Black is Slimming and Other Old Wives Tales

Have you heard that there are clothes that make you look thinner and that black is slimming? You may even have a closet full of dark clothing as a testament to this fashion credo. It may be time for you to make some changes to your wardrobe.

Try some color. All women, including plus size women look great in color. Make the effort to find out what colors suit you best, and then go out and find clothing with colors that complement your skin tone, hair color and eyes.

After all, when you are wearing a color that brings out your eyes, nothing else gets noticed.

You can get your colors done at a department store or by a consultant, you can check out books or even surf the net.

If you prefer to hold onto the black is slimming ideal, I have a challenge for you. Lay out all of your black clothing items. Are they all the same color or are some more gray than black or even purpleish?

If you do wear black it's important that you buy quality fabric, especially when it has some give to it. When the fabric is stretched over the curves of your body, it can have a different look on different body parts. Think black tights that are see through at the knees and very very black at the ankles.

Take a look at yourself in the mirror and be sure the item of black clothing you are wearing or thinking of buying has even color all over. You deserve fashion that makes you look as beautiful on the outside as you are on the inside.

Prints Patterns and Stripes

Have you ever heard anyone make the statement that plus size women should not wear prints or patterns? That may have been true in your grandmother's day when gigantic loud floral patterns were in style but those days are gone. Clothes that make you look thinner do not have to be plain, solid, or drab.

Reminder

Prints and patterns can be flattering as long as they are not overdone.

Put the print on the part of your body that you are showing off, not the body part that you trying to downplay.

For instance, if you have a pear shape body wear a patterned blouse to play up your shapely neck, but don't wear patterned bottoms that will accentuate your hips.

Keep the patterns small. Small polka dots look great on almost everyone but not if each dot is fluorescent purple and the size of a dinner plate.

Use common sense but don't be afraid to wear a pattern or print as long as it is tasteful and works well with your body.

Baggy Is Best (Are You Serious?)

You may have grown up thinking that when it comes to clothes that make you look thinner, baggy is best because it hides you, but that's not so.

Most of the time, baggy translates into sloppy and makes you look like you are hiding something. And you are. You are trying to hide your body size and shape (the real you) but the message you end up sending is that you lack confidence and you don't deserve to be seen or taken seriously.

Wearing the right size clothing and dressing for your body type is always the best choice.

Be careful. It's not good to do the opposite and wear skin tight clothing that calls attention to every imperfection.

Form fitting clothing in the proper size is fine but don't confuse skin tight for form-fitting.

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