All women, no matter what her age, shape or size want to look good, the very best they can be and this is often particularly so for plus sized women. What is termed Bo-ho chic on slimmer girls is generally regarded as tatty, unkempt and uncaring on larger ladies, so plus sized ladies always have to work that little bit harder to be termed attractive.
First things first SMILE!- there is lots of scientific research that states that you are perceived as being much more attractive when you smile, so whatever else you are wearing make sure that it includes a smile.
Good grooming is also essential, freshly washed hair, clean shoes, un-snagged tights, immaculate nail polish all go towards that over all look and more importantly a good impression. People rarely mention clean shoes but they will comment about scruffy ones.
1. Keep an eye on fashion trends, styles and colours. Not every fashion will suit you but many can be adapted. Buy accessories in the current colour trend and use them to dress up a classic black dress or tailored suit.
2. If your local department store offers a personal shopping service go and have a chat with them about what they have in store that would suit you. They are after repeat business so it is in their interest to advise you on things you will like, feel good in and wear regularly. If your store doesn't offer this service get together with like minded friends and help each other out.
3. Have a free make-up consultation and find out what makeup colours are currently trendy and that flatter you. Throw out old make up, if it's older than 6 months it's likely to be unhygienic anyway.
4. Invest in a good hair cut and have your hair professionally coloured. Ask advice of the best colour for your skin tone, don't stick with the rose hip red, or ebony black because that's what you have used for the last 5 years.
5. Once you have your hair sorted out sit down and decide which colours suit you best, hold swatches of fabric against your face and looking in the mirror make a note of what really suits you. If you can't do this ask friends to help you. When buying clothes go for outfits in the colours that you know suit you.
6. Don't worry what size it says on the label, try on various sizes until you find the best fit. Sizes vary from store to store and range to range. It's the fit that matters not the size on the label.
7. Go for classic statement pieces, a good well tailored suit, a little black dress, well fitting trousers and jeans with a boot cut, blouses and dresses with darts for shaping around the bust line are more flattering than a tent dress that hangs from the shoulders. It's better to have a few good well fitting outfits you will wear regularly than a wardrobe full of ill fitting clothes you hate.
8. Take a good look at your footwear, in general shoes with a heel will make your legs look longer and will make your calves more curvaceous and your ankles look thinner. Make sure they are a wide enough fit. Only wear open toed shoes and sandals if you have had a pedicure, the same goes for sling backs, no shoe looks good with barbed wire heels on show.. Darker coloured tights are more flattering than pale colours and help make legs look slimmer. If you want to go bare legged use a fake tan and make sure you have de fuzzed!
9. There are lots of myths about colours, some say that plus sizes should only wear dark colours, or earth tones, I believe you can wear any colour you want as long as you remember that using the same colour all over helps to make the body appear longer and leaner. Bright colours are more eye catching and can be over powering and are often best used as a highlight colour. If you have a big tummy or thighs and a good bust line you could use a deep v neckline with a brightly coloured necklace to draw attention to your bust and away from the bulging tummy or thighs.
10. Stripes, patterns and floral prints are all good in moderation. Generally plainer softly draping clothes that skim rather than hugging the figure are the most flattering.
11. Don't dress smaller than your size. Even if its just a little bit too tight you will feel uncomfortable and start tugging and fiddling with it, drawing attention to the poor fit. Clothes that are too tight are very unflattering and never sexy.
12. Be wary of clothing with horizontal stripes as generally they make you appear wider. However they can have their uses. If you have a big bottom or bulky thighs and a small bust wearing a top with horizontal stripes can balance up your figure. But it needs care to pull this look off.
Now go out there and buy with confidence and enjoy wearing what you buy. Confidence breeds confidence and builds self esteem. If you go out knowing you are looking good, you will feel good and that will make you smile which will make you look even better.