Plus Size dressing Ideas and New Rules

Being a working woman means you always need to look presentable and being a plus size and means you have to think twice before making your sartorial choices. I can't just open my closet (gasp....I will love to have one), and wear 'Something' accordingly. Like many other ladies, I have to re-consider my outfit and judge my look even though I hate to.

So, does 'being presentable for a plus size' mean you can't wear what you love/like? I think otherwise. :-) After searching and window shopping most of the shops and stores, I've found it's difficult to find a perfect item for making a perfect outfit for plus size. You ask How to rock a plus size figure? Here we go.........

# Style Tip No. 1: Brighten Up Yourself

Don't cover yourself in black and brown though they are versatile. "Black lets you hide, but that's not always good! A bright piece with a slimming fit, like the red pencil skirt, will draw the right kind of attention" says Aimee Cheshire, the size-16 CEO of madisonplusselect.com (she is in the picture below).

Image via: MSN

If you think Red Skirt is vibrant for you and not versatile enough to blend with other pieces you already have, think about Maroon, Burgundy, Navy Blue.

 

Image via : Wardrobe oxygen

# Style Tip No. 2: Play with your look

This one is made for me literally. Every time I head to stores to purchase a new piece thinking of I'll explore my new look with it, I tend to get attracted in same old ones that have done nothing good in my present personality. They might have been good for my old body but now it's not acceptable to my body of a different size and shape! :-)  

Image via : www.outfitidentifier.com

Aimee Cheshire says again that if you think skinny jeans is not for plus size, then think again! She says to try ones in heavy denim with a lot of stretch; they will smooth us out and hold us in. A flowy top keeps our look in proportion or style it with your well tailored Blazer for sophistication.

# Style Tip No. 3: Be Bold with Prints

Many of us think large prints will make us look bigger. In many cases it certainly does. But according to new plus size rule, go for one with a graphic that's randomly placed," says Aimee. 

It keeps the eye moving, so it doesn't draw attention to one spot. Larger prints complement our body figure a lot better than tiny ones.

# Style Tip No. 4: Yes Horizontal Stripes!

Stripes are trending, they are classic and versatile for many other pieces we already have. But for plus size? Horizontal stripes can make plus size body wider than it really is, so the idea is to wear thin stripes on a dark background. 

Image via : Wardrobe Oxygen

They won't highlight problem areas like thick ones can. We can add layering pieces that will help to define curves.

# Style Tip No. 5: Embrace Layering

Stylists swear by it. Layering is one of the best ways to enhance the curves we have and getting those pieces in use.

Image via: www.Curvygirlchic.com

Either it's a cardigan, a short moto leather jacket or a blazer, layering them over and putting together will make us not only hide our problem areas, and it defines curves.

 

Image via: www.girlwithcurves.com

One point in layering, stay safe from adding bulk and define your silhouette. We can even define our natural waist with a belt; it will give a lean silhouette and cinches our waist where we have unnecessary flab.

# Style Tip No. 6: Get 1 outfit in Peplum

Peplum can actually be a great addition if we are trying to get one new piece. Besides being fun, peplum can also reduce width of the waist so we’ll appear curvier and can also hide flab around our belly area.

Image via : www.girlwithcurves.com

Peplum tops look best when worn with a curve skimming bottom. Skinny or straight leg jeans or a pencil skirt will give you a tailored, well put together look.

Image via : Kayla Taylor (www.Pinterest.com)

So, instead of getting frustrated, applying these measures will save us traumatic situation while creating outfits from pieces we already own. These are even called 'New Rules for Plus size' that will flatter most of the bodies.

I must say Forget the rules the magazines state you must follow, we can happily wear horizontal stripes, bright colors, and skinny. Just make sure they fit properly and go with your body style. And we should never forget no outfit is made for making us look thinner, it will only make us look put together. I've decided to create an outfit considering what I already own and then I should purchase further.

What do you do to enhance your curves and is this post beneficial for you? Will be happy to share. Thankx for the read. 

Color Blocking Trend : How to wear for maximum benefit ?

