tie-dye on either the warp or weft before the threads are woven to create a pattern or design) especially will be leading the ethnic fashion couture, along with flat sandals with a Moroccan djellaba (caftan) to wear at home instead of a robe. So try on some of these fabulous plus size fashions and look great in 2008.

For more tips and information on plus size clothing including caftans visit https://www.fabulous-plus-sizes.com/Site_Map.html a trendy plus size fashion website.

Author: Marie Wakefield

2007/2008 styling for plus size tops follows the lead of the winter season’s stars; a celebration of curves, enhanced with vibrant colors, touches of sparkle and sumptuous fabrics. Gone are the over-sized tees and knits of old, replaced by kimono tops, embellished empire waisted designs and sexy knits crafted carefully to enhance feminine curves. Au currant runway inspired designs are finally being produced in a realistic range of sizes and are receiving a gracious welcome from the fashion loving plus size community.

Plus Size Tops and Shirts

The kimono style top, with wider sleeves, an a-line hem, v-neck and empire waist tie back is the natural choice for enhancing the curvy frame. Wide sleeves, in short, or three-quarter length make the arms appear thinner and create an upside down triangle shape; wider at the shoulder, narrower at the waist. The empire tie back waist highlights the smallest part of most women’s torso, the area approximately 5 inches below the base of the bust. Not the true waist, which often carries extra padding. The slight a-line hem of the kimono softly falls over tummy to the hips, never clinging. When fitted correctly, the kimono should flow softly over the bust, cinching at the empire waist and flowing softly to the hem, creating a beautiful hour-glass shape. Try a traditional silk Asian motif, or vibrant mod pattern for season current style.

The embellished, empire waisted design flatters for many of the same reasons the kimono does; the littlest part of the torso, the empire waist is highlighted and the top flows softly into an a-line hem, elongating the body and flattering the tummy and hips. Jeweled medallion detailing, beading and Grecian goddess inspired embellishments at the empire waist are gorgeous design trends finally available in curve friendly sizes. Such bold embellishments appear to be made for the plus-size frame; statement medallions and beading are proportionately correct for the curvy frame. Look for a narrow v-neck to elongate the neck and flatter the bust, a wide v-neck may show off ample decollete but in turn makes the torso appear wider and chose fabric that flows softly over the body in a solid color for a flattering, statement making look!

Sumptuous knits in sexy shapes have replaced over sized designs as the article of choice for curvy women. Quality fabrics in beautiful shapes are wonderful, comfy alternatives to the basic tee. Chose a thick fabric with plenty of stretch to best enhance your curves, in your favorite shape of choice. Empire waist designs, with a tie back are always flattering, narrow v-necks and wrap designs make the most of a curvy frame as well. Play with vibrant color; these basics are the perfect choices for trying out seasonal color trends. Avoid thin fabrics in overly clingy shapes; a good knit should always drape the body flatteringly.

With each passing year, fashion current plus size options become increasingly mainstream much to the delight of the curvy community. Winter/Spring, 2007/2008 designers follow the trend of embracing the true feminine form, crafting designs that enhance and flatter all shapes and sizes. With a plethora of style options, self-expression via fashion is finally feasible regardless of size!

Author: Sara Johnson

Sara Johnson is the co-owner and product buyer at Velvetsiren.com – A posh plus size clothing boutique for curvy girls. She currently works as a fashion consultant for curvy women worldwide. Come see what everyone is talking about!