I love fashion, but I have to be honest. I don't like the title of "real women" consistently being associated with plus size women. If you are a woman and you are alive, you are a REAL WOMAN. Size should not be an assumption of "realness".
Nor should it be inferred that all plus size woman are unhealthy. Women who wear size 14 and above like to be fashionable and healthy. We don't have to starve ourselves to fit into a certain image of what women are "supposed" to look like. Nor do we have to hide and sit back on the sidelines waiting for life to happen.
However, being fashionable as a plus size woman can certainly be a challenge. I should know, I wear a size 18! Routinely, we are forced to wear what looks like oversized table clothes or draperies made out of the most horrific fabrics ever!
Or in many cases our choices are limited to simple trousers and matronly blouses that have a tendency to age us. I am here to tell you we don't have to dress like our grandmothers ANYMORE!!
With that said, stores like Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart and the Avenue, are paying closer attention to the fashion needs of women who are size 14 and above. In addition online stores like Torrid, Carmakoma and Faith21 (a plus size line offered by Forever 21), are catering to plus size women that dress with a more contemporary, trendy and youthful edge. Not to mention, lines created by MonifC, IGIGI and Kiyonna offer more sophisticated looks that can work for every plus size fashionista.
While it is has always been my theory that just because they make it in your size, does not mean you can/should wear it, I believe there are some Fall trends the over size 14 fashionista can wear right now: Boyfriend jeans - check Tuxedo jackets - check Jumpsuits - double check (I have 2!!!) Leggings - check (just make sure they are made in cotton/spandex and are opaque) I personally like the ones from NewportNews.com Bold/Vibrant colors - always a check One shoulder dresses - check (Especially with a dramatic kimono sleeve, LOVES IT!) Capelets - hmmm well, just make sure the proportions are correct for your shape, as you don't want to look like you're wearing a tent! (so NOT cute) Harem pants - definite check, again just pay attention to proportion
Plus size women deserve the chance to look good. Personally I think it's exciting and refreshing that mainstream media and fashion outlets are taking notice of plus size women. Can we say BRAVO to Glamour for photographing and interviewing plus size models for a change! And WELL DONE to Marie Claire for granting a plus size stylist an opportunity to share her views!! I think it's amazing that iconic designers like Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan are offering more fashion forward looks for plus size women. It is my hope that more contemporary designers will follow suit. We have the platform to reinvent the way women over size 0 are perceived in the world of fashion so I encourage more independent designers to stand up and take notice!
We are encouraged to embrace and celebrate our curves (aka boobs, hips and derrieres!) and we are ready to be dressed! - 30291
Nor should it be inferred that all plus size woman are unhealthy. Women who wear size 14 and above like to be fashionable and healthy. We don't have to starve ourselves to fit into a certain image of what women are "supposed" to look like. Nor do we have to hide and sit back on the sidelines waiting for life to happen.
However, being fashionable as a plus size woman can certainly be a challenge. I should know, I wear a size 18! Routinely, we are forced to wear what looks like oversized table clothes or draperies made out of the most horrific fabrics ever!
Or in many cases our choices are limited to simple trousers and matronly blouses that have a tendency to age us. I am here to tell you we don't have to dress like our grandmothers ANYMORE!!
With that said, stores like Lane Bryant, Ashley Stewart and the Avenue, are paying closer attention to the fashion needs of women who are size 14 and above. In addition online stores like Torrid, Carmakoma and Faith21 (a plus size line offered by Forever 21), are catering to plus size women that dress with a more contemporary, trendy and youthful edge. Not to mention, lines created by MonifC, IGIGI and Kiyonna offer more sophisticated looks that can work for every plus size fashionista.
While it is has always been my theory that just because they make it in your size, does not mean you can/should wear it, I believe there are some Fall trends the over size 14 fashionista can wear right now: Boyfriend jeans - check Tuxedo jackets - check Jumpsuits - double check (I have 2!!!) Leggings - check (just make sure they are made in cotton/spandex and are opaque) I personally like the ones from NewportNews.com Bold/Vibrant colors - always a check One shoulder dresses - check (Especially with a dramatic kimono sleeve, LOVES IT!) Capelets - hmmm well, just make sure the proportions are correct for your shape, as you don't want to look like you're wearing a tent! (so NOT cute) Harem pants - definite check, again just pay attention to proportion
Plus size women deserve the chance to look good. Personally I think it's exciting and refreshing that mainstream media and fashion outlets are taking notice of plus size women. Can we say BRAVO to Glamour for photographing and interviewing plus size models for a change! And WELL DONE to Marie Claire for granting a plus size stylist an opportunity to share her views!! I think it's amazing that iconic designers like Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan are offering more fashion forward looks for plus size women. It is my hope that more contemporary designers will follow suit. We have the platform to reinvent the way women over size 0 are perceived in the world of fashion so I encourage more independent designers to stand up and take notice!
We are encouraged to embrace and celebrate our curves (aka boobs, hips and derrieres!) and we are ready to be dressed! - 30291
About the Author:
Erika Chloe is New York's premiere Fashion Consultant and CEO of MyImageExperta Fashion Consulting Company with locations in most U.S. cities.