"Fashion is what served to us 4 times a year and Style is what we choose from it". And I simply agree. 

While Color Blocking was a rage last year in fashion and home decor. It was a popular trend but how we choose to wear it ? It depends upon how we decide to style it in our way. Color-blocking is when a garment or outfit is composed of finite blocks of color.  

                                                                     

Now the reason it is popular, and mentioned as a trend is because color blocking is most commonly styled with bright color; it is almost used with bright color as well as monochromatic colors. And Often almost neon shades! That isn't something for the faint of heart. 

                                 

However, we can still wear the color blocking trend by combining two solid block of color.

Style Tip 1# While color blocking your outfit, don't mess with many colors. Chose two colors that you don’t normally wear together.

                                           

Style Tip 2# Without a doubt, color-blocking is a bold and fun way to dress! The secret is to make sure the focus remains on you and not solely the style technique. You want to wear the trend and not let the trend wear you.

Style Tip 3# Complete your look with neutrals – neutral colors (gray, brown, black, camel, white, navy, etc.), neutral designs and/or neutral accessories, as necessary. These neutral pieces can be gorgeous, yet they need to be visually uneventful in relation to the rest of your outfit to best support your chosen color-blocking style.

Benefits of Color Blocking:

1. Color Blocking is great for all body types and shapes. If strategically placed, it camouflages the bulges and fats in tummy areas which is a problem of many.

                                   

2. While wearing color blocked dress or outfits, body can have new dimensions and you can appear taller. It helps to elongates heights which can work wonder for boosting confidence levels.

 

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• Here is what Vogue suggests while color blocking outfit:

# Team colors from the same family together for a harmonious look - think bright pinks with vivid fuchsias, turquoise with royal blue.

# Keep warmer tones like orange and red together.

# Go for a neutral-toned shoe to keep it simple.
# Work regal purples in with contrasting, fiery oranges.

# Go to town on the look with a loud, contrasting shoe or handbag.

Now, of those many trends in runway, i found Color blocking wearable in daily lives for corporate wear. If strategically placed, these blocking of colors can make you look slimmer, taller and confident. Even a purple sweater thrown over a yellow dress can be a simple yet effective color blocking. Depends, how you choose the colors that will flatter you. What do you think ? Do you use color blocking or is it just a trend for you ? 

Image source: www.vogue.com and web

Style Inspiration: Princess Letizia

A Cloth is just a piece of cloth if it's not adorned by the person wearing it. In simple terms, I always see there is a good reason to learn style and sophistication. Clothes are the epitome of culture to many of us and it is widely a matter of personal freedom and perception for how a person should dress. Chances are, be it any occasion and place, how a person is dressed will always be the 1st thing while creating an impression willingly or unwillingly. And dressing for no one but you will create immense self confidence as per my own experience.

Now hope you got the point. We are again into the style file of one of the persons who constantly appears in the International Best-Dressed List. She is H.R.H. Princess Letizia of Asturias, who resides at Zarzuela Palace, outside Madrid, Spain, is married to Prince Felipe of Asturias, the heir to the Spanish throne.

                                            

The 37-year-old royal’s favorite luxury boutiques are Armani, Gucci, and Burberry, and the fashion items she can’t live without are peep-toed and platform heels. Look for her accessorizing with a Tous charm bracelet inscribed with her children’s names, as well as Yanes, Cartier, and Suarez jewelry, and carrying handbags by Amazona de Loewe, Yves Saint Laurent, Burberry.

But WAIT!! No need to get panicked for the branded name as many of us will find it difficult to afford the style with those products in our common lives. Still, there is a huge way out for getting some style tips that can be found in the Princess's style book. Let's turn the pages of style tips that is eternal and timeless, that is what I am partial to. 

Style Tips :

1. Choose Monochrome to Elongate Height

Seriously!! Monochrome actually means the outfit in a single tone of color head to toe.  Either short or long, Princess Letizia often shows us her inner fashion sense that is fresh in fashion circle but timeless in history of style.

Monochromatic in bold or pastel, light or darker tones, selection depends upon individual preference. And dressing in a single tone of color always elongates one's height, as per stylists.

