Fashion tips for the voluptious

What would you say is the biggest fashion mistake fuller-figured women make?

Society has prescribed fashion trends for the big women such as, 'Don't wear patterns, don't do vertical lines', but big women are not homogenous. Some big women have big busts and smaller bottoms, while others have bigger bottoms and tiny waists. We are not all the same. Women often do not understand their size and shape.

So, if I have a big bust and I am kind of small at the bottom. How would you dress me?

I would put you in something that will take attention away from the bust. A peplum dress, for example, one that has a bit of a loose fit. From the waistline down, I would give the dress a few pleats.

I also think showing a little bit of cleavage works for these types of women. When you hide the bust completely, it is emphasised. Maxi dresses also suit this type of figure very well, as do A-line high-waist skirts.

It is often said that plus-sized women should try to avoid patterns. Do you agree?

Big women must unlearn what they have been told. I, for instance, wear hot pants because I do not have too much cellulite, but there are women who have cellulite, so they should wear stockings if they want to wear hot pants. You just need to know how to keep it classy and stylish. It is the same with patterns. There is no yes or no answer and it all depends on the woman.

You talk about not generalising, but would you say there are any basic style rules that would apply to most fuller-figured women?

There can't be general rules. We are all different. I like to consult with my clients to see what works for them as individuals.

Being a big girl yourself, what do you like to wear?

I like tight-fitting clothes. I like things that show off my cleavage. I also like wearing dresses that end just above the knee. I am currently working with leather, which is not something that you will see on big girls very often. The leather I used has a bit of a stretch, as do all the fabrics I use, such as stretch velvet and polyester because comfort is essential.

What is the one styling tip you swear by?

Bold shoulders. I love bold shoulders on a big girl. Maxi dresses also do wonders for us. Comfort is most important.

I have seen girls struggling to breathe or to get into their cars because they are not comfortable.

Nothing will change the numbers on the scale. People can say, do not wear this or that because it makes you look fat, but if you are 110kg, you will still be 110kg even if you are wearing all black.

I do not like the standards set by people who do not even know what it is like to be a big girl.

What about accessories? What works and what does not work?

When you are a big girl, your character tends also to be big. That is enough of an accessory. I say less is more.

Most of us big girls have short necks, so neckpieces are not the best thing. Our arms are big, so do not pile on the bangles.

Go big on earrings and even rings, but do not pile things up. I would not advise long boots because legs end up looking like sausages. Let us not do what everyone else does. Do not try to be overly fashionable.

Source: Sowetan, via I-Net Bridge