Don't despair if you happen to be a plus-sized girl searching for appropriate flattering fashion. There are options available where you can both look and feel good, without worrying about that diet or gym membership that you were considering amidst your despair when glancing through the latest season's catalogs.

Firstly, think about the shape you really are, not the shape you want to become. There is little gain in wishing that you already were able to slip into that skimpy bikini you saw online, or the tight-legged jeans that model was wearing in the fashion brochure. You are YOU - at least for the time being, and you deserve to look your best, whatever your shape and size. Try to contemplate what would look good on your own body, instead of on those skinny models.

One positive step you might wish to take, is to hunt down a bra which shapes your chest to the best. Whether you are all stomach with size B/C's, or have an F+++ cup size, a quality brassiere can put what you have into the right shape, and often leads to feeling good about what is worn on top.

Colors can make or break the look, but not every season's color choices will look good on everybody. If you really don't want to drop the 'in' color schemes, but the colors do not look good on you, you can always wear a basic black outfit but touch up with accessories in the new fashion colors, such as a scarf or bag. Black is universally approved as one of the better colors for larger sized women, though several alternative darker shades of blue, green, purple or gray can give a similar effect.

The shape and style also come into play. Some fashion trends may be suitable for only certain sized women. Although this can be frustrating, it is better not to buy the red polka dot mini skirt rather than the baggy jeans with fancy motif pockets, if your legs resemble the trunks of 1000 year old redwood trees. Luckily, there are usually several 'in' styles each season, and this offers a choice rather than a single option which may not flatter your personal size. Try to choose options that suit your own situation, rather than the look you most prefer.

There are still many options for looking great whilst being larger than the models in the catalogs. Feeling good inside is far more important than wearing something that looks wonderful on a size 0 woman. That inner confidence is what you most need, in order to look your best whatever you are wearing. Try to adapt what you see in the fashion magazines to suit your own body shape. Take the positive step of looking YOUR best, rather than sulking over not looking good in the bright red hot-pants or shimmery sky-blue sequin boob-tube. Remember, a smile is another flattering look that suits any fashion trend.

Learn more about this author, Sande Waybill.
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