2. Choose for the perfect fit

A perfect fit is actually the fitting of outfit in one's body without looking too tight or too baggy. Choose a dress or any outfit that fits your body in proportion and flatters your overall look. It applies to every kind of body, shape and height. Fitted suits, sheaths are what Princess Letizia chooses for formal trips and meetings and we can't take our eyes off her. Can we?? :-)

3. Prints with neutrals

                                          

Prints are everywhere this season and Neutrals (black, navy blue, white, beige, cream etc.) are always a classic. Mixing these together will instantly upgrade the way you look. Either in the form of printed leggings or Printed and patterned skirts Princess Letizia has been wearing for formal outings, these are one of the timeless look that will never be out of style.

4. Neutrals with modern vibe

While wearing neutrals like black, brown, white, navy; Princess Letizia either gives modern appeal to classic look with her hairdo or cut and fabrics.

5. Again, Elongate Height with High waist and wide legged

Now, it sounds similar as we've seen Michelle Obama's style, donning it gracefully. Princess Letizia is another one who has been wearing wide legged high waist pants which certainly elongates heights and is definitely a corporate look to try for.

6. Color is 2nd Neutral

I agree. Color is for every season and gives sense of happiness wearing it. Afraid of looking too loud with vibrant ones? Explore coral, emerald, tangerine, and aqua. These shades give calmness and look great in almost every skin color.

Age is half how we perceive of us. This is what i have learnt from the experiences and outlook of people around me. And how we dress definitely is a part of it. Aging gracefully can be shown through wise selection of silhouette that suit our own body frame rather than what looked good on whomsoever. My Style Inspiration posts always try to emphasize on very fact. have a happy reading and channelize your own inner princess. Thankx for stopping by.

Easy Style Inspiration : Michelle Obama

Michelle Obama is well known First Lady of the United States of America (wife of the president Mr. Barack Obama) who is highly educated, smart as hell, and by many accounts as warm and gracious as she seems. There are many reasons style (read 'grace') watchers love her along with the people of America. And many reasons we admire her, ranging from her incredible accomplishments to her sense of humor She was her husband's mentor, and she seems to have a marriage where both equality and love are a given. She works tirelessly for her causes, inspiring young women who also likes to be a perfect mother for her 2 teenager kids along the way. In short, she's everything we want to be at age of 49 (Yes, she is !!).

Like any other celebrities in the world, her words and every step outside her home are under scrutiny. But here, we will take a look at her simple yet defining style of wearing clothes and accessories that add gracefulness along with personality and are extremely easy to put together in our REAL everyday life. 

In my opinion, Style of Michelle Obama is :

• Classy
• Feminine with personality
• Timeless
• Indivisual and Easy

# Style Tip 1: We don't always need a Blazer to give personality to an outfit. There are Cardigans and Sweaters too which are much easier, feminine and Budget friendly.

Michelle's decision to wear a cardigan sweater to visit Queen Elizabeth provoked an international debate about etiquette, but look at her and think again !! A cardigan and sweater can be best alternative even for a formal occassions. For daily office wear, a cardigan will give you feminine edge with adding personality to your overall look than the corporate look of the Blazer in much lower cost.

 

I love the way Mrs. Obama mixes patterned and even embroidered cardigans for frocks, and sheath dresses.

and even pants can be co-ordinated with Cardigans. Impressed !!

# Style Tip 2 : Brooches add glam quotient to your plain and otherwise boring outfit. It reflects you are playful and creative even in corporate wear. 

From Wide Belts to colorful shoes, first lady Michelle Obama loves eclectic accessories. But it’s how she dons brooches — on dress necklines, pinning together cardigans, even clustered over a strand of pearls which shows her creativity.  It's inspiring she is wearing them in unexpected ways.

Sometimes feathery.......

Note that Brooch joining the cardigan. Creative Michelle !!

# Style Tip 3 : Ruffles in work wear and simple and plain shirt/top can make your outfit look fabulous instantly. It's one of the best way to give boost to your work wear in Budget.

