I work with a plus-sized gal who dresses extremely well. I’m always excited to see her sport ultra-trendy styles appropriately and effortlessly. Her favourite look at the moment is a comfy and superbly flattering knee length printed jersey dress worn over leggings. She finishes off this ensemble with patent accessories and funky specs. So fab! She truly understands fashion and adapts an “of the moment” trend to her body type very effectively.

I recently asked her where she likes to shop and she told me about a super new on-line site: b & lu. She’s been very impressed by their fit, quality and prices (we’re talking $60 for a jersey dress and $30 if it’s on sale). They offer their items in sizes 14-30 and even ship internationally. Remember ladies… style is beyond size.

Camisoles are an extremely important part of your wardrobe. Cropped, rigid, highly lacy, shiny and often itchy cami’s sold in underwear departments are no longer the norm. The camisole has transformed into an unfussy, longer, softer, more stretchy and superbly comfortable item that’s part of everyday outerwear. After a proper bra fitting, finding a range of camisoles that work for you is the next step.

Camisoles are fabulous because…

• They smooth out your silhouette underneath your clothes, thereby giving you a slimmer and more polished appearance.
• They make an outfit more interesting when the top and bottom peak through from underneath (either through a contrasting colour or fabrication).
• They act as a flattering layering item by deflecting the eye to your upper body.
• They give you effective coverage when you bend over (both on top and bottom).
• They can make ultra trendy looks wearable.
• They keep you warm when it’s chilly.

There are countless options. From built in-bras, solids and prints, to v-necks, lace trims and breathable cotton-rich fabrications. Express, Nordstrom and Banana Republic have a particularly good assortment at the moment. Try the concept if it’s new to you. If you already sport the look, ensure that you have a good collection. My wardrobe wouldn’t function without them.

Basic, longer camisoles are available alongside most clothing ranges.

The “fuller figure” was one of my departments when I was a fashion buyer. As a personal dresser for Dress for Success Seattle (DFSS), I have put this experience to good use – most of our clients range between sizes 14 and 20. In fact, the fuller figure is mainstream in North America. The most bought sizes are 12 and 14, with 14 being the starting size for plus size departments. Certain regular-size clothing ranges have started to incorporate size 14 into their size curve with larger sizes being available online. This is true of Gap, Banana Republic and Ann Taylor.

Rules about body type and height also apply to the fuller figure, but a few general points can be made when selecting clothes for a voluptuous diva:

• Choose styles that skim the outline of your shape.  No puckering, gaping or pulling; and nothing shapeless either. Oversized clothing is awfully unflattering. Don’t hide from the rest of the world – you’ll look slimmer when your clothing is closer to your body.
• Enhance your focal points. This could be your shoulders, décolletage, forearms, legs or ankles.
• Shape those shoulders. Your clothing should be snug on your shoulders. Adding shape to this area will automatically make you look elegant.
• Jackets at hipbone length are best. Tops and jackets that cover up your bottom act as a spotlight. Jackets that end at your hipbone elongate the leg and slim down the mid section.
• Avoid pleated and tapered bottoms. Pleats add bulk that you do not need – keep your bottom fronts flat. Tapering narrows the line to your ankle and will accentuate your hips.
• Don’t fall back on black all the time. It can look harsh and matronly. Black may be slimming, but wearing softer neutrals is more sophisticated, current and stylish.
• Invest in tailoring. If you’ve found an item of clothing that fits you well but needs some extra adjustment (e.g. on the waistline) buy it and have it altered.  

Dressing lovely, extra-curvy ladies at DFSS has been fabulous because everyone ends up looking fabulous. Style is beyond size – embrace it and look stylish!

Clothing cut close to the body – essential for the fuller figure – from Nordstrom.