Give those plain skirt and trousers uplift with smart and clean cut ruffled shirts and tops, and there you are with sophisticated formal attire. Coordinate color that works best on you. This is one of the few options for timeless look regardless of your age.

Ruffled shirt, Big Belt and Cardigans, Sophisticated Michelle Obama.

# Style Tip 4: Learn to wear Statement Jwelleries. Either neckpices and earings or cuffs and bracelets. Strict them for one or two item at a time and NEVER look decked up heavily.

You will probably be thinking; every celebrity wears statement pieces as they can afford high end ones! Please look at Mrs. Obama, she wears even tribal neckpieces with Sheath dresses without being over the top ans it makes statement. She plays safe wearing only one item at a time and coordinates colors with her plain outfits. She never wears heavy neckpieces with printed sheaths and dresses and that's what I am trying to highlight.

# Style Tip 5: We will never go wrong with pearls. These are the safest options in jwellery that will change a look with panache and suits with any outfit.

Mrs. Obama often dons lots of pearls, double-stranded pearls. She makes statement with it wearing low profile through make up and keeping her elegance at high level.

# Style Tip 6: A flattering neckline in outfit and new haircut can make you look many years younger. Smile is your best accessory. 

# Style Tip 7: Give your outfit some needed color and see the results. A more happy you.

Michelle's style has been evolved. She used to dress in a much, much more conservative manner, big, boxy suits and turtlenecks, and her hair was in a flip and as the campaign progressed, she found herself and she expressed herself much more. She started incorporating color and really taking risks with the way she co ordinated color !! Thankx to her personal style sense and I am happy she did !! 

# Style Tip 8: Wear Belts in your stride. 

Mrs. Obama has been wearing Belts, big bold ones that suit her wide and tall body frame. She even wears Belts in layered way. Cardigans, slim fitted tops and Big wide belts. So smart !! You can work with the kind of belt you are comfortable in and see the results comparing before and after you. I think it rally works wonder through a simple change in accessories. Learn to love your Belts and cinch your waist a little.

Even a shirtdress or a long plain shirt can be stylish with addition of jwelled belt !

A plain Sheath dress can be edgy with belt. Michelle OBAMA SHOWS how.

# Style Tip 9 : Exercise at any age to be fit. Fit mind, body and soul. It's been proved that sweating makes you look more attractive. And every dress will look more good on you if you are fit ! Inner and Outer !!

Michelle Obama knows how to make her body work at an age of 49! With exercise, she is capable being on the go with two teenagers and a wife to president !! Phew !! Her very well toned arms are statement making in it's own right and she has got terrific well-toned physique that makes any plain sheath dress look fab on her; Do you think that is possible without sweating out ?? Think again and i think i should consider it as well. 

Trademark looks of Michelle Obama:

• Belted sheaths
• Cardigans
• Color coordinated outfits and Color Blocking
• Statement jewelry ... one or two pieces, well-chosen, bold, big
• Empire waistline is probably one of her favorite silhouettes.
• working with separates and going easy with brands
• Lots of pearls, double-stranded pearls. 

Michelle Obama made a J.Crew cardigan look high end and her low heeled pumps were simple but noticeable. No First Lady since the reign of Jackie O has left an impact on the fashion industry like Michelle Obama. Her bold decision to wear sleeveless dresses despite criticism, proved that Michelle is a woman who lives by her own standards. She has truly went from First Lady to Style Icon Michelle Obama.

What can we learn from her style ?

She certainly promotes a healthy sense of enjoyment and individuality in fashion. With her clothing choices, Mrs. Obama has rewritten the dress code for women who work. Wear cardigans instead of always jackets, flats instead of impossibly high platform heels. Her style tells us to have a little fun with style.

And, most important, we dress for ourselves, something the first lady does so effortlessly it's hard to imagine that there had ever been any dress code for her position. With her floral prints and hula hoops, she's not afraid to flaunt her femininity!so why should the rest of us be?

What do you like most about her style ?

Disclaimer : 

Image Courtesy : Huffingtonpost, style.com, Vogue.com